Chapter 184: Divorce plan
“It depends on the patience of both our boards of directors, but as long as it doesn't delay for too long, I think it shouldn't be a big problem.”
Stonecipher sat back on the sofa again and looked at the back of the figure standing in front of the window:
"But you seem to have a plan. Are you planning to sanction them again?"
He has no hostility toward China, and of course he has no favorable impressions. As long as the goal can be achieved, he will do anything. For the Ministry of Commerce, economic sanctions are obviously the most direct and convenient way.
"Of course not. In your eyes, is this the only way we can do it?"
Kant turned back to look at the two CEOs of large companies angrily and amusedly, and asked in a slightly exaggerated tone.
The two did not answer directly, but it was not difficult to see from their eyes that this was what they thought.
“Ahem—”
Kanter, who felt a little embarrassed, coughed several times to change the subject:
"What Phil just said is right. China's market potential is very large, not only in the aviation industry, but also in other industries. And unlike Europe and Japan, their products are almost no threat to us, and they can only export some Cheap labor, it's a perfect market and we can't give it up.”
"The confidence of China and Europe to confront us on this matter lies in the strong complementarity between the two. China needs advanced aircraft produced by Airbus, and Airbus also needs to quickly occupy market share. Therefore, we have to do The purpose is not to exert direct pressure, but to undermine the relationship between China and Europe.”
Actually, Kanter has another reason that he didn't mention.
That is, since mid-1996, the White House began to gradually change its attitude towards China's accession to the WTO, from the previous strong obstruction to conditional support.
On the one hand, this is because major American companies, especially the emerging high-tech companies behind the Donkey Party that have developed with the Internet boom, hope to get a share of the rapidly developing Chinese economy. There have been several scandals in recent years, such as the Whitewater Incident.
The president himself hopes to make China's entry into the WTO an important political achievement in his second term. Kanter is keenly aware of this trend, so he is unwilling to have too large a conflict with the other party in the commercial field.
“But Michael, since the end of the Cold War, Europe has lost the threat from the other side of the Iron Curtain and has become less obedient, especially their businesses that relied on our assistance to recover.”
Condit's tone contained a bit of dissatisfaction. After all, without the Marshall Plan, Europe would still be in ruins until now. Where would there be so many rivals that could compete with him:
“We can see the potential of the Chinese market, and Europeans can naturally see it too. If you want to drive a wedge between them, it may not be that easy.”
"Of course we can't expect to start from the commercial level. Those European companies are probably dreaming that this matter will make a bigger fuss."
Kanter, who sat back on the office chair, shook his head and put out the half-burned cigar:
“But thanks to the existence of NATO, we have some more direct ways to influence them.”
“Can the Pentagon agree to repeat what happened at the beginning of last year?”
Stonecipher showed an expression of disbelief.
Although China undoubtedly suffered a loss in that incident, the United States was actually under great pressure and it was simply unfeasible to do it again in a short period of time.
“Why us?”
Kante showed a somewhat playful smile:
“The year is 1997, Harry, and it's been a very interesting year.”
"Although European companies no longer care about this, I think there must be some London aristocrats who are still living in the dream of an empire where the sun never sets, and want to do something at this point in time to satisfy their ridiculous of self-esteem.”
It took the other two people a few seconds to realize what Kanter was talking about:
"That's it? No other actions?" Obviously, they are not very optimistic about this plan.
“As long as the Chinese people can suffer a humiliating loss, that's enough.”
Kanter looked confident:
"You are not the only ones who have arranged consulting companies and foundations in China. We also have them, and the Pentagon also has them. At that time, we can arrange some experts with sufficient weight to focus on inciting their national sentiment through the media and set off a wave of anti-British and anti-European sentiments. , at this time, you can ask those who have benefited from you to propose reducing cooperation with Airbus.”
“They had no choice.”
A set of serial schemes made Stonecipher and Condit fall into deep thought at the same time.
This plan is to trick others into taking advantage of the fire, and at least there is no risk to them.
If it succeeds, it will be equivalent to weakening the bargaining chips of both Europe and China at the same time. Even if it does not succeed, it will be nothing more than a waste of a few months at most, and then we can consider negotiations.
The merger and acquisition process of two very large companies is originally calculated in years, and this time can still be delayed.
But there is another point that worries them.
“That sounds reasonable, but Michael, there's a question that I'm wondering if you've ever thought about.”
Condit showed a somewhat strange expression:
“Fifteen years ago, the British were almost defeated by the Argentines in the South Atlantic. Are you sure they still have enough strength to threaten the Chinese?”
“All your assumptions are based on the fact that the Chinese people will suffer, but if it is the British who are embarrassed in the end, I don't think the EU will suspend cooperation with China because of this.”
Stonecipher, sitting on the adjacent sofa, also agreed:
"Not to mention the EU, even British companies will probably not be affected. Companies such as Rolls-Royce, Marconi, Unilever and Rio Tinto have grown very rapidly in China in recent years. Their business in China has grown very rapidly. I won't lose the opportunity to make money just because of this.”
“No, no, no, you misunderstood what I meant.”
Kante waved his hand and then explained:
“I don't want the British to start a war like they did back then. What I want is a successful provocation that can become a trigger to destroy the relationship between them. This is enough.”
"for example?"
“For example, in the South China Sea, where the Chinese navy and air force cannot reach, we conducted several exercises with neighboring countries.”
The huge office fell into silence.
The two CEOs looked at each other and exchanged their opinions in a low voice.
“Well, your plan is worth a try.”
“But the patience of the board of directors and investors will not be unlimited. If we cannot see persuasive changes within half a year, then we will consider solving the problem through negotiations.”
(End of this chapter)
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