[War] PRC/USA: "In the East"

[Michael Downey]

"In the East"

President Christopher Hazen
United States of America

President Xiao Wu,
People's Republic of China

13 April, 2006
===========================================

The success with the German Chancellor, as welcomed as it was, grated
on Chris as he knew the 'next' encounter was with the new Chinese
leader.  Quite frankly, he didn't much like the Chinese government.
Their protectionist, overly centralized economic policies made trade
horrifically imbalanced between the two.  Further more their stance on
civil rights grated him on a personal level.  Sufficing to say, a talk
with the Chinese leader was not likely to go well.

Wu placed Jintao... Jintao was bad enough, but it did offer 'some'
reason to hope that this new man was more open then his predecessor.
Then again, 'open' was relative.

Hazen looked over the subjects to be discussed, the US Arms Embargo
predictably, and help in getting the Europeans to lift theirs.  Yeah,
well hell froze over and Satan gave free sleigh rides... how did that
translate into Chinese?

The second topic was Taiwan.  At least there, there was room for
negotiation.  Both he and Wu seemed to see eye to eye on that much.
The status quo was perhaps the best way to go for the foreseeable
future.

He took a deep breath as the door opened, another State Department Aid
coming in.  "It's time, Mr. President."

"Wonderful."  The New Yorker muttered, standing up and heading for the
meeting room.

Wu's English was somewhat limited, but the US State Department had
been kind enough to provide a translator, likely also an intelligence
agent (being from a communist country, Wu took this as a given) who
was already seated in the room.

"President Hazen," said Wu in passable English as the US leader
entered the room. "I am pleased to meet you at last. Thank you for
having me here in Washington."

"President Wu."  Chris smiled amiably and offered a hand, there was no reason
for open animosity between the two individuals regardless of respective
policies.  "It's an honor to have you here.  Why don't we start the
discussions?"

"I think it prudent that we begin with any issues the United States
wishes to talk about," said Wu through the translator, wanting to be
clear as possible. "I know your government has expressed misgivings
about the value of the yaun. And I can guess Taiwan is an issue to you
as well."

"I believe as far as Taiwan goes our respective governments are pretty much
in agreement.  There is no reason to change the status quo... despite
repeated,
often outlandish statements by your senior military commanders to the
contrary."  It was a not so subtle hint that now, as a major world
power, Chinese
leaders were very much subject to the same scrutiny as any other nation.  "As
long as your Administration makes no effort to change things, you'll find the
US
won't push actively for formal Taiwanese independence."

"The behaviour of certain top-ranking officers in the PLA over the
past few months has indeed been outside of what I would consider
acceptable," noted Wu. "And I can assure you that the last thing the
PRC wants is a war with Taiwan. The previous administration had a
tendency to pander to the more extremist factions in the government
and military for popularity." Wu wanted to ask how the constitutional
amendment banning gay marriage was going, but thought it better not
to. "Would you like to discuss trade at this point?"

"Seems like a good place to pick up."  Chris smiled, folding his hands
together as he leaned more forward.  "The Yuan obviously must be revalued, and
China's import and foreign investment policies liberalized if she's to
recognize
her full potential as a world leader in commerce."

"Currently the Yuan is pegged at 8.19 to one US Dollar," said Wu. "I
am willing to make an immediate revaluing of the Yuan to 7.5 per US
Dollar, followed by another revaluation to 7 per US Dollar six months
from that. After six months, we will review the agreement and possibly
float the Yuan freely. Also, I am aware that many US companies,
particularly technology firms, have complained about copyright
infringement by Chinese-owned companies. I will see to it that
international copyright and intellectual property laws are more
closely enforces in China."

"As grateful as we would be for this show of good faith President Wu, these
are things a responsible government of China's prestige ought to be doing
anyway in terms of embracing free-trade.  Besides, 'more closely enforced'
could
mean a variety of incremental changes that may or may not have any 'real'
effect.  So long as China maintains her current pace of opagueness as far as
Government operations and the curtailing of liberties, I fear any changes
would
simply be cosmetic at best.  Democracy is a key ingredient in so far
as ability to
utilize the economic potential in the ways best for your people.  There is no
reason I see that the Communist party could not exist as the majority party
among many."

"I would think the plight of the Russian Federation and your own
experiences in Iraq would show you that a nation cannot simply become
a nation over night," replied Wu. "I do not disagree that reform in
the Chinese government is a good thing. Part of my plan of change is
for State organs to be more accountable to the National People's
Congress and for stricter code of conduct for security and military
officials. But we are a long way off from becoming a liberal
democracy. That sort of thing takes years. It is not beyond the realm
of possibility, but the United States has to understand these things
take a great deal of time and patience. As for the enforcement of
copyright laws and fair trade practices, well, you have been given my
word, President Hazen. If you do not wish to trust that, then you
should not have met with me. All that I can say is we are members of
the WTO, and will impose our trade and economic reforms along set WTO
guidelines at let the Organization be the judge of how faithfully we
impose those reforms."

That was a peculiar response.  The Chinese had yet to obey by all WTO
regulations, and quite frankly Hazen held out little hope that their
policies were going to change at all.  President Wu had one thing
right however, he didn't quite trust China.  "Well Mister President,
I've heard some great stalling tactics in my life, but yours has got
to have been the most perfectly executed of them all.  Though I
appreciate your stance as far as certain remarks by Chinese military
officials go, and I can certainly appreciate the fact that democracies
do in principle require time and effort to build, saying it is
'difficult' is not in of itself a reason 'not' to do something.  I'm
not suggesting China should become a Democratic state over night, but
I 'am' saying there are policies your government can feasibly
implement, and 'should' implement to move the government and the
Chinese people closer to that day when China will take it's rightful
place as a leader in the free world.  There 'are' people thirsting for
freedom in your country Mister President, it would be best for all
concerned that their demands not fall on deaf ears.  Even such
notoriously dictatorial governments as Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and
Lebanon have had free elections on 'some' level, and the Iraqi's and
Afghans have had certifiably free and democratic elections, both of
which had far less prosperity, and far more roadblocks to freedom than
China does."

Now that the talk of democracy was over, Chris turned his attention
back to the issue of trading.  "As far as Chinese economic policies
go, if China is serious about being a world power, and about
strengthening ties with the United States, then the enforcement of IP
laws and a strong and fair economic system is necessary.  Perhaps a
show of good faith, for example large scale crackdowns on copyright
theft and a pledge to float the Yuan in, say, one year's time would
certainly strengthen China's credibility with the United States and
the rest of the world."


"I am 'stalling' for nothing," replied Wu curtly. America was truly
the most arrogant and contemptuous empire in history. "It is easy for
you to say 'become a democracy' and expect me to move heaven and earth
and create some perfect little republic. The United States has been a
democracy for almost three centuries, you already have a strong
tradition in such things.  Men in my position have been killed,
killed President Hazen, for pressing such issues too hard. I am not
yet a month in office.Do not twist my words and accuse me of stalling
when democratizing my nation is a monumental task that will take years
of careful and precise planning and implementation. I have NOT denied
the need for change, or said that I will not soon begin the steps
needed. You have to understand that I am far from an absolute dictator
of China, and have to start from the very basics. Yes, I will start
down the path, but it is a long one and must be followed patiently.
But do not pontificate to me about things you cannot possibly
understand."

There was no rancor in Wu's tone as he spoke, and the translator
certainly didn't carry any over any. Wu was giving a simple statement
of facts for the American president, though how well he was able to
stomach that seemed doubtful to Wu.

"As for economic policy, well, I can begin IP and copyright crackdowns
today. And I can agree to floating the yuan one year from now."

In his life, Chris had gotten into more than just one 'scuffle' with somebody
over words far less venomous then the ones being dispensed by the supposed
Chinese leader.  And, he had to admit, decking the guy wouldn't be something
he'd be likely to regret any time soon, but unfortunately the office of the
Presidency was much larger than he, and ergo some level or restraint
was required.
For all the 'calmness' in Wu's voice, the words did seem to be chosen in
anger.  Clearly then, he'd struck a chord.

"Correction Mister President, I know more than you would think."  For
instance, by the way this conversation was going it was clear that he lacked
the
fortitude necessary to truly liberalize his nation.  If he was a
'true' patriot to
the Chinese cause, he would realize his life wasn't worth subjecting his
countrymen to being cheated of some of life's most basic freedoms.  "Nor have
I
ever said you should automatically declare elections and proclaim yourself a
Democracy.  These things 'do' happen in steps, I was 'merely' curious as to
what
steps you 'are' prepared to take and when.  If you don't have a plan regarding
this, then how am I to believe that you and I truly share similar goals as
far as China's participation as a serious global power goes?"

At the very least, they had agreed on the Yuan and and the IP theft
crackdown.  If nothing else, President Wu was somebody he 'could' work
with in terms of
Economics.

"You have asked me no questions in regards to what plans we have for
democratic reform," replied Wu simply, spreading his hands. "You have
simply made vague assertions that China needs to be a democratic
state, and left it at that. It is my intention to begin with greater
public participation in the appointment of provincial governments, and
from there begin a bottom-up reform program.

"Frankly, President Hazen, I find the attitude of your administration
towards my nation to be rather disturbing. I have come here in the
spirit of friendship and greater Sino-American cooperation, yet all I
have received from you is suspicion and contempt. You express strong
misgivings about us, yet scoff at my offers of progress and reform on
both democratic and economic issues. You demand change, yet mock my
assurances that change will be implemented. As you say here, I am
damned if I do and damned if I don't." Wu raised a questioning
eyebrow. "Why is that, Mr. President? I came here hoping to foster
better relations between us. Why is it that I have been greeted with
such overt hostility?"

"My dear President Wu, 'if' I was being hostile to you, there would be no
need for you to ask that question."  Wow, this guy really liked being
stand-offish, didn't he?  "I have not scoffed at anything, nor am I
contempting anything,
I am merely pointing out that China has obligations to fulfill as a
respected and powerful member of the International community, and that
rather than
using such issues as bargaining points, in an attempt to curry favor,
these moves
should be made anyway because they 'are' what is best for China.  If I come
off as hostile, it is because I see China being capable of great things and of
being a strong ally, and am a little frustrated knowing more can be done."

"And as I have stated, I do not disagree China is in a time of
change." That he was being lectured by an AMERICAN about what was best
for China irked Wu, whether or not he agreed. "I want progress for
China, and indeed see need for change in many areas. Change I intend
to implement."

Now that trade and the somewhat annoying but typical lectures about
democracy and 'freedom,' Wu felt it was time to move onto the big
issue.

"You talk of China becoming a strong ally of the United States," said
Wu. "That is a hope I too share, President Hazen. Any since every
alliance starts with one step, I would like to discuss the topic of
the US arms embargo against my nation, and the possibility of it being
lifted. Now I know what you are going to say. With our current stance
on Taiwan, you are hesitant to sell us weapons because we might use
them against the ROC. In exchange for the arms embargo being lifted,
or at least softened, I would repeal the Anti-Secession Act that
authorizes the use of non-peaceful actions against Taiwan."

Chris shook his head.  "Mister President, the reason for the arms embargo
goes well beyond any threat to Taiwan, though that certainly does play a part
in
it.  It also has to do with the actions at Tianamen Square.  You would be
asking me to sell you the very equipment that could later be used as tools of
violent oppression."  He held up his hand before Wu could respond.  "I
do not mean
to imply 'you' would order their use in such a way, but neither of us can
guarantee what will happen if/when another President of China emerges.  If a
declaration of basic human rights was made... for example a
declaration that only
Police will be involved in law enforcement activities, and that certain
actions are permissible, such as civilized discourse even if critical
of government
activities, that would certainly allow us to consider the possibility of
softening the embargo."  He couldn't act without Congressional
consent, and getting
that would be a difficult thing to do even in his position.  What Wu was
asking for was nothing short of a drastic change in 50 years of American
Foreign
Policy.  "In short, I am willing to try if you are."

"Tianamen Square was twenty years ago," said Wu with a frown. "Jiang
Zemin and Deng Xiaoping are dead. And I should also point out you
had no reservations about selling us, or at least agreeing to sell to
us, weapons just prior to the events at Tianamen when we had the
Soviets as a common enemy, despite the huge loss of life in the
Cultural Revolution, itself slightly over twenty years prior to
Tianamen." And the US was not innocent of murdering its own students
from time to time, though Wu saw little point in dragging up events
like the Kent State shootings to prove his point. It was simply that
the continued hypocrisy of the United States was becoming more and
more irritating. But, they did have something he wanted.

"I can agree to your terms that only the police would be used in civil
peace and security inside China. Except of course in cases of martial
law. Your own country has such legal provisions, so I am sure you can
understand. What I want to know from you before I agree to implement
such policy changed is just what I will be getting in return. First, I
would like for you to authorize the sale of seventy S-70A Black Hawk
helicopters. We were going to purchase seventy KA-60 helicopters from
Russia, but the S-70A seems to be a more functional design. And given
that the United States already sold twenty Black Hawks to China in the
early 1980's, I do not see that as an issue.

"Second, the PLAAF is very interested in the Pratt&Whitney PW1120
engine for our J-10 fighter aircraft. Again, your government already
agreed to sell us the design in the 1980's, but......" Wu trailed off,
not needing to explain what had occurred in the 1980's to kill that
deal. "The final piece of US military technology is somewhat more
advanced, and I can understand if you are reluctant to sell it to us.
What I am talking about is the APG-79 radar system used in your
remarkable F/A-18E Hornet fighters. Like the PW1120, it is superior to
anything we or the Russians can make."

"Let me make something clear President Wu... 'I' was not the President in the
1980's, I am now.  Though I appreciate your attention to history, I am in no
way bound to follow the lead of my predecessors.  This being said, I do not,
nor will I hold you responsible for Tianamen Square, after all, you weren't
the
leader of China.  I can not, however, in good conscience authorize the sell
of weaponry without certain guarantees as to what it will be used for.  If you
were to issue an international apology for the events of Tianamen Square, and
guarantee in the same speech that the Chinese Military will not be used for
general policing duties save as a last resort, I would be willing to authorize
the sale of the Blackhawks and completed Engines with all technical support
necessary provided naturally that there is no attempt at reverse engineering
of
any aspect of the equipment.  The advanced nature of the APG-79 I'm afraid
prohibits it's sales, but I'm sure knocked down systems which are still
advanced
could be constructed for the J-10.  Naturally, we would want the construction
to take place in America and then shipped to China, simply to guarantee the
systems are to the specifications stipulated to."

"The events at Tianamen Square were an internal matter of the People's
Republic, and I do not think we 'owe' the international community and
apology at all," said Wu. "However I do agree that it was an
unrequited use of force, and will be willing to state before the NPC
that the actions taken by Deng Xiaoping at the time were a costly
mistake. Added to that, I will extend full amnesty to any protesters
that have been charged with participating in the Tianamen protest. All
those currently under confinement in China will be released. All those
who may be living abroad will also be given amnesty. I doubt they will
want to come back, but the gesture is there. And as I have already
stated before, I am willing to change the laws of the PRC so the
military may only be called into control civil issues in times of
martial law."

"Tianamen Square was a human tragedy, which occurred in China, but my intent
wasn't for you to apologize to the international community as much as it was
to make sure China would publicly state it's regret over the actions taken.
It sounds like you're willing to do that, for that much I am grateful and as
stated, I will agree to authorize the foreign sales of the Blackhawks and the
engines."  Chris gave a quick nod and a smile.  Seemed like a fair deal.  "I'm
attempting to organize an international Peacekeeping force for Darfur.
Germany and the United States are already committed, and we would
welcome China as a
partner in the endeavor."

"And the reduced-capacity APG-79 radar systems," said Wu. "As for your
request that we participate in the Darfur peacekeeping exercise, I can
agree to that. I will send the 1st Amphibious Expeditionary Brigade of
the PLANMC. That is five thousand troops. However because of this
commitment, I would ask you use your substantial influence to persuade
the European Union to end their arms embargo against China. This is
not a condition of our participation in the Darfur mission, we will do
that anyway as a sign of China's good faith and peaceful intent in the
world. It is merely a request between..... allies?"

"Again, it is far too early to consider removing 'all' arms embargo.  But
your reassurances will probably go a long way in helping to establish a dialogue
where we can find a comfortable level of access to the EU arms market.  It
would also help your cause if minimum working standards were established over a
period of time, minimum wage, safer working conditions... all of which would
help sway the conscience of the Europeans over to your side."

"I will talk of such matters with the EU, as it is they who must
decide the matter," replied Wu. He was just about finished getting
lectures from Hazen.
---

Actions:
1) China will crackdown on copyright infringment and theft of
intellectual property
2) China agrees to repeal the Taiwan Anti-Seccession Law and that the
PLA will never be used in civil matters except for situations of
martial law. In exchange, the US will sell the PLANMC and PLAAF Black
Haws helicopters, reduced-capacity APG-79 radars, and Pratt&Whitney
PW1120 jet engines.
3) China will make some social reforms as a sign of good will.