Chapter 1383 - 1377: Predicament
Liu Zhen said, "Well, that's indeed a problem. In the United States, there are many conservatives who are wary of everything from China. Local businesses in the US exploit this unease through media exaggeration and their influence in Congress to intervene in legislation."
Liu Zhen also showed a disdainful look: "When did the United States ever fear competition with others? But now they can only protect their products through such means? Their approach seems smart but is actually ridiculously foolish! Enterprises without a competitive spirit will eventually fail in future competitions, and I see that the US no longer has the courage it once had to vigorously expand the free market!"
Lin Chuan looked at Liu Zhen in surprise, amazed that he had such deep insight.
Although these words sound very general and might have some merit in the competition between great nations, they offer no guidance for their specific business development. However, this long-term perspective will definitely play a role in company decisions, enabling his company to seize the opportunity faster than others.
Lin Chuan said, "Anyway, it's great if we can avoid their siege. You are all businessmen who have fought in the United States for a long time, so you must be more familiar with the rules of the game here than we are. Is there anything we must pay attention to?"
Su Yonghua pondered for a while and cautiously said, "Actually, the rules of the game in the United States are very simple: spend money. If you want to establish yourself in the US, especially when competing with those top international companies, you must master the most important games. One is law, two is unions, three is patents, and four is media!"
"Oh?" Lin Chuan quietly looked at Su Yonghua, waiting for him to analyze in detail.
Su Yonghua continued, "No need to elaborate on law, the United States is a completely rule-of-law country. Here, you must spend a lot of money to hire some capable lawyers; otherwise, your company will be doomed. An outsider, no matter how hard they try, can't understand those legal clauses, and only sufficiently competent lawyers can help you avoid various troubles."
"Of course, their fees are quite shocking. If you face many lawsuits, you can say that you are practically handing over most of your profits to the law firms."
"Uh, is it really that exaggerated?" Lin Chuan also seemed to have heard about the expensive lawsuits in the US but was still astonished by their descriptions.
"Haha, you'll know once you've experienced it." Talking about this matter, from Su Yonghua to Zu Ping and Liu Zhen, their faces unwittingly showed a bitter smile.
"Alright, let's continue talking. The second aspect is unions. Hiring employees here is unlike in China, their unions frequently organize strikes. Even if they don't like the clothes you're wearing, they can strike for a few days. Make sure to plan in advance, don't wait to be short on staff when they strike."
"The third is patents, haha, this is the area we respect you the most, and it's the least we need to worry about." Zu Ping's eyes couldn't hide the envy.
"The fourth point is media, to prevent the situation you mentioned earlier. Actually, most Americans don't consider things so complicated regarding information security. It's all concocted by competing businesses and politicians, and they seek public support by fooling through media. However, this aspect is difficult for us to intervene."
"Oh? Why is that? Aren't we allowed to publish articles in media to speak for ourselves?" Lin Chuan asked puzzledly.
Su Yonghua chuckled bitterly, "Do you think we haven't thought about creating a media sensation to restore the image of Chinese people? But it's useless. Above, the US government hasn't stepped out of the Cold War mindset, especially now with China's economic rise, they consider China as their greatest enemy. This idea has never changed."
Lin Chuan was stunned: "But now, there are so many exchanges between China and America, and so many people visit China for business or tourism every year. Don't they analyze what they see with a rational mind?"
"Is it necessary? The United States never shows much interest in understanding other countries. Many Americans can't even point out where China is on a map, let alone analyze the overwhelming media coverage with a 'rational criticism'?"
Lin Chuan was a bit frustrated. Now he realized the kind of predicament he would face in entering the US market.
Of course, this doesn't mean that Red Origin Mobile wouldn't sell at all in the US. If it's just small-scale sales aimed at some enthusiasts or those without much prejudice against China, selling tens of thousands or twenty-thirty thousand units is achievable, but competing for such a small market doesn't seem worthwhile!
Tang Yumeng noticed Lin Chuan was slightly discouraged and patted his shoulder to comfort him: "Lin Chuan, this matter isn't something to be rushed. Actually, some countries in Europe also have strong anti-China sentiments. We don't need to confront conservative ideas head-on; we can start small, and over time, our reputation will spread."
Lin Chuan smirked slightly, as he understood that in this country, which boasts of freedom of speech, the power of capital can accomplish many things that administrative power cannot.
"After hearing what you said, I'm even more confident. I'm wondering if you have any direct sales channels in the US. If possible, I'd like us to collaborate more deeply." Liu Zhen felt a stir in his heart, as Lin Chuan's statement meant he was considering selecting at least a product agent in the New York area from among them. This was a golden opportunity!
Zu Ping regretfully stomped his foot: "Alas, this time Liu Zhen might get lucky. I've always been doing trade between two places, never thinking about truly rooting in the United States. Instead, Liu Zhen has a few good storefronts that can certainly help you."
"That would be great, Mr. Liu. We can exchange business cards, and if you have any cooperation interests, we can discuss them further."
Having solved business matters, Lin Chuan remembered offending Ma Chenggong and his group earlier, and he said to Su Yonghua, "President Su, who was the old man standing next to Ma Chenggong? He seems to be a real estate developer from China?"
Su Yonghua waved his hand lightly, "I'm not getting involved in your matters. Let Zu Ping and Liu Zhen explain this to you."
After speaking, Su Yonghua also got up and left the meeting room.
"Alas, Mr. Su doesn't have the ambition and courage he once had. These years, he's been pushed around by Ma's group but still wants to play the peacemaker." Watching Su Yonghua's back, Zu Ping sighed.
Lin Chuan had a good impression of Su Yonghua and said, "He's just trying to maintain the stability of the Chinese Commerce Association. If you sat in his seat, bearing those pressures, you probably wouldn't say these words."
Lin Chuan knows that a major trait of Chinese people is internal conflict and being low-key.
In a country like the United States, this manifests as not being united and not fighting for their power. Therefore, there's an even greater need for a strong organization like the Commerce Association to voice for its members.
Once the Commerce Association publicly splits, undoubtedly the ones who suffer the most would be all Chinese merchants. In such events, everyone would be losers.
These principles, the young and vigorous Zu Ping and Liu Zhen, might not fully grasp. So Lin Chuan changed the topic, asking them to introduce the old man beside Ma Chenggong.
"His name is Li Dehai, Vice Chairman of West Sea Group, mainly operating in China, but recently took on a few projects in the US. He was absorbed into the Commerce Association just months ago and immediately teamed up with Ma Chenggong, now they're inseparable allies. Moreover, he always gives off a cold feeling, so you should be cautious with him."
Lin Chuan thought for a while, not having any impression of the West Sea Group name. Such a figure is unlikely to threaten Sichuan University Group, right?
Thinking of this, Lin Chuan directly dismissed this person from his mind, not giving him any importance.
After discussing the details of future cooperation with Liu Zhen, Lin Chuan noticed it was getting late and decided to leave.
"Why do I feel this visit was a bit mysterious? Did Su Yonghua invite us to the Commerce Association just to introduce Zu Ping and Liu Zhen to us? Or to watch us clash with Ma Chenggong?" Tang Yumeng looked back at the small chapel, puzzled.
Lin Chuan laughed and said, "He invited us certainly not for such reasons. I'm afraid he foresees us developing in the United States, so he wants to absorb us into the Chinese Commerce Association early. But today, since we conflicted with Ma Chenggong, he didn't bring it up."
Tang Yumeng chuckled bitterly, "I also think you were a bit provoked today. Ma Chenggong has the Peak Group backing him. Why get into a feud with him? Besides, he's also the Vice President of the Chinese Commerce Association; I'm afraid he'll certainly cause us trouble in the future."
Lin Chuan reassured, "Don't worry, such Commerce Associations are merely connecting organizations without any administrative power. Even if Ma Chenggong is a Vice President, he can't order other companies against us. If he wants to deal with us, he'll have to charge ahead himself. In that case, who'll come out on top isn't certain yet."
Tang Yumeng responded, "But even so, it's a needless addition of enemies for us."
Lin Chuan said, "Yumeng, I have a different perspective on this matter. Actually, these enemies, we're bound to face them sooner or later."
"What?" In the past, Tang Yumeng had never heard Lin Chuan's views on the domestic real estate industry, so she was very surprised by his statement.
"Yumeng, currently Sichuan University Group is involved in just three major industries, but do you think we'll stick to these three with our current momentum?"