Because the Chinese government (Mao) refused to acknowledge that it was happening. He surrounded himself with yes men so probably did not even know himself until it was too late.

If you own a business, giving your phone number out is a part of doing business.

How sure, exactly?

I think the rest of the world should buy the subsidized Chinese solar cells, the Chinese government will go bankrupt and the rest of the world will get cheaper, cleaner energy.