Part 12/12:
- Moral Clarity: Understanding that democracy and cooperation differ fundamentally from authoritarian regimes that negotiate to buy time. The clash of systems necessitates clarity about values and commitments.
The Conclusion: Stop Negotiating Illusions
The final message is clear: every deal with China has an expiration date. The current negotiation “game” perpetuates illusions—an endless cycle of promises, stalls, and broken agreements. The only path forward is to stop playing Beijing’s game and instead shape reality through strength and strategic action. The only winning move in the game of trade and influence with China, it suggests, is not to play at all.