Chapter 395 Powerful Threat
"From covering 30% of Xiaguo's new equipment market in just three years, and gradually entering European and American countries through hardware exports, Zemeng's expansion speed is amazing."
"More importantly, it has achieved full compatibility with the WIN system ecosystem through the code conversion tool."
The screen then switches to an interview with a technical expert.
"Ze Meng's strategy is very clever." The expert said as he fiddled with the Shenchuan computer in his hand.
"It attracts users with compatibility, retains users with performance optimization, and firmly locks users in with its ecological chain."
His tone was full of warning: "If it is not restricted, this system is likely to change the landscape of the global Internet industry."
The spark of public opinion quickly ignited the entire American Internet.
On Twitter, the topic of Ze Meng's threat quickly topped the trending search list.
One tweet was retweeted by hundreds of thousands of people:
"The Zemeng system is not only grabbing the market, it is also redefining global rules! This is a battle for technological sovereignty!"
On Facebook, a group called "Protect Global Internet Freedom" has attracted tens of thousands of users.
The posts were filled with emotional cries:
"The Zemeng System will deprive us of our control over technology! It is Xia Country's tool for invading the world!"
On YouTube, a technology blogger posted a video titled "Ze Meng, how to destroy our future?"
In the video, he repeatedly demonstrated the performance of the Zemeng system and the Shenchuan computer:
"Did you see that? It runs WIN applications faster than the WIN system itself!"
The blogger said in an angry tone: "Once the Zemeng system dominates the market, we will have to abandon our existing software and platforms."
“This is an information blockade against us!”
In just a few hours, the video had been viewed over a million times, and the comments section was abuzz:
“This is the new Cold War!”
“They want to control the future of the Internet!”
"The Zemeng system must be banned!"
The mainstream media further fueled the flames.
The New York Times published an in-depth report with a straightforward title: Ze Meng: The Gravedigger of the Global Free Market
The article begins with a direct hit on the reader’s emotions: “It is not simply an operating system, but a conspiracy for technological hegemony.”
The article analyzes the technical architecture of the Zemeng system, emphasizing that it is "open" in name but "controlled" in reality: "The Zemeng system attracts users through deep compatibility and performance optimization, but all data is stored in the ecosystem it controls, which will lead to the centralization of global data sovereignty."
"Behind the Zemeng system is not just a company, but a comprehensive technological expansion backed by national will."
The Wall Street Journal opened with a more provocative headline: "Zemeng: Another Form of Economic Aggression"
The article bluntly stated: "The expansion of the Zemeng system will not only shake the business models of companies such as Microsoft and Google, but will also directly threaten the foundation of the US industrial chain."
At the end of the article, the reporter wrote in an almost prophetic tone: "If we allow Zemeng to continue to expand, our technological dominance will no longer exist in the next decade."
Senior management also began to pay attention to the impact of the Zemeng system.
In the end, the waves of public opinion converged into one voice: Zemeng operating system is no longer just a market competitor, but a threat to subvert the rules.
Faced with this surging storm of public opinion, the pressure behind Xiaguo's Internet companies is growing.
In this invisible technological cold war, Zemeng System has already stepped into the spotlight.
Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Headquarters in Washington
Inside the conference room, the lights were cold and white, and the atmosphere was heavy.
Both sides of the long table were filled with FCC commissioners and technical advisors, each of whom had a thick stack of information at hand - the latest information about the Zemeng system.
On the big screen, headlines from CNN, BBC, The New York Times, and The Wall Street Journal were playing. FCC Chairman Jonathan Jenkins glanced at the document, raised his head, and made a heavy statement at the beginning: "Ladies and gentlemen, this is not a simple technical discussion."
"Zemeng System is no longer just an operating system, it is a technological challenge that will completely change the rules of the global Internet."
His voice was steady and low, "Moreover, behind it stands the Xia Country Origin Group, or even a larger alliance of interests."
"Mr. President, the problem with this system is not only its technological advantages, but also that it centralizes the world's Internet traffic into its own closed loop."
"Zemeng not only threatens the existing market, but also causes American companies to lose control."
The projection screen switched to a chart, which clearly showed the penetration of the Zemeng system: 30% of the Xiaguo equipment market has been occupied by Zemeng, and Shenchuan computer exports cover more than 15 countries.
The consultant pointed a laser pointer at the chart and added: "According to estimates, if there are no restrictions, Zemeng Systems could occupy 20% of the global equipment market within three years."
Another consultant flipped open the file and reported in a clear tone: "Zemeng's transcoding tool solves the compatibility problem of the WIN system and optimizes hardware performance to make it more attractive to users."
"Zemeng is not only compatible with WIN, but also locks in users through a vertical ecosystem. Whether it is office software, short videos or music platforms, its users hardly need to contact the external ecosystem."
"More importantly," he paused and raised his voice, "its operating system is built on a complete technology chain with Xiaguo as the core."
"The hardware is supported by BanSi, the computers are manufactured by Shenchuan, and the entire ecological chain is controlled by the Origin Group. This is a completely independent and closed system."
Jenkins frowned and raised his hand to indicate, "What direct impact will this have on us?"
The consultant said in a heavy tone: “The direct impact is the loss of market share.
"What's more serious is that if the Zemeng system is allowed to expand on a large scale, it may push other countries to follow suit and build similar local operating system ecosystems."
"By then, . internet companies and technology companies will lose their dominance globally."
Hearing this, there was a murmur in the conference room.
An FCC member couldn’t help but speak up: “The expansion of the Zemeng system is faster than we thought.
"If there are no restrictions, the future global Internet rules may be written by Xiaguo."
Jenkins glanced around coldly and knocked on the table: "Everyone, I want to hear more specific suggestions."
The heads of the technology and policy departments took the lead in proposing a solution. "First, we need to restrict American companies from cooperating with Zemeng Systems."
"Any software and hardware development and ecological access related to the Zemeng system must be stopped immediately."
He looked at Jenkins and said in a more serious tone: "Only by cutting off cooperation in technology and market can we curb Zemeng's expansion."
Another commissioner added: “Second, we need to strengthen global cooperation.”
“Lobby the EU, Japan and other allies to jointly block the Zemeng system.”
"We cannot allow Zemeng to occupy the market in any developed country."
Someone raised the question: "But will this affect the interests of American companies?"
"For example, Microsoft and Google may also want to get a piece of the Zemeng system."
Jenkins smiled coldly: "This is no longer a question of corporate interests." "This is a question of national technological sovereignty."
He said in a sonorous tone: "If Microsoft and Google can get a piece of Zemeng today, they will lose the entire forest tomorrow."
After nearly three hours of discussion, the FCC finally reached a resolution: "A complete ban on US Internet companies from cooperating with Zemeng System, including but not limited to all forms of collaboration such as software licensing, technical support, and ecological access."
Jenkins concluded his speech: “Folks, this is our only choice.
"The United States must protect its technological dominance."
The resolution quickly spread around the world and made headlines in international media.
The New York Times: FCC takes action against Zemeng Systems: a complete ban on cooperation
The article wrote: "This is a major containment action by the US government against China's technology industry."
"With the expansion of the Zemeng system, the United States has felt unprecedented pressure."
CNN headline: "Zemeng System: Why the United States must take action?"
The host interviewed a technology commentator.
The commentator was excited: "Every step taken by US companies and the government at this moment is to protect the freedom of the global Internet ecosystem."
The BBC also joined the report and broadcast an interview with experts:
"The power of the Zemeng system is not just about technology, but also because it is driven by the national will behind it."
"The US ban is a maintenance of global Internet rules."
On Twitter, the hashtag “#BanZemeng” immediately became a hot search.
One tweet was widely forwarded: "The United States has finally taken action! The right decision to protect a free Internet!"
A video on YouTube went viral, with a blunt title: "Zemeng System: The Real Reason Why It Was Banned by the FCC"
In the video, the blogger used sharp language to criticize the Zemeng system:
"Their goal is not the market, but control over the rules."
"They want the whole world to run the way Xiaguo does."
Media in the European Union, Japan and other countries are also following up on the report.
Germany's Der Spiegel magazine, with the title "The US takes action against Zemeng, will Europe follow suit?", discussed whether the EU should take joint action with the US.
The Yomiuri Shimbun in Japan bluntly stated:
"The Zemeng system is a threat to the United States, and the same is true for Japan."
The sun is still shining brightly in California, but an invisible chill is looming in the conference room at AMD's headquarters.
CEO James Wilson stood at the conference table, holding a document in his hand and looking gloomy.
The executives sitting around had solemn expressions on their faces, with helplessness in their eyes.
On the projection screen, the latest headlines from major media outlets were scrolling:
"FCC completely bans ZDNet systems, will AMD follow suit?"
"AMD chips become a key chess piece in the global technology cold war"
"The rise of Zemeng ecosystem: where will AMD go?"
James raised his head, glanced at everyone, and said with a hint of oppression in his tone:
"Everyone, you have all seen the recent wave of public opinion. The FCC has taken the lead in prohibiting American companies from cooperating with Zemeng."
"Now, it's our turn to make a decision."
Technical Director Allen frowned and spoke first: "James, cutting off cooperation with Shenchuan may not be a good thing for us."
"You know, Shenchuan is one of our largest customers at present, and their orders in 2023 alone account for 15% of our sales."
"If we cut off the supply, our revenue will be reduced by $3 million!"
CFO Hills took over the conversation, his tone more anxious: "It's not just a revenue issue, what will our shareholders think?"
"They will only see AMD voluntarily giving up a big piece of the pie!"
James smiled coldly: "What if you don't cut it off? Have you ever thought about the consequences?"
He pointed to the media reports scrolling on the screen and raised his voice suddenly: "The whole world is watching us now, especially the US government!"
"If we continue to support Shenchuan, what will they think? Our entire market reputation will collapse, and we may even face more regulation!"
His eyes were sharp as he scanned every executive: "Do you think the FCC's decision is only aimed at Ze Meng?"
"Don't be naive! This is a war about the technological dominance of the United States. They are just using Ze Meng as a scapegoat."
Marketing Director Carter sighed and rubbed his brows: "James, I admit that you are right, but... the order of the divine ship is too important to us."
"Especially for the new generation of Ryzen series chips we just launched, Shenchuan has already placed pre-orders worth hundreds of millions of dollars."
"If we stop supplying, we will directly lose this income, and Shenchuan may turn to other suppliers."
James' eyes turned cold and he slammed the table: "Do you think they have the time and technology to find other suppliers?"
"Their Zemeng system is being blocked globally, and other suppliers don't have the ability to replace us in a short period of time!"
"What's more, if we don't make a statement now, the US government will never let us off easily!"
At this time, Linda, the strategic director, spoke softly and calmly: "James, you are right to worry. But we can't just look at the public opinion in front of us."
"We need a strategy that makes this monopoly look more convincing while protecting our long-term interests."
James narrowed his eyes: "Go on."
Linda flipped open the document in front of her and said slowly, "We can announce to the public that this is a decision based on market adjustments."
“For example, we can say that we will allocate more resources to the European and American markets, thereby reducing the supply of Shenchuan.”
"At the same time, we will retain some supply agreements as a buffer - this way we will neither completely break up nor make the government feel that we are uncooperative."
James nodded, a thoughtful look in his eyes: "This is indeed a solution, but will the government accept it?"
Linda spread her hands and said, "What the government needs is a gesture, not a result. As long as we make our position clear in public opinion, they will be relieved."
"As for practical operations, we can definitely slow down the shipment of Shenchuan through technical and supply chain delays."
Marketing Director Carter's eyes lit up: "This is a smart move. It can both save some revenue and show goodwill to the government."
James pondered for a moment, then nodded: "Okay, let's implement this strategy. But we must make a statement to make our position clear."
He looked around and said in a stern tone: "AMD can't delay any longer. We must announce it today."
(End of this chapter)
