The eting lasted for more than two and a half hours.
It extended a bit beyond the scheduled two hours.
The foreign guests from both countries left, while Jiang Chen was asked to stay behind.
"The trilateral free trade agreent is a cooperation that was envisioned decades ago. At that ti, Jiang, you probably weren’t even born yet."
An elderly man nad Miao Yu had a look of reminiscence, "Back then, the international situation wasn’t as complicated as it is now, but we were too poor. Others didn’t want to interact with us, and later, to suppress our developnt, they imposed blockades on us, which led to this plan being shelved indefinitely."
Jiang Chen sensibly refrained from interrupting and listened quietly to the other’s narration.
"Fortunately, what doesn’t kill you only makes you stronger. No matter how others targeted us, through the united and extraordinary efforts of our entire nation, decades have passed, and we have transford from a poor agricultural country into the focus of the world, creating yet another miracle in world history, and returning to the center of the world stage. This is the pride of all Shen Zhou people."
The other’s voice wasn’t intentionally loud, yet it carried a certain weight and was very compelling, perhaps due to their experience in leading diplomatic work.
After a brief pause, he continued, "But the world is ever-changing. Resting on past laurels will only lead to our downfall. History has already given us painfully clear lessons on this."
He sighed.
"We are now in an era of unprecedented change in a hundred years. The international situation is unpredictable, with unrest across various regions. This is not what we wish to see, but in the torrent of the tis, we cannot escape. We have no choice but to be prepared and face it resolutely."
"History has demonstrated countless tis that the worst of tis can also be the best of tis. As the saying goes in comrce, ’Fortune seeks danger, and danger can lose fortune,’ risks and opportunities often coexist; it’s just a matter of how to grasp them."
Having said that, the elderly Miao finally turned to Jiang Chen, who had remained silent throughout, "Jiang, do you think I’m right?"
"Minister Miao’s words are pearls of wisdom and thought-provoking."
Jiang Chen’s quick response without hesitation elicited hearty laughter from the other.
"Don’t laugh at the white-haired wearing flowers; ti never defeats beauty."
This poem could also aptly describe a man.
The Minister Miao in his youth was undoubtedly a super handso man, and at his age, he still laughed heartily, his features exuding a gentlemanly elegance. Even the wrinkles on his face radiated a gentle grace.
"You rascal."
He pointed at Jiang Chen with an unfading smile, a gesture of intimacy, "Turns out you’re also skilled in flattery. I heard you were once unyielding to power. So, have you gone bad now?"
For him and Jiang Chen, today was indeed their first eting, just like others who have sat in that position recently.
"That might be a rumor, Minister Miao,"
Jiang Chen jokingly replied, making the other’s smile even more radiant.
"Japanese and Korea are our neighbors. No matter how chaotic the world becos, as long as we manage the neighborhood relations well, at least we can ensure the peace at our doorstep." Miao Yu resud a serious tone.
Jiang Chen nodded. If he were to take notes in a notebook, it would be quite fitting.
"So the revival of this old case is of significant importance to us in Shen Zhou."
Not remaining silent, Jiang Chen tily responded, "The turbulent world situation affects not only us but also Korea and Japanese, which are caught up in it as well. Minister Miao’s analogy about neighbors is very apt. They are smaller in size and have a weaker foundation; they need unity and mutual support more than we do."
"Well, the logic may be so, but that doesn’t an they are willing to face reality. You’ve seen it; we’ve negotiated the terms repeatedly, showing sincere intent. The agreent is mutually beneficial for all three parties, yet they still hold different opinions."
After saying that, Miao Yu sighed.
International cooperation certainly isn’t like buying vegetables at a market, nor is it as simple as soone directly confronting Blood Guanyin with a word to finalize things.
The reduction of tariffs, investnt protection, intellectual property, digital trade... a considerable range of areas need negotiation.
The interests and political considerations involved are incredibly complex.
By the end of this eting, so discrepancies still existed among the representatives of Shen Zhou, Korea, and Japanese on certain details.
Moreover.
Fujiwara Reiki, the head of the Japanese delegation, was the most prominent "thorn" among them.
Indeed.
Serving as a bridge between the two sides, and even seen as a traitor by so extremists in Japan, Fujiwara Reiki did not blindly sell out Japanese interests to please Shen Zhou but instead stood on a Japanese perspective to fight for the maximum benefits.
"Since the last incident, Arica has been brooding and making constant small moves lately, and Chairman Fujiwara also has to account for both dostic and international fronts."
Jiang Chen explained on her behalf, not treating the other as a re tool for use.
If Fujiwara Reiki were here, she would probably feel touched or gratified.
Miao Yu’s gaze fell on Jiang Chen’s face, "Understandable. It’s all for their own country, just like you, Jiang. The revival of the trilateral free trade agreent is greatly credited to you. However, to successfully conclude the agreent, Jiang, you’ll still need to put in a lot of effort. After all, your personal rapport with Korea and Japanese makes so matters easier to communicate than it is for us."
"Understood."
"Good that you understand."
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