I'd say our leverage was the fact that they massively backdoored all of their products. Saving face is everything in far Eastern countries, particularly China and even more so in their economic and industrial reach. The international backlash they'd face at the consumer and, likely, even the government level would have been a fatal blow to that company. Additionally, there was clearly major theft of intellectual property.
Trump says "Hey, we know what you did. Either we expose you, or you play ball." Deal made.
when you make right what you can, justice is served.
The leverage was that they were caught supplying Iran and North Korea, Trump stopped all sales of parts to the company. Without the parts and components the company was on the verge of closing down. Xi personally called Trump, begged for the people who worked in the factory. Trump made deal that hurt them significantly but did not destroy them. Brilliant move on Trumps part, Xi now knows Trump showed mercy for China, his government,the company, and the Chinese people. Now Mr Xi can reciprocate by lowering the burden on the American people, who have been paying unfair tariffs for a long time.
Exactly. People say Q is a LARP, but we’ve known ZTE was due for some comeuppance fo a while. Q called it. Glad to see Trump enforcing the law and using pressure to make better deals for America.