[War] Canada/China: "Sitting Down to Talk"
Michael Downey
michael.michaeldowney at gmail.com
Fri Sep 28 10:55:03 EDT 2007
"Sitting Down to Talk"
Prime Minister MacIntyre, Canada
Ambassador Jao, People's Republic of China
20 March 2013
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
MacIntyre had been happy with how his summit with President Williams
had gone. One of the key criticisms of the PM during his election
campaign was his relative lack of experience in international affairs
and diplomacy. His relatively successful discourse with Williams
had,
MacIntyre hoped, given him more credibility in that field.
The PM cautioned himself that Canada had historically enjoyed at
the
very least fair relations with the US and a traditional
understanding
of cooperation between both nations. Other countries were less
accommodating, and required more delicate handling.
"Like China," said Ingram. MacIntyre looked over at her. His Chief
Political Advisor had probably been speaking the exact same thing
MacIntyre had been thinking, he just hadn't bothered listening to
yet
another of her worrisome lectures. "Don't think that they'll be
anywhere near as compliant as the President was."
"As I understand it, we enjoy pretty good relations with China as
it
is," replied MacIntyre. He had of course read into the subject in
detail. Canada generally had the most cooperative and cordial
relation
with the People's Republic out of all the Western nations, which
dated
back to Trudeau being the first NATO leader to open formal
relations
in 1970, two years before Nixon's visit and nine years before
Congress
broke it off with the ROC and formally recognized the PRC. "We have
no
territorial disputes with them, no military concerns in Asia, and no
diplomatic problems. We'll talk trade and technology."
"You said you would press them on intellectual property laws and
patent rights," noted Ingram. MacIntyre nodded.
"Yes, I did, and I will," assured the PM. "But let's go into this
with
a positive attitude, shall we?"
Ambassador Win Jao had spent the better part of the last week
preparing
for
this upcoming discussion. It was rare to be given the chance for
such
a
high-level dialogue, but with the invasion of North Korea and the
Beijing
Conference ongoing, it was decided that international cooperation
and
diplomacy
should be a cornerstone of China's foreign policy. This
particularly
included
the new world nations, and although President Hong would soon be
making
her
own
trip to the Americas, the foundation of understanding and
communication
always remained, as per tradition, between the Embassy of one
nation,
and
the
government of another.
Win was a full sixty-five years old... but despite his age was at
the
very
peak of his game, and career, in China's Ministry of State. He'd
served
in
several important posts over his career... helping to oversee the
successful
transfer of Hong Kong to Chinese control, serving as China's formal
ambassador
to the European Union, and prior to his assignment in Canada working
in
the
United Nations as a senior advisor to China's formal mission. He
knew
a
lot
about the west and it's ways... how to speak nearly perfect English
(his
accent 'did' cut in at times, much like the President's did),
attended
several
semesters worth of classes at Johns Hopkins, Harvard, and Queens
University. He
was one of the few classically trained diplomats (by western
standards)
at
Xia's disposal, and she'd seen fit to place him in Canada for
several
reasons.
"Mister Prime Minister." Win smiled warmly and genuinely, he had
always
been the kind of person who loved associating with people, and learning
about
the various cultures and societies that made up the 'global tapestry'
as
his
doctoral thesis had called it. Even with critics of China's policies
or
government attacked, he was the type to simply shrug it off as part
of
his
job,
maintain a warm smile, and attempt a more personal connection, which
he
saw
as
vital to substantive advancement in any of the dozens of major
issues
facing
the People's Republic at any given time. "It is a great pleasure to
finally
meet you in person. I am looking forward to working with you as I
did
your
predecessor." He offered his hand after straightening his
immaculate
suit.
"Your government was gracious enough to provide me in advance a
compendium
of
the topics you wished to cover today. I've consulted with Beijing
and
hopefully we can reach a level of understanding. Correct me if I
am
wrong, but you
wished to discuss issues of mutual trade and technology?"
Understandably
China was very interested in both. Chinese heavy industry viewed
Canada
as
a
potential source not only of expertise, but of buyers of finished
products.
Atop that, Canada was a global leader in the development of green
technologies
and environmental engineering... and China was most definitely
interested
in
acquiring that know how and technology. It was no secret among
the
people
of
China that President Hong viewed environmental concerns as one of
the
top
problems facing them.
"Ambassador," responded MacIntyre, accepting Win Jao's hand and
shaking it firmly. "As always, Canada is happy to have a
face-to-face
discourse with our friends across the Pacific. Please, follow me."
The PM usually hosted foreign dignitaries in his own office in the
Central Bloc. Large, sweeping conference rooms created too much of a
standoff-ish atmosphere and obstructed real dialog and negotiation
with too much formality.
"I remember when I was finish my degree at Dalhouise that the Cold
War
ended," commented MacIntyre as he sat down in one of the armchairs
clustered around the oval coffee table in the middle of the office.
"The end of communism in Europe. Your country had already begun its
own transition to capitalism. I thought that maybe, perhaps, the idea
of mutual trade between us, the West, and emerging capitalist states
would be what would really create a true state of global peace. Some
ways it did, some way it didn't. There was that eleven-year lull,
apart from brush fire wars like the Persian Gulf of Yugoslavia. But
then September 11th, the 'War on Terror,' the Iraq War......." The
Prime Minister shrugged. "And here we were, twelve years later, in
the
middle of another lull. Islamic extremism is still a problem but Bin
Laden is dead and democracy has finally been brought to Afghanistan
and Iraq. Now I think it's time for us to start working on that whole
'era of peace' thing, and maybe not get sidetracked like we did
twelve
years ago. And I think relations between Canada and China are a good
place to start.
"Anyway, the first issue is trade. China is a big source of imports
for Canada. In particular textiles, footwear, toys and plastics. We,
on the other hand, can offer China a great deal of things that I am
sure you country could use. Cars and auto parts, and prices a bit
fairer than what the Americans charge you, to begin with. Second,
wheat and cattle. Canada can produce and export both in abundance and
you have 1.4 billion mouths to feed. Third and most importantly,
uranium and the reactor technology. The two CANDU reactors we built
you are still chugging along nicely, and our scientists at Chalk
River
have finalized the first Advanced CANDU Reactor, or ACR, prototype.
China needs energy, and no one wants to become MORE dependent on
oil."
Not a diplomat by training, MacIntyre was a businessman. He was
careful to put out options but made no overt proposals. Let the
Chinese pick out what they wanted to run with, and then they could go
from there.
Win nodded, folding his hands as both men began their discourse.
"Certainly
it's China's position that all responsible nations should pursue
peaceful
coexistence with each other. Unfortunately events in North Korea may
make
that
seem like hollow words, but the fact remains that the only reason the
invasion took place is because a peace at the expense of millions and
possibly
billions should North Korea's nuclear materials have fallen into the
wrong hands
was simply unacceptable to live with." He straightened a little,
confident
that he'd explained the North Korean issue adequately. "We certainly
appreciate the incredible technology Canada has access to, and
President Hong places
high priority on petroleum independence. Were Canadian companies to
approach
the Chinese government, I'm sure they would find a very warm
reception
for
testing the new ACR. I'm absolutely certain our universities and
the
students
they educate would benefit greatly from the research potential.
As for auto-parts, China has it's own manufacturers and companies, and
simply I'm not authorized to speak on their behalf. I've gotten
direct word from
the President however that China will adjust policy to be generally
receptive
of Canadian goods. Both nations, we believe, would benefit from
stronger
economic ties."
"Well since there is only one Canadian company that handles our
nuclear industry and it's owned by the Crown, consider the offer
already made," grinned MacIntyre. "I am also glad you are receptive
to
Canadian agricultural exports.
"Nuclear power aside, if China were to agree to free trade when it
comes to Canadian beef and wheat exports, I will lift all tariffs on
Chinese-made textiles and footwear, your number one export to Canada."
"Why not go further?" Win adjusted himself as he spoke, leaning
slightly further in as his interest in what the Canadian leader was
offering increased. "China is naturally very supportive of free
trade
policies. We have benefited from it extensively, and believe that it
can certainly be a tool for the poorer nations of the world to help
lift themselves from poverty when used responsibly. To that end, why
not consider establishing a free trade pact? Such an agreement would
be greatly beneficial to both our nations."
MacIntyre shook his head. "No, that's too far and too fast of a step
to consider at this time. Further discussion may be appropriate for a
future time, but not now."
"I'm sorry to hear that, though I do understand the need to proceed
carefully. That being said, I do not believe such an exchange would
be equivalently
in each party's favor. Would you consider eliminating tariffs on
Chinese
made steel and heavy industrial products as well?"
"Not equivalent?" MacIntyre was no diplomat but he was a businessman
and wasn't going to get talked into anything more than he wanted. "I
think it's very equivalent. I give you free trade on your top export
to my country, which I can also get from India and a very similar rate
to what China exports for I should point out, and you get free trade
on food you NEED to feed your 1.3 billion people. My offer is very
fair and will not change."
"With all due respect Mister Prime Minister, food is cheap and plentiful.
If you do not produce it, we will simply pay those who will for a
resource
that is overly abundant and subsidizes more than one nation on this
Earth. That
being said, India is a primarily service-oriented economy, and far less
an
industrial power house than China. We can produce in numbers well
beyond
what
you'll get from India, and at the same time with more interest in Indian
goods, their prices will begin increasing fairly rapidly. Are you
prepared
to
face voter back-lash and a severe economic reversal given much of your
reputation is based on your business acumen?" Win shrugged. "Besides,
Indian
policy has always favored tariffs on foreign products. You will not
get
this
kind of cooperation that China offers from the Indian government. Much
of
the
machinery and heavy industrial products upon which your nation's very
affluent
economy is based already originate in China. It would be a great boon to
have access to these products without having to pay the taxes imposed
by
tariffs."
Now he was getting irritated. He was not and never had the intention
of creating such a massive trade increase with China. His offer had
been modest but fair, and now this guy was pushing him too hard. Time
to push back.
"You ask me for too much," countered MacIntyre. "You want Canada to
buy and buy and buy from you and offer us nothing in return. That is
why it's called 'trade.' You simply start buying foodstuffs from us at
reduced and in exchange I am to give you free trade, no tariffs on
steel, on textiles? What does that get me, other than a trade defecit?
You want me to lift tariffs on steel? What tariffs are you going to
lift on Canadian goods?"
"Wheat and meat." Win reiterated the position simply. "Products that
are
bought every day, that are a 'necessity'. Certainly they are of far
greater
value given volume of sales than heavy equipment which lasts for years
once
bought and isn't as universally required as food."
"Okay, fine," said MacIntyre. "No tariffs on Chinese steel. In
exchange, you put no tariffs on Canadian coal and uranium."
"That would be an absolutely reasonable request were it to include a mutual
elimination of tariffs on manufactured electronics. Again, that way we
will
both benefit."
The PM considered it. "Alright, mutual free trade on consumer
electronics. But, that brings us to a concern I have. You really
screwed over Dell and IBM a few years ago with patent violations, and
the World Trade Organization has cited China for turning a blind eye
to continued patent violation by certain companies in your country. I
reserve the right to withdraw from a consumer electronic free trade
pact if the WTO cites you again for violations."
Win nodded. "There is no nation in the WTO that has not factually violated
the WTO's charter in it's own interest. I would think it goes without
saying
any agreements should include mutual clauses allowing the parties to
dissolve it."
"Then we are agreed," said the PM. "The other item I wish to discuss
is North Korea. Now whatever your reasons or motivations are for
invading the country, the fact remains that like in all wars, noble or
ignoble, people are suffering. As a country of peace and a believer in
the prosperity of all men, Canada will offer humanitarian aid to North
Korea."
"Both your statements are excellent news, Prime Minister." Win smiled
broadly as he clasped his hands together. "With regards to North
Korea, I'm sure
the North Korean government and people will be extremely receptive of such a
generous offer. I can not speak on their behalf, but I will certainly
recommend we support an affirmative response."
"I'm sure," answered MacIntyre, trying to put on the most sincere
smile he could muster. "Thank you for meeting with me, Mr.
Ambassador."
---
1) Canada agrees to lift tariffs on Chinese steel, footwear and textiles
2) China agrees to lift tariffs on Canadian wheat, cattle, uranium and lumber
3) Canada and China agree to mutual free trade on electronics, with
Canada reserving the right to withdraw if China is cited by the WTO
for patent violations.
4) Canada will provided humanitarian food and medical aid to North Korea
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