However, the country can't help but feel fortunate, as Wujiang Group is very powerful. It poached many aerospace technology talents from the Soviet Union, and its subsidiary Galaxy Technology Company probably has more talent and technology reserves in the aerospace industry than the country itself.

...

...

"Boss, the Americans have started targeting our Wujiang Group, increasing tariffs on our products!" Liu Yinyin rushed to Zhao Ye with a worried expression.

Zhao Ye frowned and asked, "Which products are subject to additional taxes?"

"Shenzhou computers, HarmonyOS operating system, Kirin 3 chip, Kunlun graphics processing, Tomahawk game console, flash memory, battery, LCD screen, NAND flash memory, various game software, etc., a total of twenty-four products!" Liu Yinyin answered while handing the file to Zhao Ye.

Zhao Ye took the document, glanced at it briefly, and then placed it on the table.

The US imposed tariffs primarily to protect its domestic industries, while also aiming to cripple the Wujiang Group.

If tax increases are ineffective, a direct sales ban may be implemented.

This is standard practice for Americans; it's commonplace.

In fact, before the rise of the internet, the US often used tariffs to exploit consumers, but few people knew about it.

Zhao Ye thought for a moment and said, "The cost will ultimately come from the consumers. We'll raise the prices of all the products that Americans have no choice but to buy, while keeping the prices of the rest the same. We can just make a little less profit. For example, we'll raise the price of Wujiang EDA software. I'll make American chip design costs skyrocket and curb America's chip design capabilities!"

Currently, the most advanced chip design software internationally is Wujiang EDA, which is used by companies such as Intel, Motorola, and IBM.

The usage fee for Wujiang EDA software is calculated on a monthly or annual basis, with a monthly rental fee of over $500,000 for a single tool.

"Furthermore, Wujiang Microelectronics has also raised its chip manufacturing prices. Although it can't cripple the US semiconductor industry, the impact is significant!"

In this era, TSMC cannot compete with Wujiang Microelectronics. It is much smaller, and most of the chip manufacturing orders for American companies can only be fulfilled by Wujiang Microelectronics. Even if TSMC wanted to expand, it would take time. Moreover, technologically, TSMC cannot compete with Wujiang Microelectronics; it cannot handle the most cutting-edge chip manufacturing business.

After Zhao Ye finished speaking with Liu Yinyin, he said he wanted to go to Wujiang Microelectronics Company to inspect the development progress of the immersion lithography machine.

Dry lithography machines have reached their limit; there hasn't been much progress in the last twenty years.

If Wujiang Microelectronics develops an immersion lithography machine, it will gain a leading edge in the semiconductor field.

In the afternoon, many reporters arrived at the entrance of Wujiang Group. They were well-informed and learned about the suppression of Wujiang Group by M at the first opportunity.

Wujiang Group spokesperson Fu Xiaoyue then appeared before the reporters.

"Ms. Fu, hello, I'm a reporter from **News Agency. As far as we know, around 10:30 this morning, M suddenly announced increased tariffs on several products from Wujiang Group. What decision will Wujiang Group make in response to this?"

Fu Xiaoyue said loudly, "Regarding the matter of M arbitrarily increasing tariffs on many products of Wujiang Group, our group will find a solution as soon as possible. On behalf of Wujiang Group, I apologize to consumers around the world for any inconvenience caused!"

After a pause, Fu Xiaoyue changed the subject, saying, "Recently, Wujiang Group will be adjusting the prices of some products. For example, the rental fee for Wujiang EDA software in the US will increase by 50%! In addition, due to the rising prices of chip raw materials, labor costs, and tariffs on chips imported into the US, Wujiang Microelectronics will raise its chip manufacturing prices..."

It was clear to anyone with eyes to see that this statement was a retaliatory measure against the US's imposition of tariffs on Wujiang Group.

The reporters in the audience were shocked; they couldn't believe that Wujiang Group was so audacious.

In fact, Zhao Ye knew perfectly well that compromise was useless; the more you concede, the more others will take advantage of you. He knew exactly what kind of faces they had on the other side.