America: My Time

Chapter 1007 The Neon Dilemma

Chapter 997 The Neon Dilemma
Energy, minerals, and all raw materials have been targeted. Middle Eastern tycoons are using various pretexts to strangle Japan. Other minerals have also been targeted, and even some of Japan's partnerships have run into problems. Middle Eastern tycoons have directly abandoned some of their cooperation with Japan, especially in the electronics and home appliance sectors. These were originally Japan's markets, but now they have been directly taken over by John's home appliance and electronics companies. Even the Middle Eastern tycoons are rejecting Japanese cars.

Standing with the Middle Eastern tycoon's enemies and plotting against John, the tycoon's best friend, and most importantly, these damned Japanese betrayed him, making the Middle Eastern tycoon even less willing to cooperate with them. If even guys like John can betray them, how can the Middle Eastern tycoon trust these bastards!
The Japanese soon learned the true meaning of friends and connections. Although many knew John had a good relationship with the Middle Eastern tycoon, they didn't know the extent of it. This time, they witnessed it firsthand: John's betrayal directly resulted in targeting and comprehensive suppression from the Middle Eastern tycoon.

The Japanese suffered a major blow in the Middle Eastern market, with their market share quickly being taken over by John's companies. This result left the Japanese feeling utterly helpless. Now, even if they regret it, it's too late; everything has already happened. If they want to cooperate with Middle Eastern tycoons again, they will need to put in much more effort.

Because John was so honest and his transactions with Middle Eastern tycoons were so sincere, his connections with them grew stronger as his business expanded. Bentley Motors controlled most of the cars in the Middle East, especially luxury cars, which accounted for the majority of the market share. Now, mid-range brands are also gradually taking over the market of Middle Eastern tycoons.

As John expanded his operations in Australia, he controlled both grain and livestock. Although John wanted to control commodities like grain, he often couldn't make those decisions himself, as the market wasn't entirely under his control. Middle Eastern tycoons became John's best partners. With the collapse of Russia, John naturally needed to find other trading partners, and Middle Eastern tycoons became the best choice.

Previously, John needed to be cautious and avoid a major battle with the Japanese, as reputation was very important, and his development had been aided by the Japanese bank. Therefore, John would not take the initiative to fight the Japanese. But now there is no need to worry about that. The Japanese betrayed him first, so it is no wonder that John is retaliating.

Back then, Hughes Aerospace had a partnership with Japan in its GPS project, but these guys couldn't withstand the pressure from the US and chose to give up. There were also many problems with John's previous cooperation with Japan. Those who know the situation know that the departure of the Mandarin Oriental Group from Japan was not voluntary, but forced, because someone was targeting John. Even though John eventually gained huge profits, the despicable behavior of the Japanese cannot be changed.

The repeated attacks on John eventually provoked a full-scale counterattack from him. This was entirely Japan's own fault; they couldn't blame John for being ruthless. No one could accuse John, and with the intervention of the two major media conglomerates, Japan's reputation plummeted, and its influence in Southeast Asia was also impacted.

John's plan is to compete with Japan for the Middle Eastern and Southeast Asian markets. As for the North American and European markets, those will take time. In comparison, the Middle Eastern and Southeast Asian markets are easier. There are no problems in the Middle Eastern market as long as his product quality is reliable, and his factory will naturally not be a problem.

However, John soon realized that he had underestimated the size of the Asian market at that time. His factory was still far from meeting the demand in terms of production capacity, even in the Southeast Asian market. The largest market, the United States, was even more so. Production capacity was his biggest problem. However, expanding production capacity would require more investment and more factories.

Just as John was considering whether to continue expanding his investment in China and increase his investment in electronics, home appliances, and semiconductors, Japan couldn't hold on any longer and wanted to negotiate with him. Although the counterattack only lasted for a short month, the Japanese suffered heavy losses. Hurricane Investment and Standard Chartered Bank made considerable profits, and Japan was also severely damaged in Asia, North America, and Europe. There were many people who wanted to take advantage of the situation. What the Japanese didn't expect was that the oil capital they had been hoping for did not stand up for them.

"Mr. Morita, is there any point in saying all this now? Is this my fault or yours? You promised cooperation, then betrayed us, and even resorted to such underhanded tactics. Now you've shot yourself in the foot. Who can you blame?" John shook his head when he saw the old man, Akio Morita, taking the initiative to appear in China to negotiate. "John, this is just the work of a few individuals with ulterior motives; it has nothing to do with Japan!"

"Yes, there are too many scheming people in Japan. On one hand, they're talking to me about 'cooperation,' while on the other hand, they've already partnered with an American navigation company and obtained production authorization. And yet, you still resort to underhanded tactics. You were the ones who invited me to Japan, but look what happened! This is how Mitsui repaid my 'goodwill.' What's there to talk about now? I don't think there's anything left to discuss between us. I haven't done anything treacherous; it's just that you've repeatedly schemed against me. All of this will eventually come at a price. In the past, I was able to let bygones be bygones out of consideration for our past relationship. After all, I got to where I am today with the help of the Bank of Japan, so I could give them face. But this time, I won't be so lenient. Wrongdoings must have consequences, and no one is exempt."

John's answer weighed heavily on the old man Akio Morita. Although he had guessed this before coming to China to see John, the actual rejection still put considerable pressure on him!
“John, I have nothing to say about the automotive industry; they brought it on themselves. But can we have a proper talk about energy and mining?” Akio Morita knew there was no point in negotiating the automotive sector. He had betrayed his promise and expected forgiveness—there was no such thing as a free lunch. His primary reason for meeting John was the energy issue. Problems with the Middle Eastern tycoons had plunged Japan into a new energy crisis! If the problems with the Middle Eastern tycoons weren't resolved, a new crisis awaited Japan, potentially plunging its economy into even greater disaster!
"I can't help this, and it's not my fault. You all insisted on standing on the opposite side and cooperating with their enemy. If you don't get into trouble, who will? I've done everything I can. Western Energy's crude oil storage in Japan has been continuously restored. I've already done more than enough for you!"

John's actions were indeed beyond reproach by the Japanese, and as John said, even with the conflict between the two sides, John's oil reserves in Japan continued to be restored. However, the problems in Japan had nothing to do with John.

Even completing the crude oil reserves will take time. Moreover, in terms of crude oil reserves, John is expanding in Southeast Asian countries, and China is expanding even more frantically. However, South Korea and Japan have no intention of expanding, after all, their land is limited and their labor costs are relatively high. In comparison, Southeast Asia and China are easier to expand.

John knew how crazy the oil market would become in the future. Since he could continue to cooperate with Russia on barter, he naturally wanted to extract more benefits from them. As long as Russia did not terminate the cooperation, John would continue to trade, especially as his investments in China continued to increase, which would naturally lead to a greater need for raw materials.

Currently, the barter trade between John and Russia is mainly in the form of crude oil. With the completion of the second phase of construction at major refineries, the demand for crude oil will increase even further. Most importantly, as China enters a period of rapid development, its need for steel and energy is also growing. While the barter trade between John and Russia appears to be continuing, the amount of crude oil that can actually be stored is still limited. Reaching its current crude oil reserves would take several years.

There can't be any major changes during this period, otherwise it will take even longer. After all, such crude oil reserves are very necessary. John is well aware of how fast China is developing and how much energy it needs as development accelerates. Making arrangements in advance will prevent people from suspecting anything!
“John, we would like to ask you to act as an intermediary and talk to the Middle Eastern tycoons. Given your relationship with them, we believe they will give you face. You also know that given the current situation in Japan, if there are problems with energy, the consequences will be severe.”

John shook his head and said, "Mr. Morita, I remember you had an order with that Middle Eastern tycoon, right? I was involved in that project from the beginning. Does that mean you didn't continue working with them after the initial cooperation? If so, there's nothing I can do. After all, you can't just kick someone after they've served their purpose; you have to be prepared for the consequences. If all else fails, you can use your military reserves. I don't have time to act as an intermediary for you. The US election results are coming out soon, and I've been away from the US for a while. I need to go back and take care of some things. I don't have time to act as an intermediary for you!"

(End of this chapter)