NationStates Jolt Archive

In January 1905, Secretary of State Hay finally reaches Formosa after stops in Hawaii, Kwajalein, Truk, Guam and Manila. At the invitation of the Japanese government, who was providing the venue, a conference between the United States of America, the Empire of Japan and the Empire of China began.

With relations between the US and Germany tense, the US government was looking to improve its relations with Japan and continue to build on its better relations with China.

US proposals to China and Japan
1. That China and Japan sign a permanent peace treaty and that Japan gets Formosa permanently, but that Japan recognize Korea as part of the Chinese sphere of influence.
2. All tariffs in the US on Chinese and Japanese goods be lifted. However, in exchange, because of domestic pressures, the US is forced to ask for a limit on emigration from those 2 nations to the Continental US and Hawaii.
3. China and Japan have free trade rights in the Philippines until that nation gains its independence, which is set for 1946, and that the US procterate over that nation be recognized by both China and Japan.
4. US acquisition of the Marianas, Caroline, and Marshal Islands be recognized.
5. That tariffs between China and Japan be kept at a reasonable limit.
6. That the US, China and Japan agree to support each other in the event any of the three nations are attacked by two or more of the European powers including Russia.

The Chinese Ambassador, Lu Hong, listened to the American's demands and maintained a cool exterior despite a seething morass of emotion deep inside as giving up Formosa was a slap to China's national dignity. After the American spoke, Lu Hong put on a smile for appearance's sake and began his response.

"I thank the honorable Americans for their willingness to meet with China and Japan. Your kindness shall not be forgotten."

A slight pause.

"I would like to address each one of your points that you have stated.

First, regarding Formosa in exchange for Korea. China will agree to grant the island of Formosa to Japan in return for Korea. However any landmass of Formosa that is a part of mainland Asia shall remain Chinese.

Second, China shall agree with the US deal regarding lifting of tariffs in exchange for limited emigration towards Hawaii and the Continental US. However, China would like to request that Chinese exchange students are to be exempt from this. In return, China will grant any US student who wishes to study in China similiar rights as Chinese citizenry.

Third, China does not see any problem with free trade rights in the Philipines. If the Philipines chooses to cease trade with China once they gain independence in 1946, China shall not object. The same goes for US protectorate status over the Philipines until 1946.

Fourth, China does recongize the US acquistion of the Marinaras, Caroline, and Marshal Islands. In return, China would like the US to recongize China's sphere of influence over Korea.

Fifth, China does not see any harm in keeping tariffs reasonable on Japanese goods. This can only be a good thing, as China desires more trade and improvement of its economy.

Finally, China supports the defense pact between the US, Japan, and China regarding European Powers. Friendship and unity is worth far more than its weight in gold or diamonds."

Lu Hong leaned back, awaiting the responses of Japan and America.

OOC: Tag, I'll put something in tommorrow, I'm running like 8 hours of sleep in 4 days at the moment

ooc
the US is recognizing the reality of the situation. Japan stole Formosa from China in 1896, but on the other hand, also got control over parts of Manchuria (Port Arthur) and Korea until the Germans and Russians butted in and forced Japan to accept only Formosa. So basically, its a compromise, both Japan and China get to keep something and save face. In China's case, its gets its traditional role in Korea... although right now the Koreans have Austrian and Russian friends (based on previous RP)

ooc
the US is recognizing the reality of the situation. Japan stole Formosa from China in 1896, but on the other hand, also got control over parts of Manchuria (Port Arthur) and Korea until the Germans and Russians butted in and forced Japan to accept only Formosa. So basically, its a compromise, both Japan and China get to keep something and save face. In China's case, its gets its traditional role in Korea... although right now the Koreans have Austrian and Russian friends (based on previous RP)

OOC: also in a previous RP treaty, China gave up control and claim of all of its islands to japan in exchange for Japan to give up land claims in asia. I'm to become the island power and china the land. So this has already sorta been worked out. Though Japan would like to court the US as an allie.

if you want to talk more my aim is "slmdhipsi3si"

OOC: also in a previous RP treaty, China gave up control and claim of all of its islands to japan in exchange for Japan to give up land claims in asia. I'm to become the island power and china the land. So this has already sorta been worked out. Though Japan would like to court the US as an allie.

if you want to talk more my aim is "slmdhipsi3si"

ooc
sorry, I can't AIM. For some reason my home computer doesn't like AIM (its an antique) and needless to say AIMing at work is frowned upon.

IC
The US is interested in a defensive alliance with Japan, using the existing treaty Japan has with Great Britain as a model.

ooc
sorry, I can't AIM. For some reason my home computer doesn't like AIM (its an antique) and needless to say AIMing at work is frowned upon.

IC
The US is interested in a defensive alliance with Japan, using the existing treaty Japan has with Great Britain as a model.


OOC: Britian never signed one with japan, they kinda snubbed japan.


Hong Kong looks lovely this time of year ;-)

Lu Hong listened to the American and Japanese delegates trade talk about an potential Japan-American alliance. He decided he had to speak up or else.

"You guys are proposing an alliance? What is this alliance's view towards China?"

=====================================
OOC:

I'm assuming your guys are talking about it right after my guy spoke, as I haven't seen "Secret IC" or the delegates moving into another room to speak privately.

A similar arrangement with China would indeed be valuable, perhaps a mutual defense treaty amongst the three nations can arranged? Basically, if China, Japan or the US is attacked by two or more powers than the other two nations would come to its defense.

IC: Japan agrees to all particulars of this treaty.

Though the Korea issue is a touchy subject especially with Austro-Hungarian troops in the country. That issue must be delt with.

IC: Japan agrees to all particulars of this treaty.

Though the Korea issue is a touchy subject especially with Austro-Hungarian troops in the country. That issue must be delt with.

Hay points out that with the way things are going in Europe, those Austrian troops may be leaving soon. However, Russia and Austria Hungary are approaching the brink of war. Perhaps the US, China and Japan should protect Korea's neutrality in such a situation to prevent Austrian and Russian troops fighting in Korea and giving the Russians an excuse to annex it?

Perhaps a strong statement by China and Japan or an approach by China and Japan to Korea directly would be a good idea.

Lu Hong listened thoughtfully to the American and Japanese delegates once again. He then spoke in somewhat reserved tones.

"I support a mutual defense arrangement. Should Russia or any other nation attack Japan or the United States, China shall pledge its aid to either or both nations aganist the aggressor. Friendship is a commodity growing more valuable with each passing year."

Hay finished up discussions in Taipai and returned home, happy to have an alliance with Japan and the possibilities of one with China.

Reports of German and Italian attempts to gain influence in China were disturbing, but not too much so. Neither could really intervene effectively at this point in the Pacific.

The US West Coast was safe if war came with the Germans now.