Tiger and the Dragon

[KaiserMelech Mikhail]

Mikhail was leaning back in his chair, thinking of new ways to improve the nation. The economy was sluggish in the winter, and a new market easily reached by land routes was needed. Looking at the map, he saw the answer. "China," he exclaimed, "there's over a billion people there, surely somebody wants to buy a car or tank made mostly out of turnips!" With that, a phone call was made to the UFE government.

"This is Khagan Mikhail of Marscurian Siberia hoping to deliver a message to a minister of the government. My nation believes that now is truly the time to open diplomatic and economic ties with the United Federation of the East. I eagerly await your reply, and look forward to scheduling our meeting."

[Triyun]

Dear Sir,

To our shock there are in fact people who wish to buy turnip made products not intended for human consumption. Please send over trade envoys to Beijing.

[KaiserMelech Mikhail]

The crack team was assembled for the trip. Heading the team would be the Khagan himself. Along with him would be representatives from the biggest companies in the nation. Executives were sent from Lopete Inc., Marscurian Military Works, Dalsoyuzprom, Dalsalmash Inc., Masibau Motors, and several of the largest farm cooperatives. Loaded onto a jet at Marscury International Airport, the group flew south to Beijing. It would be a short flight, but the conference was expected to be monumental.

[Triyun]

The Capitol of the People's Republic of China and Chief City of the Northern United Federation of the East had grown now to be the largest city on the planet, as its suburbs had begun to connect with Tianjin turning the two cities into one megaopolis. One could see the smog profile from space. The delegation would be brought to stay at the Beijing Hotel next to the Forbidden City and Wangfujin. Awaiting them would be the First Ministers of Singapore, Indochina, and Thailand along with the General Secretary of the Secretariat of both the United Federation of the East and the People's Republic of China.

General Secretary Xu Fuma was a very short man with a shaved head and thick black rimmed glasses, who dress in conservative black suits. An amazing technocrat and administrator, he was rated as one of the lowest profile but most skilled negotiators that the UFE had. He would lead the UFE delegation in this negotiation.

[Triyun]

The Capitol of the People's Republic of China and Chief City of the Northern United Federation of the East had grown now to be the largest city on the planet, as its suburbs had begun to connect with Tianjin turning the two cities into one megaopolis. One could see the smog profile from space. The delegation would be brought to stay at the Beijing Hotel next to the Forbidden City and Wangfujin. Awaiting them would be the First Ministers of Singapore, Indochina, and Thailand along with the General Secretary of the Secretariat of both the United Federation of the East and the People's Republic of China.

General Secretary Xu Fuma was a very short man with a shaved head and thick black rimmed glasses, who dress in conservative black suits. An amazing technocrat and administrator, he was rated as one of the lowest profile but most skilled negotiators that the UFE had. He would lead the UFE delegation in this negotiation.

[KaiserMelech Mikhail]

Many of the team were having trouble breathing when they reached the conference hall. Marscurian Siberia had very limited development, and had some of the best air quality in the world. The leadership of the various nations of the federation were at the meeting, and the small Marscurian delegation felt instantly outclassed. Entering the room, the entire team deeply bowed, as was custom, and Mikhail stepped forward. "Gentlemen," he began, "I want to thank you for welcoming us into your nation. I believe that there is truly much that our two peoples can gain from each other. Honorable heads of state, shall we begin?"

[Triyun]

"Execellent, Please take your seats. I understand we have much to discuss." the General Secretary said. "It comes to our attention that you wish to greatly expand the amount of trade between our two countries." he said.

[KaiserMelech Mikhail]

"Thank you sir," Mikhail said, as the delegates each pulled out their chair and sat at the large table. "Indeed, I believe our nations have a great deal to offer each other. As you most likely know, our nation is rich in natural resources. We have coal, iron, lumber, gold, everything a mighty economy like yours needs. On the reverse, your factories can produce the goods that we simply cannot. We have a rapidly expanding middle-class, so there will be a large market for Chinese goods. The placement of our two nations is also very beneficial to land trade. With only the friendly nation of Zargathia separating us, road and railways can quickly move goods between our nations. We have just invested greatly in the Pyotrgrad dry port, which connects to a bridge across the Amur River with train tracks at the standard gauge of Southeastern Asia. Roadways in Pyotrgrad and Mietonka also connect us to the south, allowing trucks to transport a wide array of goods. As you can see, I have brought several of the most important businessmen with me to your great nation. If there is any questions you have, I'm sure these men would be very willing to answer them."