Great Power Reclamation

Chapter 2890 European Strategy
The offices of several hawkish lawmakers were inundated with calls from fellow lawmakers from Michigan (a major auto industry hub), representatives of the auto union, and even small and medium-sized business owners in their districts who depend on the auto supply chain, all expressing their concerns.

They did not directly oppose the bill, but strongly demanded that "the legislation not inadvertently harm other key industries."

The fourth brother and Susie actively campaigned in the Capitol corridors, accurately conveying General Motors' concerns, Wall Street's caution, and the public pressure generated by the Fox News report to key swing vote members.

Ye Feng sat in his office, looking at the real-time public opinion analysis monitored by Brothers News Group on the screen.

In discussions surrounding the FICIERA bill, keywords such as "job risk," "supply chain security," and "automotive industry competitiveness" are gaining popularity, while the focus on "China threat" and "energy security" is relatively declining. He knew the time was right.

He dialed the phone with the fourth brother and Susie again:

“Uncle, Susie, it’s time to propose our ‘amendment.’ It has three core points: First, clarify that projects that have already been approved by the state government and have commenced construction are not subject to retroactive restrictions under the new bill (grandfather clause).

"Second, the threshold for triggering 'mandatory national security review' will be raised from 'any size' to 'reaching a specific investment amount or technology sensitivity threshold'."

"Third, add a representative from the Ministry of Commerce to the Interministerial Committee (CFIUS PLUS) to emphasize the weight of economic impact assessments."

He paused, then added, “As a ‘goodwill response’ and ‘risk mitigation,’ Brothers Capital can immediately restart the $50 billion green bond issuance with JPMorgan Chase and announce additional investment in a large battery plant in Ohio (a key swing state and a traditional manufacturing state), promising to create 2000 jobs.”

"At the same time, the 'technical barriers' to the supply of chips from Junken Electromechanical and General Electric will be 'resolved immediately' after the amendment to the bill is passed."

This is a carrot and stick approach, and even more so, a blatant exchange of interests.

Ye Feng created panic with his precise "circuit breaker" threat to the automotive industry, and then offered reassurance and a way out with massive investment and job creation promises.

He skillfully utilized the checks and balances among local interests, industrial interests, and capital power in American politics.

The proposed amendment sparked heated debate. Hawkish factions strongly opposed it, arguing that it betrayed the original intent of the bill.

However, under strong pressure from General Motors, Wall Street, and lawmakers worried about unemployment, coupled with the fourth brother's maneuvering to divide the Republican Party and Susie's efforts to gain support within the Democratic Party, the amendment was ultimately passed by a narrow margin in the committee and submitted to the full House for a vote.

On the eve of the vote, Ye Feng deployed one of his "trump cards." The Future Progressive Party (FPP) holds a few dozen seats in the House of Representatives, which, although not many, are often the key minority in closely contested votes.

The FPP whip delivered a clear directive at a party meeting: support amendments that include grandfather clauses and raise the bar.

Their reasons were to "protect American workers' jobs" and "maintain the competitiveness of the technology industry"—reasons that sound plausible and beyond reproach.

Ultimately, after a heated debate, the FICIERA Act was passed with the addition of key amendments proposed by Ye Feng's camp.

The hawkish lawmakers cast their dissenting votes with grim faces, but it was too late to change the outcome.

Warrior Group has saved tens of billions of dollars in new energy projects already invested in and about to be invested in in North America!
More importantly, the increased scrutiny and the inclusion of economic considerations in the final version of the bill have cleared some obstacles for future investment.

Ye Feng carved a crack in the iron wall of Western politics, gaining a precious "privilege"—space to continue to survive and develop under strict rules.

When the news reached Manhattan, suppressed applause erupted in the crisis room.

Emily handed him a glass of whiskey. Ye Feng took it, but felt no joy of celebration, only deep weariness and a heightened sense of vigilance.

He knew this victory would be brutal. He had completely exposed his influence (albeit a threatening one) over the automotive supply chain, which would make the West even more wary of him.

His feud with hawkish forces has deepened. While his Wall Street partners, such as JPMorgan Chase, have secured business, they have also seen through his manipulative tactics and will be more wary in future collaborations.

More importantly, his direct intervention in a highly sensitive national security bill by using the FPP, his "core" force, will inevitably provoke a backlash and in-depth investigation from both parties' pro-establishment camps.

The Future Progressive Party's "independence" label has been tarnished.

"Boss, Ye Mao from back home has a phone call, and... Mr. Ersha's email. They've sent over the first cut of the documentary they filmed about Mr. Ye Yuze," Emily whispered a reminder.

Ye Feng rubbed his temples and answered Ye Mao's call first.

"Brother, thank you for your hard work."

Ye Mao's voice came from thousands of miles away, calm yet concerned.

"Everyone in the country knows about it. Well done, but... it was very risky."

As someone within the system, Ye Mao was even more aware of the sensitivity and potential risks of Ye Feng's actions.

"A risky move had to be made."

Ye Feng's voice was a little hoarse, "The root of the problem is still in our hands; there's something they have to be wary of."

The chips from Junken Electromechanical are their Achilles' heel, the very point through which they cannot control us, but rather through which we may be able to counter them.

This was just a small test. He was referring to the "technical" pressure exerted on General Motors' chip supply.

“Dad’s documentary…” Ye Mao paused, “Er Sha and the others put a lot of effort into making it. I’ve seen some clips—the Gobi Desert, the sandstorms, a group of people… starting from scratch. Westerners would find it hard to imagine that the Warrior Group was born like this. Perhaps… this is an opportunity?”

Ye Feng's eyes flickered slightly. He understood his brother's meaning. In Western public opinion, the warrior group was deliberately portrayed as a behemoth carrying a "national mission," mysterious and threatening.

The true story of Ye Yuze, the father, and the early entrepreneurs who worked tirelessly to transform the desert with technology is full of human brilliance and universal values ​​of struggle, making it an excellent vehicle for breaking down prejudices and reshaping the image.

"Yes, I will take a look. Have Ersha and the others prepare an international version of the editing plan, especially highlighting the parts about technological breakthroughs, environmental protection concepts, and team spirit."

"Slowly release it through Brothers News Corporation's global platform, especially its documentary channel aimed at the elite."

"This is not propaganda; it's telling a true story."

Ye Feng had a new idea. Hard power (chips, technology) is the shield and the sword, while soft power (culture, stories) is the lubricant and the icebreaker.

After hanging up the phone, Ye Feng opened the documentary clip sent by Er Sha. The rough yet powerful footage unfolded.

Amidst the swirling yellow sand, young Ye Yuze and a group of equally young companions measured the land with rudimentary tools, their eyes gleaming with an almost obsessive light.

Under the oil lamp at night, they argued fiercely around a hand-drawn circuit diagram; when the first photovoltaic panel lit up the Gobi Desert, those weathered men cheered and wept like children…

Looking at his father's silent yet resolute figure in the camera lens, Ye Feng's cold gaze gradually melted, and complex emotions surged within him.

This man, who created miracles on barren land, now uses his spirit to support him in an even more dangerous struggle at the pinnacle of world power.

The warrior group's "privileges" were never a gift from anyone; they were laid with the blood and sweat of his father's generation, pioneered by his elder brother Ye Yuze's courage, and fought for inch by inch through thorns with his own wisdom and skill. The screen went dark, revealing Ye Feng's pensive face. The Battle of FICIERA was over, but the war was far from over.

The Blackstone alliance suffered a setback, but its foundation remains, and hawkish lawmakers are even more resentful.

Encouraged by the passage of the US bill, the EU may follow suit and strengthen its scrutiny of Chinese new energy companies; domestically, the demand for self-sufficiency and control over core technologies such as chips is also becoming increasingly urgent…

He picked up the intercom: "Emily, gather the core team. We need to discuss: First, how to take advantage of the window of opportunity following the FICIERA amendment to accelerate Warrior New Energy's deployment in North American energy storage networks and smart grids, and consolidate our advantages."

"Second, assess the EU's moves and develop contingency plans."

"Third, we will accelerate the research and development and domestic mass production of the next-generation 3-nanometer chip for military reclamation machinery and equipment, ensuring our technological advantage. Fourth,"

He paused for a moment, then said, “We will launch the ‘Icebreaker’ program to systematically reshape the Warrior Group’s global brand image by leveraging my father’s documentary and international public opinion.”

Outside the window, the lights of New York City shone like a galaxy. Ye Feng knew that in this jungle where prosperity and danger coexisted, the Warrior Group, this giant ship from the East, had just weathered a stormy sea, but ahead lay an unknown ocean full of hidden reefs and powerful enemies.

He straightened his suit, his eyes regaining their eagle-like sharpness. The game was long, and he, however, remained steadfast in his decision.

The lingering glow of the victory of the FICIERA amendments has barely faded when new dark clouds have quietly descended from across the Atlantic.

Brussels, European Commission headquarters. A draft document entitled "EU Framework for Screening of Foreign Direct Investment (EFSFDI 2.0)" has been put on the agenda, strongly promoted by France and Germany.

The core content of the draft is almost a "European version" of the US FICIERA, and is even more stringent in some aspects.

It not only covers traditional key areas such as energy, communications, and transportation, but also includes cutting-edge technologies such as "artificial intelligence algorithms," "quantum computing," and "advanced semiconductor manufacturing equipment" in the "highly sensitive" list, and grants member states greater unilateral veto power.

Their wording regarding "state subsidies" and "data security risks" is practically an official endorsement of the Blackstone Alliance's attacks on the Warriors group.

“They moved so fast.” Emily handed the briefing to Ye Feng, her tone grave.

"It is clear that the passage of the US bill has given them confidence and a template. Traditional industrial giants such as Alstom in France and Siemens in Germany, as well as domestic new energy forces, are all pushing hard behind the scenes."

Ye Feng stared coldly at the draft text on the screen. He had anticipated that the EU would follow suit, but he hadn't expected the scale and speed to be so significant.

While the Warrior Group's presence in Europe is not as extensive as in North America, it is equally crucial.

Offshore wind power projects in partnership with Equinor, smart grid pilot projects in Germany, and strategic investments in several leading European automotive chip design companies through Brothers Capital…

Once EFSFDI 2.0 is approved, these projects may face indefinite review or even be canceled.

Even more deadly is the signal it sends – the Western world is attempting to join forces to build a “systemic wall” against Chinese high-tech companies (especially the Warrior Group).

"What new developments have the hawks made?" Ye Feng asked.

“Anyway, I haven’t been idle.” Emily pulled up another report.

"They have joined forces with several senators who are hardline on China and are pushing for a legislative study called the CHIPS for America Security Act (CASA)."

"The core idea is: not only to restrict foreign (especially Chinese) access to advanced U.S. chip technology, but also to restrict U.S. companies from using chips that 'may be influenced by foreign governments,' especially in defense, critical infrastructure, and areas involving large amounts of citizen data."

"Although they didn't name Junken Electromechanical, the implication is very clear. They are trying to put further constraints on our chip applications."

"A pincer attack from both inside and outside, a double noose!"

Ye Feng felt unprecedented pressure. The EU's EFSFDI 2.0 was aimed at the Warrior Group's expansion and future technology layout in Europe.

The hawkish CASA, on the other hand, directly targets the core lifeline of the warrior group—

Junken Electromechanical's chips face market access challenges globally (especially in the United States). This is no longer an obstruction of a single project, but an attempt to completely stifle the Warrior Group's development space in the West from both the source (technology acquisition) and the market (product sales).

Manhattan, Brothers Group's strategy room. Smoke swirls around (Ye Feng rarely smokes, but at this moment a cigar is between his fingers).

The core think tank is assembled: the vice president in charge of European affairs, the CEO of Brothers Capital, the editor-in-chief of Brothers News, the senior lobbyist in charge of government relations, and Lao Si and Susie, who are connected via encrypted lines.

"The EU's EFSFDI 2.0 must be stopped, or at least overhauled!"

Mark, the vice president in charge of Europe, spoke urgently.

“We have already invested billions of euros in our wind power projects in Norway, and the equipment has already started to be shipped by sea! If it gets stuck in the review process, the losses will be huge and it will also severely damage investor confidence!”

"The hawks at CASA are even more ruthless!" David, CEO of Brothers Capital, interjected:

"Once it takes shape, not only will Junken Electromechanical's chips be excluded from the US market, but even the European automobiles and industrial equipment we invest in that use Junken Electromechanical chips may face restrictions entering the US market! This is a systemic blockade!"

The fourth brother's voice came through the speaker, filled with deep worry:
"In Europe, the core push is being pushed by Germany and France, but there is significant resistance. The voices of the traditional pro-China faction (mainly based on economic and trade interests) are weakening, while the rhetoric of 'value alliance' and 'technological security' is gaining the upper hand."

“My old friends over there suggested that unless we can offer an irreplaceable ‘public good’ or a huge ‘common interest,’ it will be difficult to pry it open.”

"As for the hawkish CASA... it's still in the planning stages, but it's gaining momentum. The military-industrial complex and some Silicon Valley forces (who are worried about the rise of Chinese chips) are their base."

Susie added, "According to my feedback to the European Parliament, the clause on 'state subsidies' in the EFSFDI 2.0 draft is highly controversial. Nordic and some Eastern European countries are worried that this will hinder foreign investment inflows."

"Perhaps this is our breakthrough point? Furthermore, environmental and climate issues are always a trump card in Europe. Can Warrior Group's leading position in new energy technologies be turned into leverage for us?"

Ye Feng listened quietly, his mind racing amidst the swirling smoke. A head-on countermeasure (such as cutting off the chip supply) was extremely risky given the two-front war between the EU and the US, and could easily trigger a full-blown confrontation. He needed a more sophisticated and constructive breakthrough.

"The breakthrough... lies within themselves."

Ye Feng stubbed out his cigar, a sharp glint flashing in his eyes.

"What is Europe's most pressing need? It's energy independence! The whole of Europe wants to break free from its dependence on Russian fossil fuels and ensure energy security and price stability, which is the EU's top priority. But their geographical location makes it impossible for them to achieve this."

"And the transition to new energy is the most realistic path to achieving this goal. And that is exactly what we can do."

He turned to Mark: “Contact our partners at Equinor in Norway immediately and propose an ‘acceleration plan.’”

Warrior New Energy is willing to provide the latest ultra-high-power offshore wind turbines and smart grid integration technology, which will increase the expected power generation of our cooperative project by 30% and enable grid connection six months ahead of schedule!

"At the same time, Brothers Capital has committed to additional investment to support Equinor in accelerating the development of a new offshore wind farm cluster in the North Sea, with the goal of increasing its offshore wind power capacity to a level sufficient to replace a significant portion of its current natural gas imports from Russia within the next five years!"