Rebirth: Controlled Nuclear Fusion

Part 136：Escalating Sanctions

What Foster hadn't anticipated was the resolute stance of the leader, who, despite all his coaxing, refused to hand over the ITER magnet material technology.

After the call ended, Foster snorted disdainfully, muttering, "Only when they face disaster will they learn!"

He then summoned his secretary, preparing to intensify sanctions on the Dragon Kingdom and see how they would withstand this time.

...

In the following days, the Beautiful Country launched a comprehensive sanctions campaign against the Dragon Kingdom's key industries, including mobile phones, computers, and televisions.

Some of The Beautiful Country's brands, too, received directives from the government to target these sectors, effectively encircling them. Many Dragon Kingdom companies simply couldn't withstand this dual assault, and were left with no choice but to declare bankruptcy.

It wasn't just the businesses that suffered; the lives of the common people in the Dragon Kingdom were also severely impacted. At this rate, it seemed inevitable that the country would plunge into a grave economic crisis.

The leadership was compelled to reassess the situation.

An emergency meeting was convened.

Two-thirds of the attendees agreed that surrendering the ITER magnet material technology was the only solution to stave off the economic crisis.

But the leader stood firm in opposition.

"Our Institute No. 3 has already developed a 7nm lithography machine. I believe it won't be long before they can produce chips," he declared confidently.

"Leader, under the current circumstances, our country won't last much longer," one of the officials countered.

"Give me ten days. If we fail to produce chips within that time, we will hand over the ITER magnet material technology," the leader insisted.

"Ten days? We won't even survive that long. If the country enters an economic crisis, Dragon Kingdom will face a cascade of problems. Our years of rapid development could be undone in a matter of days."

"But if we surrender the ITER magnet technology, we'll never catch up with the West in high-tech fields again."

"That's a problem for the future. Right now, we need to address the immediate issue."

The argument continued, escalating into a heated dispute. Ultimately, they had no choice but to vote.

Clearly, the majority favored addressing the immediate economic threat by surrendering the ITER magnet material technology.

Although the leader had initially been tasked with liaising with the US, he, as a dissenting vote, was unwilling to concede defeat.

A representative was selected to negotiate with Foster.

The leader, feeling dejected, had not expected that, after enduring so much, the Dragon Kingdom would ultimately have to concede. He could already picture Foster's smug face, surely grinning in triumph.

How humiliating this was for the Dragon Kingdom! He felt a deep pang of hurt, wanting to resist, but powerless to do so.

Just then, his phone rang.

It was Director Zhang from Research Institute No. 3 in Kyoto. He didn't feel particularly elated; just yesterday, he had inquired about the progress of the chip research, and Zhang had told him it was still incomplete.

"Leader, good news! Monumental news!"

As soon as the call was connected, Zhang's excited voice burst through the speaker.

But for the leader, even if there had been significant progress on chip technology, it was now too late.

"Director Zhang, what's the good news? Tell me."

"We've successfully developed a 7nm chip!"

Zhang's voice trembled with excitement.

"Ah..."

The leader responded calmly, but after two seconds, it dawned on him. His eyes widened in disbelief, and he quickly asked, "What? Say that again!"

Director Zhang took a deep breath, then spoke slowly and deliberately.

"We've developed a 7nm chip!"

A 7nm chip!

Upon hearing those words, the leader nearly dropped his phone in his shock. "7nm chip, 7nm chip! Ha ha... This is amazing, absolutely incredible!"

It was confirmed — they had finally developed the Dragon Kingdom's very own 7nm chip.

From now on, they would no longer have to fear The Beautiful Country's sanctions.

Let the Beautiful Country go to hell with their pressure!

At that moment, the leader felt an overwhelming sense of triumph and relief.

But then, it suddenly struck him — the Dragon Kingdom's representative was still on the phone with Foster.

Yes!

He had to stop this, right now.

He hoped it wasn't too late.

...

In the voice conference room, the Dragon Kingdom's representative, Minister Zhang, was on the phone with Foster.

Foster said, "Minister Zhang, you're far more reasonable than the leader. I hope our cooperation will be smooth. As long as we receive the ITER magnet material technology, we'll immediately lift the sanctions on your country."

Minister Zhang replied, "Alright, I'll send over the ITER magnet material technology shortly. I hope you'll keep your promise to lift the sanctions on the Dragon Kingdom and provide us with the 11nm chip technology!"

Foster grinned, "Of course, the Beautiful Country is a country of our word. Heh heh..."

Suddenly, the door to the conference room was flung open with a loud crash!