51: Chapter 51 Sanctions Become a Joke of the Century
The news of the successful operation of Dragon Country's "Golden Crow" was like the singularity of the Big Bang, instantly reshaping the world's political and economic landscape. The high wall of sanctions, meticulously constructed and aggressively maintained by Pretty Country and its allies, now appeared incredibly comical and fragile before this unmatched power, like an ice wall melting rapidly under the sun.
Brussels, European Union Headquarters.
The meeting hall, once united in its pressure on Dragon Country, was now filled with awkward silence and anxious whispers. The representative of Germany was the first to break the silence. He cleared his throat, his tone a world away from the toughness of a few weeks ago:
"Gentlemen, we must face reality! Dragon Country has already grasped the key to the ultimate energy source! Continuing these so-called sanctions is not only meaningless but will also place us in an extremely dangerous strategic disadvantage! Our industry needs energy, and our future needs technology! I propose that we immediately initiate negotiations with Dragon Country regarding joining the 'International Fusion Energy Cooperation Organization'!"
The representative of Gaul Country immediately chimed in: "I completely agree! The climate issue is imminent, and fusion energy is the only solution. We cannot let the entire Europa miss this epochal opportunity because of certain countries' hegemonic thinking!" He glanced pointedly at the empty seat of the Pretty Country representative—the latter had called in sick and did not attend this emergency meeting.
With almost no resistance, the European Union quickly passed a resolution, unilaterally announcing the lifting of all restrictions on Dragon Country in the field of energy and related technologies, and dispatched a high-level delegation to fly urgently to Dragon Country's Capital to discuss cooperation.
Japan, Tokyo, Prime Minister's Official Residence.
A heated argument was unfolding. The conservatives were still hesitating whether to "hold firm to the ally's position," but the Minister of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry was practically roaring:
"What are you still hesitating for?! Our companies are about to starve! Without Dragon Country's market and technology licensing, our automobiles and our electronics industry will all turn into scrap metal! Pivot immediately! We must pivot now!"
That afternoon, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan issued a statement, "congratulating" Dragon Country on its historic achievement in a humble tone and "looking forward" to carrying out "in-depth cooperation" in the field of fusion energy, while quietly loosening some of the semiconductor materials previously restricted for export to Dragon Country.
Goryeo Corporation, Samsung Headquarters.
The Chairman urgently summoned all executives, pointed at the image of Dragon Country's "Golden Crow" on the screen, and said only two sentences: "Re-evaluate all supply chains immediately. At all costs, restore and deepen cooperation with Dragon Country enterprises."
Globally, a silent "pivoting" race quietly began. Countries that once followed Pretty Country in sanctioning Dragon Country were now terrified that they would be a step too late and be excluded from the "Fusion Energy Club" led by Dragon Country. One declaration of lifting sanctions after another, one letter seeking cooperation after another, flew toward Dragon Country's Capital like snowflakes.
Meanwhile, Pretty Country itself fell into unprecedented embarrassment and isolation.
Washington, White House Press Conference.
The spokesperson faced a barrage of questions from reporters: "Does the President admit that the energy sanction policy against Dragon Country has completely failed?" "Will we join IFECO?"... They could only repeat with a stiff expression: "Our policy has always been to maintain... the rules-based international order... we are conducting an internal assessment... there are no specific plans for now..." Incoherent and full of holes, it drew bursts of boos from the audience.
International social media was even more filled with mockery of Pretty Country and its sanction alliance.
"Haha, using sanctions to stop others from lighting the sun? This is the funniest joke I've heard this century!"
"Pretty Country: I forbid you from using campfires! Dragon Country: Oh, then I'll just whip up a sun to play with."
"History will remember this moment: the look of the old energy hegemony trembling under the light of the 'Golden Crow'."
"Those little brothers who followed the sanctions, where is the line for going to the Capital to apologize now?"
The word "sanction" became synonymous with "stupidity," "arrogance," and "overestimating oneself" on the internet overnight. The image of technological hegemony that Pretty Country had painstakingly built over the years, along with its credibility and influence, collapsed completely at this moment, becoming a laughingstock for netizens worldwide.
When the spokesperson for Dragon Country's Ministry of Foreign Affairs was asked how they viewed these acts of lifting sanctions, they only smiled faintly and responded: "Dragon Country has always upheld an attitude of openness and cooperation. We welcome all partners who are truly committed to the peaceful use of energy and jointly addressing global challenges."
There was no gloating, no kicking them while they were down, but this composure and confidence built on absolute strength was more lethal than any sharp words.
Sanctions, which were regarded by Pretty Country as a sharp weapon to suppress opponents, had now rebounded heavily. Not only did they fail to harm Dragon Country in the slightest, but they also turned Pretty Country and its followers into the world's laughingstock, completely reducing them to a "joke of the century."