[War] Russia/China: "Collaboration"

[Chazenesq2b at aol.com]

"Collaboration"
 
President Xia Hong, People's Republic of China
Minister Irena Denometov, Russian Federation
January 23rd, 2007
=======================================
 
Beijing could be as cold as Moscow in this season, and Foreign Ministry Irena 
Denometov was thankful that it was just a short walk from the motorcade to 
the residence of the Chinese President. Her entourage was small, just her aid 
and three bodyguards that would remain outside during her meeting with President 
Hong.

Irena had never guessed that China, of all places, would have a female 
president so soon. She did not consider the People's Republic socially forward 
enough for that to happen. And coming from a Russian, that was saying something.  
President Nemerenko had turned one or two heads in the Federal Assembly by
appointing a woman as the chief diplomat of the Federation.

The PLA sentries, all decked out in their grips uniforms, gave the Minister 
sharp salutes as she entered the building.

This was to be a state visit of the highest order, and to that end Xia 
herself awaited the Ambassador's arrival in the reception room of the newly 
constructed Executive Residence, the design of which drew greatly on
traditional Chinese architecture.  A golden dragon print lined the red walls 
of the reception room, each wall adorned with it's own, and the craftwork put 
into the construction of the building from traditional artists and laborers 
from all walks of life were readily visible to the trained eye.  Old world 
feeling, merged with new world technology... it was a modern marvel of sorts, 
emphasizing the new world in which everyone found themselves these days.

"Ambassador Denometov."  Xia smiled sweetly, speaking softly, and sat 
gracefully in one of the hand-made upholstered chairs designed specifically for what 
few spectators allowed into the room loosely and affectionately dubbed 'the 
dragon's lair'.  Xia was speaking in English, her only other language besides
typical Mandarin, and one she figured would be far easier to adapt to on both 
sides.  "Welcome to Beijing.  I hope your flight wasn't too taxing?"

"Madam President," replied Denemetov. It was actually 'Minister,' but it was 
just a slight oversight and Irena saw no reason to spoil the mood with a 
correction. "On behalf of the Russian Federation and President Nemerenko, I bring 
you our warmest greetings. It is always a pleasure to speak with one of our 
closest neighbors."

"Please accept, on behalf of the Chinese people, our welcome.  The 
Sino-Russian relationship is particularly important, and we hold our northern neighbors 
in the highest regard."  Xia smiled, turning her attention momentarily to the 
itinerary.  "I hope your schedule will permit you to indulge in your visit?"

"Of course, Madam President," said Denemetov with a nod. "My fullest priority 
has been devoted to this state visit."

"Then far be it from me to distract from priorities."  Xia grinned again, 
turning her attention back to the itinerary.  "Where would you like to begin?"

"The Russian Federation has always appreciated China's 'customer loyalty' 
when it comes to military equipment," said Denemetov. "Moscow and the Ministry of 
Defence would like to solicit China's cooperation in a joint venture between 
the Russian Navy and the People's Liberation Navy. For several years now, your
navy has put a high priority on the development of a new generation of 
nuclear attack subs. The Federation needs to rebuild its own submarine force from 
the decline our Navy went through after the collapse of the CCCP. We would like 
to know if China is interested in jointly developing a nuclear attack sub for
both our respective militaries."

It would be a good relationship if they both had the same objectives.  The 
Russians and the Chinese combined had an excellent technological and experience 
base to begin such a project... unfortunately where as Russia normally went 
for vast fleets of long-range, deployable assets the People's Liberation Navy
preferred a more defensive posture, their strategic plan calling for area 
denial to hostile forces more than power projection.  "I see no reason we can't 
begin to collaborate on such a project.  Though my time was in the PLA as a 
Commisar."  Xia chuckled lightly.  "I'm hardly an expert on Naval requirements.  
I believe however we can establish a bilateral committee of our foremost naval 
specialists to see if fielding such a vessel would be possible.  If this 
response is acceptable to you, I'd like to discuss trans-border issues next?"

"Of course."

Xia nodded.  "As I'm sure you are undoubtedly aware, the slave trade is 
unfortunately alive and well within Asia.  This includes Russian citizens being 
shipped through China as slaves, as well as Chinese citizens being shipped 
through Russia.  These practices pray on the poorest and most vulnerable of both our
peoples, and I am determined to see it stopped.  I hope you will pass on to 
the President my sincerest wish to curb these activities, as well as a request 
for joint law enforcement ventures to destroy these groups?"

Denemetov nodded. "Yes, a very concerning situation. Right now, internal 
security and order is there top issue of Moscow's domestic concerns. We can 
readily agree to this proposal. Perhaps as a provision of this, the MVD and the PAP 
could begin an information sharing program, similar to that of the American
FBI and Britain MI5?"

"For the purposes of law enforcement along the border and in instances of 
mutual interest, absolutely."  Xia was happy to make that deal.  Rarely in life 
did two see eye to eye perfectly against any one position, and this was one of 
those times.  It was good to be able to say progress was being made though.  
"I would also like to discuss possible Russian support of Chinese territorial 
claims, the Spratly and Parcel Islands, and Senkaku-shoto Island.  Such a 
gesture of friendship would be greatly appreciated and welcomed."

Irina inwardly winced. Even allies didn't like getting drawn into territorial 
disputes, especially pedantic ones. However the request did offer an 
opportunity for Russia.

"And in exchange you will recognize our claims to the Kuril Islands?"

That was a tough exchange.  As far as China's disputes went, only the 
Vietnamese and Taiwanese actually had real standing to contest, the latter wasn't a 
country and the former wasn't nearly as important globally as Japan.  Still, 
sometimes you had to give more than you took.  "We will certainly support 
Russian claims, and press diplomatically for the Japanese to offer favorable terms."

"Then we are agreed on that subject," replied Irina. "I will have the 
Ministry of Foreign Affairs draft a formal letter of recognition of China's 
sovereignty over those particular territories." So far, so good. Nemerenko
distrusted the Chinese, but Denemetov saw them as less of a threat then he 
did. The new Chinese leader did not seem to be aggressive or expansionist, which 
boded well for China's neighbors. "Is there anything further you wish to 
discuss?"

"There is as a matter of fact."  Xia sat a little further back in her chair.  
"As you're undoubtedly aware, both of our nations are dependent upon trade.  
Trade means a necessity for security on the high-seas, something not 
completely available in certain parts of the world.  I am already planning to commit 
the PLN to policing areas of piracy... that commitment would be made stronger 
with Russian support."

That seemed completely reasonable. Russia had as much concern in the Pacific 
area as it did the North Atlantic, and a secure flow of trade and oil to the 
Motherland's clients was desirable.

"Of course, the Russian Navy will provide whatever assistance it can to help 
the PLN combat piracy."

"I'm glad to hear that."  Xia nodded, grateful for the assistance.  "Is there 
anything else Russia wishes to discuss?"

Irina shook her head. "Not at this time."
 
"In that case, I hope you will accept a Presidential invitation to explore 
Beijing.  If your scheduling permits, I've asked out chef to make preparations 
for an official State Dinner."  Whether Irina showed up or not was 
inconsequential, but Xia did place a certain value on personal relationships and it would 
have been simply rude not to ask.
===========================================
 
ACTIONS
 
1.  Russia and China to exchange support on territorial claims.
2.  Russian and Chinese defense experts to conviene over the possibility of 
mutual attack submarine design.
3.  Russian and Chinese law enforcement agencies to collaborate on 
trans-border issues, namely narcotic and people traffiking.
4.  Russian and Chinese Naval forces to coordinate in anti-piracy patrols and 
security on the high-seas.
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