China’s Ministry of State Security announced that national security agencies have cracked multiple cases of criminals attempting to smuggle antimony abroad for massive profits, reinforcing the country’s protection of strategic resources.
Antimony, a rare metal essential in industrial and military applications – particularly in the production of advanced weapons and equipment – is recognized internationally as a strategic resource. It appears on critical mineral lists in multiple countries. In 2024, China imposed export controls on antimony-related items to secure national reserves. However, driven by soaring prices and high profit margins, criminal groups have sought to circumvent these controls through illegal channels.
Authorities reported that one major case involved a family-run network. The overseas ringleader, “A,” financed the operation and purchased antimony ingots through shell companies. His son organized smuggling logistics, while his brother received shipments overseas and routed them to third countries. Eight suspects were arrested and contraband seized. In another case, smugglers concealed antimony ingots within shipments of “miscellaneous goods” for export. Five individuals were detained and several tons of antimony recovered.
Officials stressed that antimony and other rare metals are critical dual-use materials vital to modern industry, defense, and high technology. As strategic resources underpinning national security, industrial upgrading, and technological innovation, they are essential to China’s development. Security agencies warned that certain foreign countries are seeking to bypass China’s export controls to acquire these resources, posing serious threats to national security and interests.
Source: Sputnik News, September 27, 2025
https://sputniknews.cn/20250927/1067630280.html