185: Chapter 185 A Head-to-Head Strike: Star Technology's Countermeasure

Star Technology headquarters, top-floor office. On the screen, Yang Qing's face was frozen.

He finished the last sentence in fluent English.

Facing the camera, Yang Qing showed a gentle smile.

The live broadcast signal was then cut off.

Inside the office, Chen Xu picked up the remote control.

He turned off the giant screen on the wall.

Guan Yi stood beside Chen Xu, tightly clutching her phone.

Public opinion on the internet exploded the moment Yang Qing finished speaking.

At the White House, in the press briefing room, a spokesperson walked slowly to the podium with a smile.

He adjusted the microphone and opened the folder in front of him.

He looked up at the reporters below the stage and then began reading the prepared script.

"According to the final review resolution of the Department of Commerce."

"In view of the uncontrollable backdoor risks present in the relevant products of Star Technology."

"These risks pose a serious threat to our national information security."

"From this moment on, Star Technology and all its affiliated subsidiaries are officially included in the 'Entity List'."

"Any domestic enterprise or individual, without permission..."

"...is prohibited from providing technology, products, or services to entities on the list, and Star Technology's products are banned from entering our country."

As he finished speaking, the briefing room was filled with the flash of cameras.

Reporters raised their arms high, shouting out questions.

The spokesperson did not answer any questions and, escorted by security personnel, turned and left the podium.

This news was dispatched through major news agencies.

The news spread across the globe within three minutes.

Tokyo, Official Residence.

The Chief Cabinet Secretary urgently convened a press conference.

His statement was even briefer.

"To maintain domestic market order and information security."

"After cabinet discussion, it has been decided to completely ban all hardware and software products under Star Technology from entering the domestic market."

"At the same time, domestic enterprises are required..."

"...to complete the replacement of purchased relevant products within thirty days."

Brussels, European Union Headquarters.

Six hours later, a joint statement was released.

In the statement, the EU cited 'anti-unfair competition' and 'questionable data security' as reasons.

They launched a comprehensive investigation into Star Technology.

The EU suggested that all member states...

...suspend the import of all Star Technology products until the investigation results are released.

Mainstream media such as the BBC and CNN immediately followed up with reports, and commentators on their programs...

...defined Star Technology's behavior as a 'dangerous example of techno-nationalism.'

A global commercial strangulation driven by state machinery.

It had officially begun.

Star Technology headquarters, Chairman's office.

Guan Yi walked in quickly, her footsteps much heavier than usual.

She placed a tablet on Chen Xu's desk.

"Boss, it's started."

Her tone was a bit hurried.

"Our official overseas social media accounts, including Twitter and Facebook..."

"...were collectively banned five minutes ago."

"The reason given is 'spreading misinformation'."

Guan Yi reported everything in one breath and looked at Chen Xu.

Waiting for his reaction.

In the office, Chen Xu fell into deep thought.

Guan Yi spoke tentatively.

"Boss, do we need to issue a public statement immediately to respond and clarify?"

Chen Xu slowly rose from his seat and walked to the tea table.

He picked up his celadon teacup and took a sip of the tea, which had already grown somewhat cold.

Then he turned to look at Guan Yi.

A subtle, elusive smile played on Chen Xu's face.

"Respond to what?"

His voice was calm and steady.

"They are helping us save on advertising costs."

Guan Yi was stunned, momentarily unable to grasp Chen Xu's underlying meaning.

Chen Xu walked toward the floor-to-ceiling window; outside was a scene of bustling activity.

A larger-scale chip production line was being built there.

Construction had also begun on a brand-new materials laboratory.

"Notify the sales department to issue a supplier notice."

"Starting today, Lenovo Group and all its subsidiaries and affiliates..."

"...are permanently blacklisted as suppliers and customers of Xingchen Technology Group."

"They are prohibited, in any form..."

"...from purchasing or using any technology, patents, components, or finished products provided by Star Technology."

Guan Yi's breath hitched for a moment as she immediately realized the ruthlessness of this move.

Lenovo could choose not to buy Xingchen's chips and systems.

But its mobile phones and laptops...

...would have no competitiveness at all if they wanted to be sold in China without Star Technology's authorization.

"Yes, Boss, I'll get on it right away."

Guan Yi responded decisively.

"And also."

Chen Xu continued his instructions.

"Release a message to the public."

"Star Technology's Super Lithium Battery Technology has been successfully modularized."

"Energy density and safety remain unchanged."

"Costs have dropped by thirty percent."

"Starting next Monday, in Fei City..."

"...a week-long 'New Energy Technology Cooperation Fair' will be held."

"Domestic manufacturers in the fields of consumer electronics, new energy vehicles, drones, and energy storage are welcome..."

"...to come and discuss cooperation."

Guan Yi's eyes lit up.

She saw Chen Xu's deeper strategy; this was a classic 'taking the firewood from under the cauldron' move.

The World Alliance blocked the PC market.

But Chen Xu directly opened up a brand-new, even broader market.

He intended to use the most advanced energy technology to pry at the foundations of the entire traditional manufacturing industry.

This move didn't just target Lenovo.

It would affect all European, American, Japanese, and Korean consumer electronics giants that rely on traditional battery technology.

This was a massive upheaval.

"Finally."

"Notify the Marketing Department and the Software Department."

"To jointly formulate a detailed plan."

"I've given it a name: the 'Huaxia Region Ecological Replacement Plan'."

"The goal is, within six months..."

"...in coordination with the results of the 'Spark Plan'..."

"...to take over the market shares of Microsoft, Intel, and Nvidia..."

"...in the Huaxia consumer market entirely."

Guan Yi nodded vigorously.

She etched every instruction into her mind.

Guan Yi turned, about to leave the office to carry them out.

A rapid phone ring suddenly sounded in the quiet office.

It was Chen Xu's private phone on his desk.

Chen Xu glanced at the caller ID.

The name 'Zhang Jianzhong' was flashing on the screen.

He answered the call.

From the other end of the line came Zhang Jianzhong's anxious voice.

"Little Chen, something big has happened."

"The mass production of the Dragon Scale Armor has run into major trouble."

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