How to Stay Motivated and Get Things Done

We all have dreams, goals, or even just simple things we wish we had time for. Yet so often, life gets in the way. We tell ourselves we're too busy, too tired, or too late. But the truth is, most of what holds us back isn’t time, it’s mindset. The difference between those who start and those who stay stuck often comes down to just two simple principles.

The first is this: you must fall in love with what you do. Passion isn’t a nice-to-have; it’s fuel. When you love something, it doesn’t feel like an obligation. It pulls you in. It wakes you up. It keeps you coming back, even on the hardest days. Like a gambler drawn to the table, you keep showing up not because you’re forced to, but because you can’t imagine not doing it. The best part? Unlike gambling, your odds aren’t left to luck. When you choose a craft, a mission, or a project that lights you up and you’re willing to invest the time to master it, you begin to shape your own success. You won’t need someone else to motivate you. Even in the busiest seasons of life, you’ll find yourself making time, not excuses.

The second principle is just as powerful: change the way you frame your challenges. Stop asking, “How could I possibly have time?” Start asking, “When will I make time?” This subtle shift turns a closed door into a crack of possibility. It stops the spiral of self-doubt before it begins. Too many people, especially those who are capable, smart, and full of potential, talk themselves out of trying before they even begin. They list out every obstacle, every reason it won’t work, every fear disguised as logic. They let their inner critic dominate, when what they really need is their inner champion to step up.

Worse yet, when problems arise, many rush to seek opinions from others, people who don’t understand the context or share the vision. In the noise of outside voices, they lose touch with their own. And so days turn into weeks, weeks into years, and the dream remains untouched.

But here’s the truth: the biggest battles are rarely external. They’re internal. People don’t fail because the world beats them down. They fail because they surrender to doubt, delay, and distraction. The moment you think, “Maybe I can,” act on it. That thought is a spark. Don’t let it die. Begin, even if it’s messy. Stay flexible. Obstacles will come. The road will twist. Sometimes you’ll have to make a dozen turns before you see the destination. But every step forward is a win.

And as you walk this path, remember this: there is immense joy in creating. There is deep fulfillment in solving problems. These are not chores. They are gifts. They remind us that we are alive. That we have power. That we can shape our world, even if it’s just a little at a time.

So don’t wait. Not for perfect timing. Not for permission. Not for everything to make sense. If something matters to you, start now. Ask not if you can, but when you will. And when the road gets hard, as it always does, take the next step anyway.

Because that is how you move forward. That is how you grow. And that is how you come alive.

如何保持動力並完成目標

我們每個人都有夢想、目標，甚至只是一些希望能抽出時間去做的小事。然而，生活總是不斷打斷我們的節奏。我們對自己說太忙了、太累了、太晚了。但事實是，真正阻礙我們的，往往不是時間，而是心態。那些能夠開始行動與那些被困在原地的人，往往只差兩個簡單的原則。

第一，你必須愛上你所做的事。熱情不是可有可無的，而是你前進的燃料。當你熱愛一件事，它就不會變成負擔，而會自然吸引你。它讓你清晨起床，讓你在困難時依然堅持下去。就像賭徒被吸引到賭桌一樣，你會不斷出現，不是因為被逼，而是因為你無法想像不做這件事的生活。最棒的是，這不像賭博，你的結果不靠運氣。當你選擇一項讓你心動的技能、使命或專案，並願意投入時間去精進它，你就開始掌握自己的成功。你不再需要別人來激勵你，即使在生活最忙碌的時候，你也會主動找時間，而不是找藉口。

第二個原則同樣強大：改變你看待挑戰的方式。不要再問：「我怎麼可能有時間？」而要問：「我什麼時候可以安排時間？」這個微妙的轉變，會讓原本緊閉的大門出現一絲可能性。它能阻止自我懷疑的漩渦在心中蔓延。太多人，尤其是那些有能力、有智慧、有潛力的人，常在行動之前就打了退堂鼓。他們列出所有困難、所有不會成功的理由，把恐懼包裝成理性。讓內心的批評聲音主導了一切，卻忽略了自己真正需要的是那個勇敢站出來的內在勇者。

更糟的是，當問題出現時，許多人會急著去問他人的意見，那些其實不了解情況、也不共享你願景的人。在外界的聲音中，他們漸漸迷失了自己的聲音。日子一天天流逝，夢想卻依然原地不動。

但事實是：人生最大的戰役，往往不是來自外界，而是內心。人們之所以失敗，往往不是因為世界擊垮了他們，而是他們自己向懷疑、拖延與分心投降了。當你心中浮現「或許我可以」這個念頭時，就是你該行動的時候了。那是一道火花，不要讓它熄滅。即使不完美，也要開始。保持彈性。困難一定會來，路也會彎曲。有時你可能要繞很多圈，才能看到目的地。但每前進的一步，都是勝利。

在這條路上，請記得：創造本身就是一種喜悅，解決問題也是一種滿足。這些不是負擔，而是禮物。它們提醒我們，我們還活著、我們有力量、我們可以改變這個世界，即使只是改變一小部分。

所以不要再等。別等完美的時機、別等別人的許可、也別等一切都理所當然才出發。如果這件事對你重要，就從現在開始。不要問自己「能不能」，而是問「什麼時候」。當道路變得艱難時，就像它總是會的那樣，還是要邁出下一步。

因為，這才是前進的方式。這才是成長的方式。這，才是真正活著的樣子。

Why Technical Talent Struggles in Bureaucratic Systems

In many countries, people believe technology is the key to progress. But in some places, especially where bureaucracy runs deep, technology tends to decline instead of thrive. This is not because there is a lack of talent, but because the system does not recognize or reward those who build, fix, and innovate.

Technical professionals such as engineers, developers, and craftsmen often face an unfair deal. They carry heavier responsibilities, solve harder problems, and continuously sharpen their skills, yet they receive the same pay and recognition as administrative staff who might not face the same level of challenge or pressure. Over time, this imbalance wears people down. Some ask themselves why they should work so hard when others do less and still get ahead. Others consider switching careers just to be seen and heard.

I experienced this personally while working as a software engineer in Hong Kong. I loved solving problems and building reliable systems. I took pride in writing clean code and making things work better for users. But no matter how much value I delivered, the recognition usually went to someone else, often a manager who didn’t write a single line of code. Promotions and raises were given based on how well you managed meetings or headcounts, not how much you contributed to the product or the customer experience. At one point, I realized that if I wanted to move up, I had to stop being an engineer and become a manager. That realization broke my heart. It made me question whether we truly value builders at all.

This problem is not new. In Chinese history, many people who had real skills started out as soldiers, merchants, or craftsmen but eventually became officials because that was the only path to respect and a decent life. Those who stayed in technical roles were treated like common laborers, working harder for less. Over time, this led to poor craftsmanship, lower quality, and a culture of cutting corners. When talent is not respected, excellence cannot survive.

In contrast, countries like Germany and Japan built cultures that honor craftsmanship. Skilled workers are respected, protected, and given space to master their trade. A watchmaker in Germany or a swordsmith in Japan could earn deep respect, not just for what they made, but for how they made it. They didn’t need to become managers to be valued. They were valued because they pursued excellence with discipline, pride, and care.

This difference in mindset still matters today. Countries that respect their builders lead in manufacturing, engineering, and innovation. Countries that ignore them fall behind and become dependent on others for progress.

If we want to build a better future, we need to stop telling our best minds that management is the only path to success. We need to reward people who create, who fix, who design, and who improve. We need to create cultures where technical excellence is celebrated, not overlooked. Let engineers stay engineers and still rise. Let craftsmen take pride in their work and still thrive. Let builders be heroes in their own right.

Because when we lift up our builders, we all rise together. A society that values its creators will never stop growing, and a team that believes in its talent can achieve the impossible.

Let us be the ones who build that culture. Let us lead by example. Let us make room for the makers, the doers, and the dreamers who turn ideas into reality.

The future belongs to those who build it.

為什麼技術人才在官僚體制中難以被重視

在許多國家，人們相信科技是推動進步的關鍵。但在某些地方，尤其是官僚體制根深蒂固的地方，科技不但無法蓬勃發展，反而會逐漸退化。這並不是因為缺乏人才，而是因為體制無法認可或獎勵那些真正動手創造、修復與創新的技術人員。

工程師、開發者、技工等技術專業人士經常面臨不公平的處境。他們肩負更重的責任、解決更複雜的問題，並持續提升自己的技能，卻只能獲得與行政人員相同的待遇與認可，而後者往往面對的挑戰和壓力遠遠較少。隨著時間過去，這種不平衡讓人感到心力交瘁。有些人會質疑，為什麼我要這麼辛苦，而其他人付出更少卻能更快升遷？也有些人開始考慮轉行，只為了能被看見、被重視。

我自己就有這樣的經歷，當時我在香港擔任軟體工程師。我熱愛解決問題，也喜歡打造穩定可靠的系統。我為自己寫出乾淨、可維護的程式碼感到自豪，也樂於讓使用者有更好的體驗。但不管我貢獻了多少價值，最終獲得認可的往往是別人，通常是那些從未寫過一行程式碼的管理者。升遷與加薪的標準，不是根據你為產品或客戶帶來了多少實際成果，而是看你主持了多少會議、帶了多少人。後來我明白，如果我想往上走，就必須放下工程師的身分，轉做管理職。這個體悟讓我非常難過，也讓我開始質疑，我們是否真的有在尊重那些真正「動手做事」的人。

其實，這樣的問題並不新。在中國歷史中，很多有真正技能的人，起初是士兵、商人或工匠，但最後不得不轉為官員，因為那是唯一一條能獲得尊重和穩定生活的道路。那些堅持技術工作的人，則被當成普通勞工看待，付出更多，得到更少。長久下來，這導致工藝水準下降、品質變差，甚至出現偷工減料的文化。當社會不尊重技術人才，卓越就無法存在。

反觀德國和日本這些國家，則建立起尊重工藝的文化。技術工作者在那裡受到尊重和保護，也有空間不斷磨練自己的技藝。在德國，一位製錶師，在日本，一位鑄劍師，都可能因其技術與專業而受到高度敬仰。他們不需要成為管理者才能被重視。他們之所以受到重視，是因為他們追求卓越、堅持紀律、以熱忱與細心完成每一件作品。

這種思維上的差異，直到今天依然深具影響力。那些重視技術人才的國家，在製造、工程與創新方面始終領先。相反地，忽視技術人才的國家，最終只能依賴他人提供進步的力量。

如果我們真的想打造一個更美好的未來，就不能再告訴我們最優秀的人才：「只有做管理才能成功」。我們應該獎勵那些創造、修復、設計與改善的人。我們要建立一種文化，讓技術上的卓越受到讚賞，而不是被忽略。讓工程師繼續當工程師，也能有所成就。讓工匠為自己的作品感到驕傲，也能活得精彩。讓建設者成為真正的英雄。

當我們一起提升那些默默做事的人，我們整個社會也會一起進步。一個尊重創造者的社會，永遠不會停止成長；一個相信人才的團隊，可以達成看似不可能的目標。

讓我們成為那種文化的開創者。讓我們以身作則。讓我們為那些真正把想法變成現實的人，留出空間。

因為未來，屬於願意動手去建造它的人。

Entrepreneurship with Purpose

Many people believe that change is driven by politicians, officials, or scholars. But some of the most powerful forces in society are small and medium-sized business leaders. These individuals are the quiet backbone of the economy. They create jobs, support families, and drive growth in their communities. They often work tirelessly, face uncertainty, and carry the heavy responsibility of making sure their businesses survive and thrive.

Running a business is never easy. Even a small mistake can cause big problems. In smaller companies, everything depends on the determination and strength of the person at the top. If the leader hesitates, the business can quickly fall apart. That is why leadership is not just about skills or strategies. It is about mindset, courage, and responsibility.

Success in business does not require complicated theories. What matters most is doing meaningful work, bringing value to customers, and earning the trust of others. When a business focuses on helping people and solving real problems, it becomes a positive force in society. Profit is important, but purpose is what gives a company real strength.

Businesses built on selfish motives may succeed for a short time, but they rarely last. Over time, people notice the difference between companies that care and those that do not. Customers stop supporting them. Employees lose motivation. True success comes from a desire to serve, to improve lives, and to create something greater than oneself.

In times of struggle, great leaders rise. They do not panic. They do not give up. They stay calm and push forward. Their energy lifts the entire team. Even when facing loss or failure, they keep going, knowing that their attitude shapes the future of the company. A strong leader inspires strength in others. A weak moment, on the other hand, can quickly spread doubt and fear.

Innovation is not just about big breakthroughs or expensive technology. It begins with small steps. It comes from asking how to make things better than yesterday, finding smarter ways to work, and never settling for good enough. When everyone in an organization is encouraged to think, improve, and challenge the norm, real progress happens.

A successful business is not built in a single day. It grows through purpose, persistence, and people who believe in doing things the right way. When companies are led by individuals who act with integrity, serve others, and commit to daily improvement, the impact goes far beyond financial results. They help create a better future for everyone around them.

In a world full of challenges, the greatest difference is often made not by those in power, but by the quiet strength of those who lead with heart and never stop moving forward.

有使命感的創業精神

許多人認為，社會的變革主要來自政治人物、公務員或學者。然而，社會中最具影響力的力量之一，其實是中小企業的經營者。他們是經濟體系中默默無聞的支柱，創造就業機會、扶養家庭，並帶動社區的成長。他們常常不辭辛勞地工作，面對各種不確定性，承擔沉重的責任，確保企業能夠生存並持續發展。

經營企業從來不是件容易的事。即使是一個小錯誤，也可能引發重大的問題。在中小企業中，一切都取決於領導者的決心與堅韌。如果領導人猶豫不決，企業很快就可能陷入危機。因此，領導力不僅是技巧與策略，更是心態、勇氣與責任感的體現。

企業的成功並不需要複雜的理論。最重要的是從事有意義的工作，為客戶創造價值，並贏得他人的信任。當一間企業專注於幫助他人、解決真實問題時，它就成為社會中的一股正面力量。利潤固然重要，但真正給予企業持久力量的是其使命與目標。

那些建立在自私動機上的企業，或許能短暫成功，但往往難以長久。時間一久，人們就能看出哪些公司是真正關心他人，哪些則否。顧客會停止支持，員工也會失去動力。真正的成功，來自服務他人的心志、改善生活的渴望，以及創造比自身更宏大價值的決心。

在艱難時期，偉大的領導者總是能夠挺身而出。他們不會驚慌失措，也不輕言放棄。他們保持冷靜，堅定向前。他們的能量能夠鼓舞整個團隊。即使面對失敗與困境，他們也不退縮，因為他們深知自己的態度將塑造企業的未來。一位堅強的領導者能激勵他人展現堅韌；而一絲軟弱，卻可能迅速蔓延並帶來士氣低落。

創新不只是關於重大突破或昂貴科技。它從小處著手，來自於每天問自己：今天怎麼能比昨天做得更好？怎麼樣的方式更聰明、更有效？永遠不滿足於現狀，才能讓真正的進步發生。當每一位員工都被鼓勵去思考、去改善、去挑戰常規，企業才會真正邁向成長。

一個成功的企業不是一天建立起來的。它來自於清晰的目標、持續的努力，以及一群堅信正確做事方式的人。當企業由有誠信、願意服務他人、並持續每天進步的人來領導時，其影響力遠遠超越財務成果。這些企業不僅壯大自身，也為身邊的人創造更好的未來。

在這個充滿挑戰的世界中，帶來真正改變的，往往不是掌權者，而是那些懷抱熱情、堅持前行的平凡領導者的安靜力量。

The Power of Staying True to Who You Are

Many people spend their lives trying to meet society’s expectations. They chase popular careers, follow trends, and copy others’ paths. But often, the best path forward begins inside you. You may not always know what the world needs, but you do know what lights you up. What gives you energy. What makes you feel alive. That is your compass.

When you do something you truly enjoy, you naturally become better at it. Whether it is painting, gaming, writing, or building, your passion fuels your skill. Even if others do not yet see the value in what you love, keep going. It is far better to grow strong in one area you love than to struggle in many you do not.

Human connection shapes who we are. When people are alone for too long, even basic habits can fade away. Without social interaction, we lose touch with routines, time, and even parts of ourselves. That is why it is so important to stay connected to purpose, curiosity, and structure. These help us remain grounded and fully alive, no matter where we are.

Sometimes, people feel they need to change themselves to fit in or succeed. They try to become more confident, more talkative, more focused, even if it feels unnatural. But real growth does not come from fighting who you are. It comes from understanding yourself and building on your strengths. You do not need to change into someone else to be successful. You need to become the best version of you.

Your instincts matter. They are shaped by your life, your body, and your experiences. When something feels right, pay attention. It is your inner wisdom guiding you. If a path feels forced or fake, it probably is. Instead of forcing yourself to follow a plan that does not fit, find one that does. The best strategy is the one that works for your true self.

If you often feel like you do not belong, maybe you just have not found your people yet. That does not mean you are the problem. It means your journey is still unfolding. There are people out there who will understand you, value you, and walk beside you. Keep showing up as yourself, and you will find them.

Everyone responds to the unknown differently. Some people take bold steps into new places. Others prefer the comfort of what they know. Both ways are valid. But growth begins when you take even a small step beyond your comfort zone. Facing the unknown is a sign of strength. It shows you are willing to grow, to learn, and to lead.

There is a lot of talk about making everything equal. But real fairness is not about treating everyone the same. It is about recognizing and respecting each person’s differences. Everyone has something unique to offer. When we try to make everyone identical, we lose the beauty of what makes us human. The world needs your voice, your story, and your strengths.

You are not only shaped by your thoughts. You are shaped by your past, your family, your environment, your emotions, and everything you have experienced. Change takes time. Growth takes patience. You do not need to become someone else overnight. You are not broken. You are becoming. And that process is powerful.

So instead of chasing perfection, choose authenticity. Instead of following the crowd, follow your heart. Your journey is one of a kind. Trust yourself, give yourself space to grow, and you will find strength, peace, and purpose beyond what you imagined.

堅持做自己，是你最大的力量

很多人一生都在努力迎合社會的期待。他們追逐熱門的職業、跟隨潮流、模仿別人的人生道路。但其實，最好的方向往往來自你的內心。你或許不總是知道世界需要什麼，但你一定知道什麼能讓你眼睛發亮、什麼讓你充滿活力、什麼讓你覺得活著。那，就是你的指引。

當你做自己真正熱愛的事時，你會自然變得更擅長。無論是畫畫、打遊戲、寫作還是建造，只要你有熱情，就能持續提升自己的能力。即使別人一時還看不懂你所愛的價值，也請繼續走下去。比起在不喜歡的領域裡掙扎，專注發展自己熱愛的事物會讓你成長得更扎實、更有力量。

人際連結塑造了我們的個性。當一個人長時間孤單，連最基本的生活習慣都可能慢慢消失。缺乏社會互動，我們會失去對生活節奏、時間感，甚至失去與自己內在的聯繫。因此，持續與目標、好奇心與生活結構保持連結，才是讓我們無論身處何地都能感受到活力與穩定的關鍵。

有時候，人們會覺得自己需要改變，才能融入或成功。他們嘗試變得更有自信、更健談、更集中注意力，儘管這些行為感覺不自然。但真正的成長，不是來自和自己對抗，而是來自理解自己、並從自己的優勢出發。你不需要變成別人，你只需要活出最好的自己。

你的直覺是重要的。它們來自你的生活經驗、你的身體、你的情感與過去的累積。如果有什麼事讓你感到對勁，就請重視那個感覺，那是你內在的智慧在指引你。如果一條路讓你覺得很勉強、很虛假，那它多半就不適合你。與其硬逼自己走一條不合身的路，不如去尋找那條真正屬於你的方向。最好的策略，就是適合你的那一個。

如果你經常覺得格格不入，或許不是你有問題，只是你還沒遇見真正屬於你的人。世界上有很多人，能懂你、欣賞你、並願意和你並肩前行。只要你持續做自己，他們總會出現。

每個人面對未知的方式都不同。有些人勇敢踏入新世界，有些人則喜歡待在熟悉的環境裡。兩種方式都沒有錯。但成長，往往從離開舒適圈的那一小步開始。願意面對未知，就是一種勇氣。它代表你願意學習、願意變強、願意帶領。

如今很多人談公平，追求每個人都一樣。但真正的公平，不是對每個人一視同仁，而是承認並尊重每個人的不同。每個人都有自己的獨特之處。如果我們硬要讓所有人都一樣，就會失去人類本身的美好差異。世界需要的是你的聲音、你的故事、你的強項。

你不是只被思想所塑造的。你也被過去、家庭、環境、情感和生活經驗所形塑。改變需要時間，成長需要耐心。你不需要一夜之間成為另一個人。你沒有壞掉，你只是正在蛻變。而這個過程，本身就是一種力量。

所以，與其追求完美，不如選擇真實。與其跟隨人群，不如傾聽內心。你的人生旅程是獨一無二的。相信自己，給自己空間成長，你將會找到比想像中更強大的力量、內心的平靜與真正的意義。

The U.S.-China Trade War is More Than a Clash of Interests

The U.S.-China trade war is often framed as a struggle over economic interests, including tariffs, technology access, and trade deficits. But this view misses the deeper story. What we are seeing today is not just a trade dispute, but a clash between two very different worldviews.

On the surface, it may seem like both nations are fighting over tangible things such as access to markets, control over critical technology, or economic dominance. However, the conflict is not only about interests. Interests can be negotiated and managed. What makes this trade war so persistent and tense is that it reflects two incompatible ways of understanding the world.

Since the 2008 financial crisis, the United States has increasingly interpreted China’s rise as an aggressive assertion of power, often described as “bullying the weak.” But from China’s perspective, this is a misunderstanding. China does not see itself as violating a shared global order. Instead, it questions whether the existing international order, built on Western values and power, is legitimate to begin with. In China’s view, the U.S.-led order is no more valid than past political systems it rejected, such as the Kuomintang’s constitution or the Soviet model it strategically tolerated.

In this worldview, admitting mistakes is not part of the narrative. When a policy fails, it is seen not as a flawed goal, but as a miscalculation of timing or strength. Even partners in the so-called “united front,” including foreign actors and local allies, are judged based on their continued usefulness rather than fixed alliances. Once they lose strategic value, they are discarded, sometimes with open statements about “correcting past misunderstandings.”

The strategy known as “hide your strength and bide your time” is another example. Many in the West viewed it as a temporary stance. In Beijing’s logic, however, it was a phase that ends when conditions change. Once China feels confident in its capabilities, it moves forward without apology or retreat. Policy shifts usually follow only after visible and material setbacks, not because of ideological change, but due to evolving circumstances.

Meanwhile, the United States views China's assertiveness with increasing concern. To Washington, China’s actions are not just defensive or developmental. They are seen as signs of a broader ambition for global influence or even dominance. As a result, U.S. policy has shifted from engagement to containment, especially in areas such as advanced technology and national security.

Recent developments, including the court ruling against Trump-era tariffs, the temporary tariff reduction agreement, and U.S. restrictions on semiconductor software exports, are surface-level events that reflect deeper tensions. These legal and economic moves are important, but they are shaped by long-standing mistrust and different ideas about global power and legitimacy.

In the end, this is not just a matter of trade or economics. It is a long-term contest between two systems that view the world, and their roles within it, in fundamentally different ways. Until both sides find a way to respect each other’s perspectives or build a new shared understanding, the trade war will continue to be part of a much larger and more complex struggle.

美中貿易戰不只是利益衝突

美中貿易戰經常被描繪成一場關於經濟利益的爭鬥，包括關稅、技術獲取與貿易逆差等問題。但這種觀點忽略了更深層的背景。今天我們所見的，不僅是一場貿易糾紛，而是一場來自兩種截然不同世界觀的衝突。

表面上看，兩國似乎是在爭奪具體的東西，例如市場的開放、關鍵技術的控制權，或是經濟主導地位。然而，這場衝突並不僅僅關乎利益。利益可以透過協商與管理來解決，真正讓這場貿易戰持續且緊張的原因，是雙方對世界的理解方式根本不相容。

自2008年金融危機以來，美國越來越將中國的崛起解讀為一種侵略性力量的展現，經常被形容為「以強凌弱」。但從中國的角度來看，這是一種誤解。中國並不認為自己違反了某個共同接受的全球秩序，反而質疑這個由西方價值與權力構築的秩序本身是否正當。對中國而言，由美國主導的國際秩序，與它過去所否定的政治體系如國民黨憲法或蘇聯模式並無本質不同，它們都是在實力不足時策略性地接受的安排。

在這種世界觀中，承認錯誤並不屬於敘事的一部分。當某項政策失敗時，這不是目標錯誤，而是對時機或實力的誤判。即便是所謂的「統一戰線」夥伴，包括外部勢力或本地盟友，其價值也是根據是否仍具戰略用途來評估。一旦失去戰略價值，就會被拋棄，有時甚至會公開表示過去的判斷需要修正。

「韜光養晦」這一策略就是另一個例子。西方普遍認為這是一種暫時性的策略，但在北京的邏輯中，它只是階段性策略，會隨著情勢變化而終止。一旦中國對自身能力充滿信心，就會毫無歉意地邁步向前。政策的轉變往往只會在遭遇明確且具體的挫折後發生，而不是因為意識形態上的轉變，而是情勢的演變所致。

與此同時，美國對中國日益強硬的姿態感到越來越擔憂。對華盛頓而言，中國的行動不只是防禦性或發展性的，更被視為對全球影響力甚至主導地位的野心。因此，美國政策已從接觸轉向遏制，特別是在高科技與國家安全領域。

近期的發展，例如法院對川普時期關稅政策的判決、短期的減稅協議，以及美國對半導體設計軟體出口的限制，雖是表層事件，卻反映出更深層的緊張關係。這些法律與經濟措施固然重要，但它們背後是長期的不信任，以及對全球權力與合法性的不同理解。

最終，這場衝突不僅僅是貿易或經濟的問題。它是一場長期的競爭，源自兩種對世界和自身角色有根本差異理解的體系。在雙方找到彼此尊重的方式，或建立一套新的共同認知之前，這場貿易戰將持續成為一場更大、更複雜鬥爭的一部分。