Reference Message Network reported on May 22 that according to a report from the German News Television Channel website on May 21, South African President Ramaphosa said, "If there were a 'genocide' of African farmers, these three gentlemen would definitely not be here." He pointed at the three white men he brought to meet with U.S. President Trump. The subsequent meeting indicated that this was a good move.

The report stated that Ramaphosa went to Washington to ease tensions. In early February, Trump froze aid to South Africa and expelled the South African ambassador to the U.S. in March. Trump accused South Africa of implementing "genocide" against white farmers and discriminating against Afrikaners, descendants of Dutch immigrants.

When Ramaphosa sat down in the Oval Office of the White House, Trump ordered the lights dimmed and played two videos to substantiate his criticism, then picked up a large stack of papers containing articles about the fate of white farmers and said into the camera: "Death, death, terrible death."

The report noted that during this meeting, which American media called an "ambush," Ramaphosa held his ground. From his reaction, it seemed he already knew his situation in the White House. Ramaphosa might have prepared for this appearance for a long time, possibly even rehearsed. He probably studied the case of Ukrainian President's visit to the White House. At that time, Zelenskyy was infuriated by Trump and his deputy and was later expelled from the White House.

Ramaphosa remained calm. He repeated over and over again, "Let me clarify the facts." Ramaphosa calmly refuted Trump without contradicting him, steering the conversation toward a potentially productive direction.

He also received support from members of his delegation. When Ramaphosa spoke, Trump looked sullen and reluctant. But when South African professional golfer Ernie Els began to speak, the expression on the U.S. President's face relaxed. Els said he was pleased to meet Trump because he hoped his country would prosper, and this required help from the U.S.

Trump, who loves golf, seemed to truly listen. There was laughter in the room. Ramaphosa took the opportunity to say that his country needed American support to stimulate the economy, create jobs, reduce unemployment, and combat crime. Ramaphosa said that crime had caused many whites to die, but more blacks had died as well.

The report pointed out that although Trump may not admit it, Ramaphosa and his team influenced Trump. When a female reporter asked Trump whether he still believed there was a "genocide" in South Africa, he replied, "I haven't decided yet." The toughness Trump showed at the beginning of the meeting was almost gone. (Translated by Wang Qiang)

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