"President Ji, ten minutes ago, a White House spokesperson claimed that our newly developed lithography machine stole core technology from the Netherlands' AL Company, openly violating international patent protection laws. They demanded that we hand over our technical documentation within ten days, or they would unconditionally support the Netherlands in launching a national security investigation."
"If they find evidence that we did steal the technology, they will immediately impose additional tariffs on our country and subject Shili to unprecedented restrictions and sanctions."
Ji Yanzhi's expression did not change as he listened. There was no keeping the lithography machine under wraps. This day had been bound to come sooner or later.
By the time he lowered his phone from his ear, several ministers and academicians had already stood up, picked up their coats, and headed for the door.
"Little Ji, we'll come back for your buns another time."
"Something's come up at the institute. We'll be heading off first."
Director Chang walked up to Ji Yanzhi and lowered his voice. "You've heard the news already, haven't you?"
"Yes."
Ji Ting did not have his phone on him. "What happened?"
Ji Yanzhi told him what the U.S. side had done. After hearing him out, Ji Ting fell silent for a few seconds. "They probably only know that we've developed a new generation of lithography machines. They don't know exactly how far our technology has advanced."
"Exactly." Ji Yanzhi agreed with his assessment. "If they knew the actual figures, they wouldn't announce this now. It would inevitably send the tech sector of U.S. stocks into turmoil and cause share prices to plunge."
Director Chang gave a scornful snort. "The Americans have always thought we couldn't catch up with them, going on and on about some generational gap. Let's see if they still dare