NationStates Jolt Archive

Beijing, UER

Ruiyan Bei looked around at the cabinet members to avoid eye contact with Premier Zhao, who looked as shocked as if Bei had just hurled profanity at him.

"You know we'll have to do it eventually."

"Détente? With the Empire of Layarteb? Are you sure that you really want to advise me to do that?"

"Yes, Comrade Premier. Well, not just with the Layartebians, I was thinking more with the whole membership of the October Alliance...well, those who recognise us, anyway. The Russian Communist Republic collapsed, so that potential ally just went out the window. We have no idea what the Japanese are up to...they can call themselves the Commonwealth of Asia, but we all know that's just a euphemism. If we can restore good working relations with the October Alliance then we can relax a bit."

Premier Zhao groaned loudly. "That means we'll have to apologise for Grenada again, and you know damn well that the Emperor won't apologise for what he said about us. Still, since that nuke got detonated they might be interested to hear from us. At least they know we won't nuke them, no matter how bad relations got; we're too sane for that."

"So is it a go? Do I have permission to send out feelers?"

"Alright, congratulate the Layartebians on their eight hundred and forty-nine year anniversary, then say that in the spirit of reconciliation the United Eastasian Republic would like to invite the Emperor and any October Alliance leaders who are interested to come to Beijing. Also add that they have nothing to worry about because we don't want to be blasted back to the Stone Age...."

Bei nodded before Zhao finished.

"....even though we'd blast them back there too. Obviously don't repeat that last remark."

------------------------------

A communique was therefore sent out to all October Alliance leaders, expressing warm greetings and inviting them to Beijing in an attempt to reduce antagonistic feelings.

Official Communique
To: The Leadership of the UER
Fr: Foreign Ministry, Realm of Cotland
Re: Re: Official Invitation

Dear sir,

The Realm is interested in restoring relations with the UER, and will attend the summit in Beijing if our allies will attend.

The Emperor will attend said ceremonies.

With confirmation from the Layartebians and possible confirmation from the Cottish, preparations began for the Allied-Eastasian Summit, as it became known in official parlance.

The Summit would be held at Zhongnanhai, as it had once been the site of a Layartebian-Eastasian Summit during friendlier times; it was also the residence of Premier Zhao, who would show his desire for reconciliation by opening his own home to the attendees. Those attending would be given the choice of staying either at Zhongnanhai, their own embassy in Beijing or a high-class hotel paid for by the Eastasian government. While Layarteb and Cotland were the two nations that Beijing really wanted to talk to, if any futher October Alliance members wished to join in then all the better.

The Foreign Ministry contacted all attendees to inform them of their accommodation options, and requested details of how many personnel would coming from each nation so that they could prepare accommodation in advance. The chefs at Zhongnanhai were undergoing crash courses in the cuisine of the visiting nations in an attempt to make the delegates feel more at ease; Premier Zhao was now in full organisational mood and wanted nothing to go wrong. If détente could be achieved then the UER leadership would be able to sleep a little more soundly in their beds, as there were still concerns over whether Layarteb planned any retaliation over the debacle in Grenada.

The Eastasian media began reporting at length about the upcoming summit, softening previous 'anti-imperialist' language and pointing out any similarities that existed between the UER and the October Alliance members. Of course, Premier Zhao was being publicly praised for reaching out to the rest of the world in yet another of his 'visionary policies'.

Even though the climate between the Realm and the UER had grown substantially colder over the past year, the Realm still maintained an embassy in downtown Beijing. It was here, in the communictions center in the third floor of the seven-story building that the information from the UER government arrived.

It was relayed to Oslo, where it was noticed the following morning and reviewed. After consultations between the various departments within the Foreign Ministry and with the Foreign Minister, the message was relayed to the Office of the Prime Minister where it was discussed during the afternoon meeting with the staff and the Prime Minister himself.

It would be further discussed in the Cabinet meeting the following day, where it was decided that the Realm would indeed attend the summit. It was also decided that Prime Minister Rothsky would attend along with the Foreign Minister and Commerce Minister.

The resulting arrangement lead to a message being sent to the embassy with instructions to relay to Minister Bei. The message basically said that three ministers, twenty staff members and aides, and eighteen security personnel would attend the summit. The embassy also informed the UER that an Amphibious Task Force from the Royal Cottish Navy had been diverted to be on standby in international waters close to the summit area. The official excuse for this was that they would be there just in case something bad happened and the UER security officials required assistance. Unofficially, it was diverted in order to be able to extract the Prime Minister, Foreign Minister and Commerce Minister relatively quickly in case the Eastasians tried something.

The Prime Minister and his entourage would fly down to Zhongnanhai with a V-18/A Executive Transport Aircraft, basically a upgraded Boeing Business Jet, and arrive the day before the summit. At roughly the same time, the Amphibious Task Force would be in position in international waters.

Although the Eastasians were disappointed to hear about the Amphibious Task Force, they accepted that it was deserved; the Cottish were too polite to say it, but it was tacitly understood why the Task Force was really going to be there. Unfortunately it was the best that could be expected; the Cottish were coming, and that was the main thing. Beijing only now needed the security arrangements from the EOL and final preparations could begin for the summit.

Security Minister Jamil bin Hasan was already working feverishly to ensure a secure environment; although Zhongnanhai was one of the most fortified areas in the UER, he was taking no chances. All of of Zhongnanhai's staff were subjected to in-depth security checks to weed out any potential fanatics who may wish to assassinate 'imperialist scum'; there was also the minor problem of Ruiyu Xian being in town, so his entourage were being checked out as well.

After a great deal of discussion it was decided that Foreign Minister Bei would accompany Premier Zhao in summit talks, and Finance Minister Qiantan Wei would sit in on any discussions which required him. Knowing the moral stance of the EOL, Ruiyu was gently instructed not to be too affectionate towards Premier Zhao if they were in the same room as their foreign guests, something which the fiery redhead grudgingly agreed to; bin Hasan made a note to check that Ruiyu wouldn't try anything potentially scandalous around the Emperor.

"So they wish to open communications to the whole October Alliance," the Emperor laughed at the suggestion. "I doubt the alliance, as a whole, will see to that very much but it is a duty as one of the largest states in the world to attend. I will accept their invitation and I am told that the Cottish will as well?"

"Yes sir they are. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is currently working up possible scenarios for this summit. It will be held in Zhongnanhai, in Beijing. We've been there before sir."

"Yes. Your predecessors worked out a summit there years and years ago, before realization and long before Grenada."

"Sir. About Grenada?"

"Yes Minister?"

"Only that I suggest we lay off it for the time being. It is nothing but bad press for us at home and the Eastasians have more than apologized for their involvement. We've already determined that they had nothing to do with the bombing. It is basically pouring salt on old wounds. We should let them heal."

"Very well. Is this a majority opinion within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs?"

"It is sir."

"Very well. I cannot ignore good advice then. What else is there to be brought up?"

"Well sir. Premier Zhao is really spinning this one every which way. His people love him."

"Or her." An aide remarked, much to the laughter of the people within the room. "I'm sorry sir."

"That's alright." The Emperor chuckled a little bit. "It's humorous to make such jokes. I mean. After all." More laughing continued. "Alright. Now. Let's put that out of here and be serious."

"Yes sir."

"Our embassy in Beijing reports that preparations being made are nothing short of legendary. The Eastasians don't appear to be planning anything sneaky."

"The thought never crossed my mind. How are the Cottish taking this?"

"With paranoia that the Eastasians will try something. They've stationed an amphibious group in international waters."

"What is the recommendation of the Ministry of Intelligence?"

"Sir. Aside from the normal heightened alerts we go through, nothing out of the ordinary. The Eastasians would be foolish to try anything and they, as well as any other state in existence, knows full well the rammifications. I think it would be border line insulting not to show them that we trust them."

"But do we really?"

"No sir."

"Then. That puts us in a quandary."

"Sir. Our embassy is more than sufficient for you to take refuge."

"Understood."

"What about the Ministry of Defense?"

"We share the same recommendation as the Ministry of Intelligence."

"Very well."

Within a few hours, the Emperor's VC-26F Condor was in the air. Remembering the awful and treasonous attack on his aircraft in late July, on the way back from the United States of Brink, the Emperor made sure that security for this mission was top-secret. He would fly through protected airspace until he got to the Pacific Ocean, chosing to fly up and over the Province of Dnalkrad, across the poles, down through unoccupied Russia, and into Beijing, the shortest route, at 6,830 miles, a lengthy, thirteen hour flight. His escorts would be doubled and throughout Layartebian airspace a flight of six F-39C Super Eagles would be with him in addition to eight F-14E Super Tomcats and eight F-22B Raptors, which were nearing the end of their service life but, nonetheless, fully capable of defending the Emperor's plane. Carrier groups operating in the Pacific, under normal missions, would make sure to be fully prepared if a threat was detected but they didn't expect any. Refueling would occur twice along the way, for the sake of the escorts, the VC-26F Condor having enough range to get from Layarteb City and Beijing with more than enough range to spare to go back without refueling.

The incoming aircraft were offered escort by the Eastasian Air Force if it was desired; if accepted then eight Su-30MKKs were scrambled and took up flanking positions. If declined due to an existing escort, the visitors were welcomed to Eastasian airspace and their escorts given clearance to continue. The airspace above Beijing was unusually quiet on this day as the government had requested that all flights be temporarily diverted to ensure maximum safety for the incoming delegations.

The visiting delegations were greeted with the usual Eastasian fanfare; young children presenting bouquets of flowers, an immaculately dressed military honour guard (merely present to make an impression) and a personal welcome from a high-ranking Eastasian official. Prime Minister Rothsky and his entourage were greeted by Vice Premier Dinh while the Emperor was welcomed by Vice Premier Maglacas, making this one of many occasions when Premier Zhao was glad to have two deputies; this way neither delegation would have any reason to feel less important.

Both delegations would be offered an opportunity to inspect the military honour guard before the playing of the national anthems, visiting nation played first in a show of deference by the UER. Everything had been carefully choreographed to give the impression that the UER was truly humbled by the opportunity to talk to their visitors; in private there had been some complaints but Zhao had quickly dismissed them. Reconciliation was now at the forefront of every Eastasian official's mind, especially after the Party Whips had been around every ministry barking ideological solidarity and the need to always support the Premier for the greater good of the UER.

As they were escorted through Beijing in convoys rivalling those of Eastasian cabinet members, the delegates could not miss the enormous telescreens situated around the city; these screens broadcast everything from advertising to breaking news and political speeches. At this time, the screens were broadcasting messages to the visitors from schoolchildren, welcoming them to Beijing and wishing them infinite prosperity. As the convoys neared Zhongnanhai they were greeted by vast crowds of wellwishers brandishing miniature flags of the summit nations and cheering wildly, with some individuals throwing peony flowers as the vehicles passed by.

Once within the walled finery of Zhongnanhai, the delegates would be greeted by yet another military honour guard, this time drawn from the ranks of the elite Republican Guard who were tasked with the defense of Premier Zhao and, to a lesser extent, Beijing. In yet another show of stage management, Premier Zhao strode confidently into view just as the convoys were halting, flanked by his Foreign and Finance Ministers. He flashed his infamous boyish grin at the visitors as they stepped out of their vehicles.

"What is it with this country and children?" One of the Emperor's aides quietly whispered to him. He laughed a little as their vehicle stopped for Premier Zhao. The Emperor nodded to Brigadier General Delaney, who was dressed in civilian clothes and playing the role as an aide. He adjusted his suit jacket slightly, to hide his pistol better, and watched as the vehicle came to a stop and a bodyguard stepped out of the limo from the passenger seat and opened the door. BG. Delaney was the first person out of the limo and was followed by another man from his team. The Emperor and his aides stepped out next. The Emperor approached the Premier and held out his hand, remembering that Premier Zhao had long phased out the practice of bowing.

The Cottish delegation arrived in the UER after a twenty hour flight which, dispite the luxurious travel arrangements, were exhausting for both the passengers and crew. Thomas Rothsky, the elderly Prime Minster of the Realm of Cotland and long-time player in the game of international politics, and the person that was responsible for the Cottish recognition of this nation eons ago, making Cotland the first nation to actually recognize the UER as a sovereign nation stepped down the stairs and greeted Vice Premier Dihn, inspected the honor guard quickly (he had nothing to put his finger to), and got into the motorcade with the rest of his ministers, aides and security personnel, the latter group being particularly jumpy by now, but keeping their cool and, more importantly, their pistols and personal defense weapons concealed under the jackets.

Finally, they were in the vehicles and away, driving past the massive crowds. A few of the aides commented in Cottish to each other that the people probably were brainwashed as they drove quickly past the crowds. Rothsky just shook his head, neither agreeing nor disagreeing with the sentiments.

It wasn't long before they reached Zhongnanhai, and the Cots had to give the Eastasians credit for a swift and eventless transit from the airport to the place of the summit. From inside the tinted window of the limo, Rothsky could see that the Emperor of Layarteb was just arriving, escorted by a lot of civilian personnel he assumed were aides, and possibly some security personnel concealed among them. At least that was how the Cottish security personnel were dressed: In civilian suits, with the only thing giving their true identity away being a clear earplug in the left ear with a clear wire running down and underneath their shirts and jackets. Anyway, the motorcade arrived just as the Layartebians were entering.

The doors opened and another military honor guard was present, this time it clearly was an elite unit, capable of matching the Royal Marines from the looks of it. A few security personnel got out from the escort vehicles and checked that the area was clear before two seconds later signalling that it was clear. With that, Rothsky stepped out of the limo and buttoned his suit jacket, which had been opened during the drive due to comfort, before walking up to the Premier. He offered his hand, and said in his best friendly diplomat voice, "Premier, it's been a while."

Premier Zhao gave the Emperor's hand a polite shake.

"Many greetings, Emperor, and welcome to my home. Please allow me to express my deepest sadness regarding the situation in Grenada; I only hope that you find the culprits and bring them to the justice they deserve. If there is anything that the UER can do to assist, then please let us know. Anyway, I hope that the talks we have here will help reduce the concerns of both our nations; we accept that we have made mistakes in our relationship with the EOL and we wish to rectify our stupidity. Ah, I see Prime Minister Rothsky is arriving; Emperor, if you would like to follow Foreign Minister Bei he will show you around."

(OOC: sorry to fob the Emperor off like that)

----------------------------

Zhao smiled at Rothsky as he approached and eagerly accepted the offered hand.

"Indeed, perhaps too much of a while if you ask me. I bid you welcome to Zhongnanhai, my humble home is at your disposal. Ruiyu and I would like to thank you for the letter of support you sent us regarding certain, ahem, revelations; it shows the kindheartedness that I am afraid to say that my government may have taken for granted over the years. Anyway, my hope is that we can repair the rift that we created; we are all living in interesting times these days, and I for one would like to make them slightly more boring if you get my meaning."

"I understand completely Premier. I hope that during the talks, we can reestablish the cooperation that we had before this summer, and even improve them. I believe that this summit is a good thing for both the Eastasian Republic and the Realm, and I wish to take the opportunity to thank you for taking the initiative Premier. Now, shall we enter?" Rothsky said in a polite tone, speaking diplomateese like the professional he was, smiling to the cameras.

"Of course. I am eager to get things rolling, just as you and the Emperor are."

Zhao and Finance Minister Wei ushered Rothsky inside where Minister Bei was pointing out some of the more exotic objet d'art on display; Zhao's appearance quickly led to Bei slipping into a quieter position at the Premier's side.

"Now, our esteemed guests, please allow me to show you the venue for our talks."

Zhao and his ministers led the delegations through a maze of corridors, all lined with expensive tapestries and various antiquities from all over the UER. Zhao took great delight in walking through these corridors because the items lining them were all part of his private collection; he considered himself something of a 'Renaissance man', and the mass of antiquities apparently proved his interest in the cultures that existed before the UER. In reality, they were only there because they looked impressive. Premier Zhao cared little about what came before the UER unless it could be used to evoke nationalist loyalty or otherwise tighten the Party's grip on the national psyche. Nonetheless, everything had a nearby plaque which described what it was, where it was found and, more importantly, how Premier Zhao had acquired it.

Finally they arrived at a smartly-decorated conference room, decked out with the flags of the participating nations and dominated by a vast circular table of solid oak, ringed with extremely comfortable seats. Of course, the table was circular so that no-one would be at the head of the table and therefore symbolically superior. Zhao made a grand gesture with his arm as they entered.

"This will be our working room. Refreshments of any kind will be available at all times, just ask and it will be delivered; if any of you smoke then I would prefer if you did it out of a window but if necessary then we can come to another arrangement. There are lounges situated nearby if you wish to take a recess, and the dining room is also nearby should any of you wish to dine here with us during the day.

My home is your home for the duration of these talks except for certain areas which are clearly marked, as they are, shall we say, sensitive areas. The guards at those doors will be happy to give you directions elsewhere. So, with all that said, guest rooms are prepared for anyone staying here, and transport readily available for those who are not....I assume that you would like some time to settle in and shake off the jet lag?"

The Emperor greeted the Premier and his esteemed Cottish colleague, Prime Minister Rothsky. "Grenada was a host of confusion. The events preceding the terrorist attack are, as I like to say, almost inconsequential. In retrospect that is. The terrorist attack practically erased the preceding events. I am pleased that the Eastasians did eventually vacate the island, which averted perhaps the most catastrophic international disaster that either of our people could imagine. I can understand the initial involvement, ideology is a war we are all fighting around the world, a war that has many battles, many gray. Perhaps this summit can be an ushering of a new age. In light of that, I would like to at least convey this." The Emperor smiled. "We caught them!" He moved on with Foreign Minister Bei as his entourage followed. They listened to him as he explained some of the history of the relics and of the lavish setting being offered. "I cannot possibly express how much my staff and I appreciate the lavish accommodations being made for this summit. We will make full use of every possible aspect. I will say though, that, in respect, any smokers amongst us will do so outside of the building. I do not think that will be a problem with those amongst us who do smoke." The few smokers within shook their heads, BG. Delaney being one of them. He didn't smoke but when he had to disguise himself and eavesdrop, he did so. The Emperor turned to his entourage. "Ladies and gentlemen. Please. Let us situate ourselves." He turned back to Premier Zhao and nodded. "Yes. Jetlag. I do admit that I am a bit heavy on the eyes at the moment. When can we expect to get down to business here?"

"We can get down to business whenever you are ready. We already have our agenda decided and therefore we have no problem with our esteemed guests taking time to relax and recover. The timetable for these discussions is completely in your hands."

Premier Zhao smirked.

"After all, we want good meaningful talks and those won't be achieved if you're exhausted."

"You are quite correct Premier. I will confer with my Cottish colleagues and see if we can't agree upon something." The Emperor walked to meet with the Prime Minister. "Prime Minister. I hope your flight in was agreeable. I have been informed by the Premier that the timetable is, respectively, in our hands. My staff and I need a few hours of down-time ourselves but we are definitely agreeable as to a time when this can all begin. We are looking at about six hours ourselves. Do you need longer? You and your staff has flown much further."

"I believe that a good night's sleep would do us all good sir," Rothsky replied, glancing at the Rolex on his wrist. "I suggest we retire for the evening and start in the morning when everyone's had a chance to rest and recover from the long journey."

"That is more than agreeable. I will inform Premier Zhao." The Emperor went to notify him right away.

Premier Zhao nodded as the Emperor notified him of the requested evening rest.

"Of course, I absolutely agree. Get a good night's sleep and we can begin talks after breakfast. Rooms are ready for those of you staying here and the staff will be with you at a moment's notice if you need anything; we've taken the liberty of laying on a night shift just in case you need a snack.

Please inform Prime Minister Rothsky that I wish him a peaceful night; I also bid you a peaceful night."

The Emperor nodded and he and his staff resolved themselves to their quarters. They walked in and shut the doors, making small talk to themselves as they searched the premise. They had a sort of secret code worked out amongst themselves that fit into regular conversation. They could be having a normal conversation and secretly talking amongst themselves. They looked around for bugs, using high sensitive equipment to detect transmitting radio frequencies. They didn't suspect that the Eastasians had done any bugging but they couldn't be too sure. They searched and searched, keeping very quiet about what their true intentions were. Nothing turned up and confident in that they began to lift the veil of secrecy yet only slightly.

OOC: I think it's safe to assume nothing would be found, no?

With that, Rothsky and entourage retired to their assigned quarters, and inspected the luxurious suites while the security staff were busy checking and, if necessary, clearing the suites for any listening or recording equipment that might exist there. When they were done and everything was to their satisfaction, the ministers and senior aides started discussing the issues they would discuss over a cup of tea for a few hours before retiring to sleep.

(OOC: No bugs to be found, as the Eastasians don't want to endanger the talks before they've even begun)

With the visitors in their rooms and probably sleeping soundly, Premier Zhao had one final discussion with his ministers before they retired to their own guest rooms. After watching 'Evening Express with Lin Kuan' with Ruiyu, Zhao retired for the night, intending to be bright and cheerful for the talks in the morning.

The Emperor and his support staff made themselves comfortable in the lavish suite. Those who were tired took turns sleeping while they prepared for the next day's meeting. They went over notes, concerns, possible questions, possible outcomes, and they rehearsed, left and right. The Emperor, ever vigilante, sipped his own glass of tea and he and his immediate aides went over the most important things. BG. Delaney, on the other hand, took his staff and decided to do some reconnaissance work. They went on a short walk of the grounds, posing as "aides," just as they appeared when they came in with the Emperor and his staff. There were men with earpieces to show that they were bodyguards and they were, the obvious ones. BG. Delaney and his men worked differently. They had small microchip receivers and earpieces in their possession that was highly concealable and highly effective. They could communicate with each other without so much as giving anything away.

OOC: I am ready to begin this whenever everyone else is ready.

OOC: I am ready to begin this whenever everyone else is ready.

OOC: Same here, just say the word and we can continue.

[OOC: I'm ready to continue with this.]

The next morning, after a good night's sleep to cure the jetlag, Rothsky and his entourage were up, dressed, and ready for come what may. After the delicious breakfast provided by the Eastasian hosts, the Cottish delegation sat in the Prime Minister's suite, going over the various items they would bring up while waiting for the summit to begin.

The Emperor and his aides made their way back to the main conference room once the morning sun was up and the time was near. This summit had a lot of things to accomplish and they wanted to make sure that they were attentive and ready to go when it began.

Premier Zhao entered the conference room looking remarkably cheerful, nodding to the Emperor and his aides as the Eastasians took their seats. After the Cottish had been notified and had taken their seats, Zhao took a sip of tea before beginning.

"Esteemed guests, I would like to officially thank you for attending this summit, as I realise that we haven't exactly given you reason to trust us in the past. To be blunt, the United Eastasian Republic has made its fair share of mistakes in recent times, and your nations deserve an apology. To that end, I would like to express my heartfelt regret that we damaged relations with you, as your nations have always treated us with respect.

I have asked you here in an attempt to restore relations to their previous cordiality, and perhaps even further if you would be interested. The UER cannot exist in a vacuum, and we cannot retreat into isolationism; to do so would be a disaster for the Eastasian people. In addition, I am certain that we are not the only ones here who have an uneasy feeling about the current situation in the Pacific; we are concerned that we may soon live in interesting times. The continued security and stability of the Asia-Pacific region is of great importance, and I believe that we can agree on that.

Firstly though, restoration of relations. We wish to offer a signed guarantee of non-interference and non-aggression, stipulating that the United Eastasian Republic will not interfere in the internal matters of your nations. If we do, then you would have a legal right to place sanctions or even declare war upon us. The time for ideological fanaticism has long passed; the UER is an oddity in our world, we recognise that. No-one would come to our aid if we were attacked, and we realise that you have every right to refuse our offer. However, we believe that we should put aside our differences and engage in 'peaceful co-existence', for the good of our people and for the greater stability of the planet."

Zhao sat back to hear the response.

The Emperor nodded. "The past has been tumultuous for all of our nations. Some of us have struggled to make ourselves into a unified, solidified, and homogenous state. The Empire fought wars for twenty-six years after the end of the civil war and now we can finally sit back and pick up the pieces. We have peace at last and the Empire has always viewed the Eastasian Republic with reverence. It is true that events in the past have caused us to second guess that but as you and I have stated, the past is the past. It would do nothing but ill will to our people to hold grudges over things which are, in retrospect, quite minor. That is why we are here today, we wish to push ahead with relations with the Eastasian Republic.

"In addition, we took have taken strong notice to the Pacific Ocean and I think we would all be in agreement if I were to say that the Japanese people are definitely a careful bunch. The Empire believes that this group must be watched fully and that to allow them to go on without any sort of carefulness is a dastardly deed. No. We cannot allow any future disaster to happen because of our own unwillingness to act. Gentlemen, we have already had one World War and we are definitely on the verge of another one if things continue the way they are in the Pacific Ocean. Our Cottish brethren have advanced on Kangaroo Island and my intelligence sources tell me that the Japanese did not look favorably upon that action. Our territory in Nauru is under constant watch and vigilance and we know that the Japanese were not happy about our move on the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. They are a paranoid bunch, very twitchy, and we, as some of the three largest nations in the world must have a common pact."

"Indeed," Rothsky followed up, "The recent expanding into Kangaroo Island was considered a necessary course of action for the continued future of the Realm. The moment resistance ceased on the island, it was considered to be a part of the Realm. I wish to be very clear on this matter sir, our soldiers will defend the island at all costs. We do not give away a piece of the Realm at gunpoint without a fight."

Rothsky had spoken with a stoneface, but now, after having made his point, he smiled diplomatically.

"Of course, we have no intention of bringing the war to the shores of the UER, and therefore I am inclined on the behalf of the Realm to accept the offer from the UER. I would, however, like to extend that assurance to include a non-aggression pact between our three nations. Should war with Japan become a reality, something I fear seems a very likely event at this point in time, we wish to ensure the UER that we have no hostile intents against you, since it is conveivable that we will bring our fight to the shores of Japan, which are relatively close to the territories of the UER. Will this be something both the Empire and the UER are willing to commit to?" Rothsky asked, then sat back to wait for the replies.

"A non-aggression pact between the three of us would be most welcome. When you look at the international situation, we really have no excuse to be antagonising each other.

The action on Kangaroo Island was a perfectly understandable undertaking, as I am sure you have both noticed we are currently engaged in securing Wake Island. Wake Island is dangerously close to our territory, and we have no intention of allowing the Japanese to take it. We were once close, but recently the Japanese appear to have become dangerously aggressive. They are threatening the security and stability of the Pacific status quo.

We realise that if Japan were to become hostile to you, you would have to retaliate. That goes without saying. I can assure you that the UER would not attempt to hinder your efforts in any way. Of course, please keep in mind that we cannot tolerate instability in our own backyard; we share a large border with Japanese territory, and if necessary we would be prepared to engage in, what do we call it?"

Foreign Minister Bei smiled. "Stabilisation and humanitarianism."

Zhao continued. "That's the term. We like having a smoothly-run Asia, but an expansionist Japan doesn't engender stability and security. Therefore we would give serious consideration to a potential campaign. Please note that I am not committing the UER to such action, but if Japan causes too much trouble then the UER may have to step in to help stop them. If our hypothetical stabilisation campaign were to coincide with your retaliation for Japanese hostility, it might be prudent to establish a permanent 'hotline' of sorts, allowing us to contact each other at a leadership level should a crisis emerge."

"As I have always stated that non-aggression pacts are worthless and a waste of time. They offer little guarantee except the nature of the agreement. However, with particular circumstances present, I think that something much more would be beneficial, something on the lines of a possible mutual defense pact, with concern to the Japanese. Should the Japanese launch strikes upon any of our Pacific lands, we cannot sit around and let it go unchecked, they must be fully defeated, without any hesitation whatsoever."

"In the interests of Asian stability, I think that a mutual defense pact against the Japanese would be an excellent idea. With any luck it would deter them from their aggressive ways...of course, they may be foolhardy enough to continue anyway. If they do so, then they will be punished.

I must request clarification of one point. When you state that they must be 'fully defeated', what did you have in mind? Punitive action with them remaining somewhat intact, or dismemberment of their state?"

"I would never suggest wronging a people or a culture so severely that it brews hatred and ill will. Such feelings can only fuel the fire for another war and should we do something of that nature we're only guaranteeing that we'll fight them again, possibly on the same battlefront but far worse. No. We cannot do that but we must have a decisive strategic and tactical victory, so convincing that the Japanese military, people, and government dare never again to war offensive war of such a nature or of any nature at all. They must be kept in check from that point onward."

Out of all people I considered to really know me at all well, to have thought that I would trust such a nation in my waters, you suddenly feel threatened by me as though I have never poised any verbal threats nor movements?

And now suddenly Korea looks worth fighting over.

"Yes, I concur. A mutual defense pact against the Japanese seems a prudent course of action given the latest Japanese actions. It may be a good enough overhanging threat against the Japanese to keep them from continuing this threatening and rather dangerous line of politics." Rothsky said. "I agree with the Emperor on the line we must follow when dealing with the Japanese though. We should decimate their military and its capabilities, not their population. To begin with, I believe we should immediately start a boycot of all Japanese goods and merchandise. Perhaps the lost revenues will make their leaders get the expansion plans out of their heads and start facing reality."

Out of all people I considered to really know me at all well, to have thought that I would trust such a nation in my waters, you suddenly feel threatened by me as though I have never poised any verbal threats nor movements?

And now suddenly Korea looks worth fighting over.

(OOC: With the new acquisitions, the Commonwealth of Asia is getting to the point where they can strike at the UER from several directions. The situation sees a communist state surrounded by territory held by a fascist empire and they are both named to imply that they speak for the Asian people. Never mind the fact that fascism is, by its nature, anti-communist. It's called 'having a contingency plan'.)

"You may have misunderstood me, I am not talking of genocide; the UER has no wish to harm our Asian brothers. We too hope that they turn away from conquest, but it is also possible that a boycott will result in aggression in revenge. I recommend signing the pact, then perhaps we should attempt to engage in dialogue with them. If the dialogue fails, then boycott them. If we are to hold discussions with them then I would recommend holding them somewhere as close to friendly territory as possible, just in case.

To ask another question, if there is war and they are defeated so convincingly, how will we 'keep them in check'?"

"The Empire believes that, in order to keep them in check, we ought to act multilaterally. I would not entrust the task of overseeing transition to those who shed no blood for the cause. That should be left to those who have shed blood. It will be up to the powers that be to have a multinational force that will have to oversee a transition from a wartime state back into a peaceful state whereby they may run themselves without hesitation to war."

"That is certainly acceptable. A multinational task force would remove accusations of cloaked expansionism while also giving soldiers an opportunity to work alongside their foreign counterparts; it could also further decrease the differences between nations if their troops can identify with each other. Of course, this is all hypothetical because the Japanese have not actually turned openly hostile. However, any good leader should be prepared for all eventualities.

Putting the Japanese issue aside for the time being, is there anything that your nations would like to bring to our table? Closer trade links, that sort of thing."

It's also out of the false sense of me threatening an invasion...

Although I make no recallation if even moveing any forces to prepare an invasion, and I've always stated that I would support you in just about any war...and the only time I became remotely hostile was the confusion of the old Tyrandisian War.

If I also recall...isn't socialism just a layed back version of fascism :-P *regard that as a joke*.

It's also out of the false sense of me threatening an invasion...

Although I make no recallation if even moveing any forces to prepare an invasion, and I've always stated that I would support you in just about any war...and the only time I became remotely hostile was the confusion of the old Tyrandisian War.

If I also recall...isn't socialism just a layed back version of fascism :-P *regard that as a joke*.

OOC: So a slightly paranoid communist superstate would think nothing of their neighbour's expansionism which puts them in a very good position for attacking the UER? The UER is only cuddling up to Layarteb, Cotland and the rest because the Russian Communist Republic went bust and the Commonwealth of Asia seems intent on expanding around them.

If you still have a problem with this, we can take it to the offsite forums. Although my answer will still be the same; you should have done more to keep the UER soothed.

Oh hey, sorry you're never on aim. Sorry you don't seem keen to post until you think the person who has always been fond of you 'appears' to want to invade you.

For the record, I don't know how I'm wrapping around you when I'm wrapping around Doomie if you're going to use that ideaology. The 'Are some Sinos Gonna Die' was, for the purposes, a sarcastic remark being as the Island is pretty close to me.

As well, if I'm going to attack anybody it'd be the EOL partly because he and Cotland are getting up in arms just north of Yakutia preparing for some non-existant invasionary force, and because I'm really that close to fucking up the EII Political Spectrum.

As well, if I HONESTLY wanted to invade you....I would have banned your alliance, militarised the fucking borders in Indo-China and Borneo, and moved a fleet just off your Filippino Waters and prepared bombers to drop tac nukes all over the middle of Beijing.

But, that's the effing problem...

I've made no attempt at typing anything close to "Operation - Fuck the Chinese".

Now, it seems you failed to really try and contact me in any way to ask what is going on and instead decide to go and buddy up with the people that would get me involved in a war with you...mostly because of my anti-THEM policies, and the fact that now you are seeming to be too damned paranoid over me that it's pissing me off because the question remains -

Why would I ever want to invade you?

From here on out, just TG me or PM me on the offsite.

OOC: Is our summit over or do we have more to discuss? I'd like to see about some trading.

OOC: Is our summit over or do we have more to discuss? I'd like to see about some trading.

OOC: It's up to you. If you want to dicuss trade then we can continue with the summit. Zhao asked if the EOL or Cotland had any other issues to discuss, so go for it.

The Emperor looked over to his aides, who had already begun planning for the next stage of talks. "Well. The Empire does have some interest in reinforcing trade relations with the Eastasian Republic. The Empire is looking to establish new trade routes and new trade quotas. The size of both our states is growing by the day and our previous trade relations and agreements, made in excess of a decade ago need restrengthening. In addition, we would like to make two large purchases of three elements that are vastly plentiful in your territory. Those three are vanadium, magnetite, and tungsten."

"The Realm is also interested in discussing trade. We wish to resume the fruitful trading relationship our two nations enjoyed prior to the Grenada incident, and we also wish to increase our imports of iron ore and aluminium, as well as a number of agricultural goods, such as rice, corn, tea and apples. In return, we can offer either money or, more preferably, oil and natural gas." Rothsky stated.

Zhao deferred to Finance Minister Qiantan Wei, who gave a polite nod to his Premier before addressing the two requests.

"Emperor, we would be most willing to authorise the two large purchases of those elements and we would also like to establish a greater trading relationship with the EOL. Not that we are planning to dump mass export products into the Layartebian economy, of course, but our system is becoming a little too efficient at production and we might as well earn revenue from any overproduction that we cannot use ourselves.

Prime Minister Rothsky, our agricultural production should be able to cope with increased demand based on our latest monthly production figures, so the agricultural products shouldn't be a problem; the iron ore and aluminium should also be easily managed. As far as payment is concerned, we would prefer a mixture of currency as well as oil and natural gas; we can always use the resources somewhere, but we are also building up our foreign currency reserves for, how do you say it, a 'rainy day'.

For our part, we will soon be announcing a 'Free Economic Zone' in Xianggang (Hong Kong), where foreign companies will be permitted to establish Eastasian branches of operation. It is a small experiment with the free market, since we deal with it so often in international trade. I can guarantee that your nations will be given first refusal on construction rights if any of your corporations would be interested."

The Emperor nodded and would let one of his aides go over the details, in private, with Premier Zhao. Otherwise, the Emperor was most satisfied with the summit and its results thus far. "Premier. Prime Minister. The Empire is most satisfied with the outcome of this summit and we believe that the relations and agreements we have forged here today will be crucial and instrumental in the future." He nodded and looked back around the room again. "If it would please the Premier, I would like to speak with you in private following the cessation of this summit."

Zhao looked slightly taken a back before nodding.

"Of course Emperor, if you wish a private audience then it will be granted. Well, gentlemen, I would like to convey my profound thanks for your attendance; I feel that this has been a great success with much in the way of results. Perhaps we can do this again sometime, maybe in Oslo or Layarteb City provided that your citizenry could stand the thought of my presence."

"That is an acceptable agreement sir," Rothsky said. "We shall inform Cottish corporations of the prospects of establishing branches in Hong Kong, and hope that the establishment of free economic zones will be a successful venture for all parties involved."

With that, it seemed the summit had come to an end, and everyone were happy, Rothsky included. They had managed to not only restore diplomatic relations, but also get a trade agreement established.

"On the behalf of the Realm, I would like to thank you, Premier Zhao, for taking the initiative to restore the relations between our respective nations. Should there be a wish to do this again, I am humbly requesting that Oslo be considered for the location."

Zhao beamed at the praise received from Rothsky.

"It would be my pleasure to see Oslo as the venue for our next summit; I am certain that we can come up with some excuse to visit your beautiful city. I believe we have once again shown that ideology doesn't always have to get in the way of a good conversation."

The Emperor walked off to the side with the Premier. "Premier. There are two things I would like to discuss with you, in private, that, necessarily, I don't believe the rest of the room needs to hear about as they concern purely domestic means within the Empire but, extend outwards as well." He waited until the Premier responded before he continued.

The Emperor walked off to the side with the Premier. "Premier. There are two things I would like to discuss with you, in private, that, necessarily, I don't believe the rest of the room needs to hear about as they concern purely domestic means within the Empire but, extend outwards as well." He waited until the Premier responded before he continued.

"Yes, of course. I completely understand. We can use the room through here."

Zhao ushered the Emperor into a neighbouring lounge after nodding to Foreign Minister Bei, who took over the extension of pleasantries to the visitors. Zhao offered the Emperor a seat before siting down himself.

"So what is so important?"

"Well Premier. Two issues still linger and to effect we must ask about them. Please be certain beforehand that we wish no insult we are just curious. The first is Wake Island. The Empire must be assured that this move and these proceedings are not simply efforts to buy time for something larger. That is our initial concern. The second concerns Grenada and I fear to bring it up again. To your knowledge or the knowledge of your intelligence services, are you aware of any terrorist groups operating within the Empire?" He point his point as delicately as he could.

"Wake Island is a precautionary measure. It is located adjacent to Islandia State, the furthest east of the UER's constituent states; we cannot permit any other power to hold it. It will be under naval jurisdiction once we have taken it, but I can assure you that it is not part of some larger move against you. We would only strike at you if we were going to invade you, and considering the mind-boggling logistics nightmare we would experience, it would not be worth it. Wake is coming under our control to improve our security, not to threaten yours.

As far as terrorist groups are concerned, we don't know of any in your Empire other than those covered in your media. Yes, I admit, it's hardly what you were expecting. Some of your people probably believe that we have spies everywhere, but once again it is barely worth the effort. Our projections showed that it would be far too costly in the long run; we are very fond of our projections, maybe one day you can visit our analysis center. Anyway, to get back on topic....we don't know anything. Our intelligence services report to Security Minister bin Hasan, who reports to me. I will have him perform a ministerial audit of their records, but I doubt that the Security Ministry is hiding anything from me. If it does turn up something, I will let you know and have someone sent for re-education."

"Very well. I thank you for the light you've shed on these events. We may or may not have a terrorist group operating in our southern regions that is looking to cause strife between our two, great nations. It seems as if these terrorists have seized on the opportunity that Grenada presented and are seeking to portray themselves as agents of the Eastasian Republic. When we find out more information we will contact you and compare our intelligence information on these men, if there are any similiarities." The Emperor extended his hand, remembering that the Premier had erased bowing from the customs of the Eastasian Republic. From there, he would head back to the Empire and govern it accordingly.