Part 10/12:
The Western assumption that mutual benefit guides negotiations is flawed here. Rather, Beijing treats law as a suggestion and agreements as temporary. Every deal is like a signature on ice—initially solid but destined to melt under the weight of deception.
Moving Beyond Illusions: Strategic Lessons
The speaker advocates for a shift in approach, moving away from engaging in illusions toward adopting a realist strategy centered on:
- Economic Diversification: Reducing reliance on China by shifting supply chains to trusted allies such as Japan, Taiwan, and the Philippines. Making dependence on China optional or obsolete.