The Tiger and the Rising Sun

[TheShammySocialist]

"The Maratha have a strong background in understanding the concept of sovereignty and honoring and respecting it, considering what eventually happened to my ancestors' Empire long ago, an unfortunate and paltry affair. We would not want to force ourselves on another nation whilst in the process of trying to help it, and I believe that any assistance this Asian Development Bank renders, is not dependent on a future relationship with our two nations. The assistance itself should warm relations, unless the developing nation is quite ungrateful, but I would not want to utilize the development aid as a carrot to a horse, to drive them in a certain direction of relations," said Santaji, in a polite and thoughtful tone.

 

"There is much potential for an increased bilateral relationship between our two states, we have much to gain from increased trade and economic cooperation, particularly where we have resources that your nation could very well need for its manufactories. I would propose a selective reduction in tariffs and customs duties imposed on certain products, particularly ones that are staple products for our two nations, that the other does not produce as much of. I think that Maratha's economy, at this point, would not take too well to a full free trade agreement, so I'd like to leave that option off the table for the current time, and I hope you understand that position, if that is something that you were hoping to have develop," he said, pausing for a few seconds, clearing his throat, and continuing.

 

"Cooperation on security matters, I think laying the base framework for such cooperation would be beneficial at this point. A foundation that perhaps includes vital intelligence sharing, cooperation in training and officer exchange programs, which would include joint exercises and study abroad programs for military officers. Both our nations have much to offer, in terms of military industrial development, I'm sure that we could both benefit from one another's work. The Army and Air Forces of Marathi are training and gearing up to be some of the most of the effective combat service branches in the world, it would be a shame to not see them be able to impart knowledge to a friendly regional partner."

[Evangeline Anovilis]

"Oho." Akechi looked over to Santaji with a cheeky grin as she heard his words. "Well, I'm sure your most splendid force will not be so ignorant as not also to learn a thing or two in the process. I wouldn't want to seem arrogant, but we do take quite some pride in our specialities and prowess." Even if she had stayed quiet up to now, when it came to the armed forces, there was no way she could not make a comment on the monarch's words. However, after a glance from Akiyama, Akechi stopped grinning, just took another olive and leaned back, leaving the talking to her superior.

 

"I'm glad that such a degree of cooperation could be found. I do guess that the selective reduction of tariffs would be a prudent approach, though I personally think not too much of tariffs. Protectionism to save uncompetitive industries is at the best inefficient waste, at the worst, it is a sign of distrust. So, I hope that a trade agreement be not too restrictive in this regard. Also in terms of capital investment. But I guess trust is built over time, so I do hope that over time, any remaining barriers to free trade may be overcome, once there is a certain confidence in the economy and bilateral relations.", Akiyama noted, making little secret out of her own political and economic views. The agenda of free trade was something that had been held by her and preceeding governments of the conservative elite, who often had some connection to businesses and knew not only of Japan's need for imports, but also cared much about securing exports and had a lot of confidence in Japanese businesses to be competitive internationally.

 

"On security matters, I am sure that your words are true and we can both profit from it. Japan has, in the last few years, invested muc in strengthening its armed forces, to be able to defend our country, even when not being part of the Imperial Commonwealth of Tianxia. Especially our naval forces are something we take pride in, though our other branches too, are not t be taken lightly. I'm sure that via cooperation, training and officer exchanges, both our forces can improve their performance and strengthen the relations between our countries."

[TheShammySocialist]

"I meant no disrespect," said Santaji, in response to the up-until-now silent Akechi's words. "The Royal Marathi Armed Services are always looking for opportunities to be able to hone our own skills in partnership with another nation. I was merely stating that our forces have a lot to offer in any partnership with our friends." He smiled a little inwardly at the response he had provoked, he was quite aware that his words were quite brash, but he was confident of them nonetheless. In his own mind, the Royal Marathi Armed Services, particularly the Royal Marathi Army, were a point of pride for his nation, they were the guardians of peace and the protectors of the realm, celebrated and revered.

 

Turning back to economics, Santaji would sip on his glass of water as Akiyama spoke, nodding slowly as he considered her words slowly, politely smiling. "I understand that our desire to keep such inhibitors in place might seem as though a measure of distrust, but I assure you, my nation is still building its economy up. There is plenty of domestic competition, and I'd like to see maturity in our industries and businesses grow a little before we put them forth into a competitive world market. Insular economic policies in this day and age are untenable, but at the moment, they are simply a way to protect our economy while it develops and matures."

 

"I would propose that we work on military technology jointly on areas where our nations have a respective edge, your Navy is of particular pride to you, and I'm sure that in many respects, its development is far in advance of our own. Likewise, our ground forces have taken a forefront in military development, and to share some technology associated with these aforementioned branches might be perhaps useful? I'm quite open to training and officer exchanges, we have begun development of a close relationship with Sudan's military, and I believe the impact that our nation has had in our partnership has led to positive developments."

[Evangeline Anovilis]

"Certainly, your Highness.", Akiyama responded with a bit more enthusiasm. Although she personally still was not too sold on any advantages brought about by tariffs, she rather not pushed some point that seemingly couldn't be helped. With time, this issue would have to be resolved , but not here, not at this time. "I do guess, we can learn quite a lot from each other. Our country has had limited cooperations with others in the past, as well as some combat experience, however I'm sure we can still learn much from your forces. Similarly of course, we are more than willing to lend a helping hand to your naval forces, as, while I would not want tosound complacent, there can be little doubt that our naval forces are growing and that our naval staff is becoming more adept and professional, as it has already years of training with carriers and surface combattants and yearly exercises are conducted to hone large-scale operational coordination skills."

 

Akiyama then pondered for a moment. "One issue I'd also like to address, if you would not mind, is the issue of nuclear weaponry. as far as I am aware, your Empire has no such weapons of its own, despite having the technology to manufacture nuclear weapons within the shortest time. Japan is in a similar position. For the longest time, Japan has not developed nuclear weapons, due to our steadfast policy of using nuclear technology solely for power generation, not for mass destruction. In the past, this policy has also relied on protection by Tianxia and nuclear disarmament efforts among the great powers, two things that sadly seem no longer a given. As two countries that posess no nuclear weaponry, who do not plan to gain nuclear weaponry and who hopefully support the abolishment of such disastrous weaponry, I would think that if our countries combine diplomatic efforts, we can take a better stand for disarmament and against the misuse of these weapons of mass destruction. I would hope that with a united front against these weapons, maybe our nations can work towards a less nuclearised world, and at least tackle proliferation and abuse issues in Asia, as part of the security cooperation. One could even, as a second framework to the Asian Development Bank, establish the Asian Nuclear Energy Development Agency, or something of the sort, to promote peaceful and secure use of nuclear energy, keep an eye on proliferation efforts and help create a more secure environment in Asia."