Volume 20: Looking at the World with Cold Eyes, Section 52, Temptation
In addition to the staff of the Chinese Embassy in Djibouti, there were also officials from the Djibouti Popular Alliance for Progress and the Front for the Restoration of Unity and Democracy. These two parties are important parties in the majority coalition that supports the president and also invited China*
*The main targets of the delegation’s visit to Kyrgyzstan.
The Djibouti side was obviously aware of the activities of Lu Weimin and his delegation in Ethiopia, and their attitude was very enthusiastic. The rich activities of Lu Weimin and his delegation in Ethiopia made the Djibouti side realize that this visit by the Chinese was unusual and brought more than just
Economic cooperation involves almost all-round cooperation and exchange, which is somewhat inconsistent with their previous understanding, so their attitude has become more positive.
Lu Weimin was not surprised that the two representatives from the Navy came to visit him. Whether they were from the Military Science Society or other identities, the purpose of the Navy's participation in this delegation was also very clear. For them, there are only two goals. One is
Djibouti is the most urgent. One is Namibia, which is a relatively long-term goal. The only goal is to seek an overseas supply base for China's blue water navy, or a comprehensive naval base.
Regarding Djibouti's attitude, China has actually made many tests and evaluations. Although Djibouti has also shown enthusiasm, neither China nor Djibouti has really entered into substantive contact, or in other words, they have not really entered into substantive contact.
The veil has not been lifted yet. Japan has signed an agreement with Djibouti to rent land to build a logistics supply base near the Djibouti International Airport. This action has greatly stimulated China. Even Japan, a defeated country in World War II, can actually use it.
A military base is established in Djibouti under the guise of detecting piracy activities. As a permanent member of the Security Council, China also performs the task of combating piracy in the Gulf of Aden. Why can't it establish a base in Djibouti?
One of the most important factors for establishing a base is the recognition of the country where it is located. Judging from the current situation, Djibouti is not resistant to the establishment of military bases by major countries in its own country, and even welcomes them. The Japanese use their assistance in exchange for
With the consent of Djibouti, China is also providing assistance and construction in Djibouti, and is also providing investment and projects for the development of Djibouti. Based on this situation, if there are no special circumstances, Djibouti will not object to China’s development in Djibouti.
Djibouti establishes military base.
"Both of you, please take a seat." Lu Weimin and his party chose the Sheraton Hotel. In Djibouti, Kempinski and Sheraton have good conditions, but for a formal conversation, it is obviously safer to choose the embassy in Djibouti.
"Minister Lu, we are about to start the next step. I know you are very busy. You should also understand the purpose of our participation in the delegation this time. Other countries are of relatively little significance to us, but Djibouti
It is different. It can be said that the main reason we are here is for Djibouti. But you also know the sensitivity of this matter. We are here mainly to cooperate with you in carrying out some work and provide you with some consultation and suggestions.
We hope that your visit can achieve some clear progress or breakthrough."
The man who spoke was in his forties and his surname was Sun Mingyang. His military rank should be colonel. He spoke in a polite tone, but his eyes were sharp and he always had a sense of exploration.
"Colonel Sun Yang, I can understand your mood. I believe that you and I have the same views on many issues. We have also coordinated before, and I will handle it according to my working style, but you should know that there are some tasks that we will do
But you should not have too high hopes. Many things cannot be achieved overnight. What you just said, progress or breakthrough, I hope so, but everyone must be patient and maintain a normal mind." Lu Weimin said with a smile.
"Minister Lu, our military attache stationed in Kyrgyzstan has had many contacts with relevant people in Kyrgyzstan, and we have learned some things from them. Kyrgyzstan's attitude towards China has always been friendly and enthusiastic. At the same time, based on the big power balance strategy, they should also be
They welcome us to further strengthen our presence in the region, which not only refers to economic presence, but also includes political and military presence." Sun Yang's words were concise and comprehensive. They welcome us to increase our military presence in the region, which is by no means only
It’s as simple as increasing our escort in the Gulf of Aden, which should also include welcoming us to establish military bases in this region.”
"Colonel Sun Yang, you have said that this is your understanding, but we still need to further discuss and understand what it actually is. Of course, I agree with your understanding." Lu Weimin teased the other party slightly, "This is exactly what I am
work.”
"Minister Lu, can I ask, if you have brought such a large team of economic and trade representatives, can it be understood that the central government will further promote the economic development of this region and strengthen our economic exchanges with this region? Well, what I mean is
Yes, can economic and trade exchanges and investments be linked to some of our military needs?" Sun Yang couldn't help it anymore and put forward his ideas very straightforwardly.
Lu Weimin laughed, "Of course you can, but the method needs to be discussed. In fact, the truth is very simple. The interests are mutual. No one will pay for nothing. It can be done once in a while, but it is impossible to pay for a long time.
, I believe that Djibouti also understands this truth. Whether it is the United States, France, or Japan, they have all come in. Haven’t they paid, they must have, so they have also gained. This is all mutually beneficial. In essence, we in China are still
Of course, we are more willing to form a closer community of interests with Kyrgyzstan in economic, trade and military exchanges. This community is long-term, mutually beneficial, and does not target any other country."
At the end of the sentence, Lu Weimin couldn't help but blink, which made Sun Yang feel that this young deputy director of the International Department of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China really had a sense of humor.
The work in Djibouti is relatively simple. The economic and trade representatives are much less interested in Djibouti, but out of courtesy, they still have to attend various forums and participate in various inspections. However, for Radar himself, he was originally the leader.
I would like to accompany Lu Weimin for a walk with the intention of broadening his horizons, but if the conditions are right, of course we can also cooperate.
“Djibouti is rich in salt resources, and their limestone resources are also very rich, but the transportation infrastructure here is very poor, the roads are seriously damaged, there is a severe power shortage, and there is not enough power to protect the system. On this issue, this country
There seems to be a lack of a long-term and clear plan. I have talked with the leaders of relevant departments in Kyrgyzstan. I feel that the main reason is that this place lacks resources that foreign countries are interested in. At the same time, the domestic market is narrow and there is a lack of sufficient supply for any kind of goods produced.
market, and at the same time, the quality of the country’s labor force is poor, and the country’s labor force is relatively lacking in proficiency and diligence, which is also a big problem.”
Seeing Radar shrugging, Lu Weimin also nodded: "In short, not suitable for investment?"
"Yes." Radar was not polite, "Lao Lin and I have the same view."
Lao Lin is the vice president of Tuoda Group who came to inspect with Radar.
"Then what do you think is the biggest reason why the investment is inappropriate?" Lu Weimin asked again.
"Well, the market, market issues, for the people, you know, like investing in a cement factory here is too small and meaningless. If it is big, where is the market? You can't just produce and stockpile it. If you want to export, the traffic conditions are so poor.
, Where to export? Ship it out by sea? Ethiopia, or Eritrea? Or Somalia?" Radar spread his hands, "The other is the power issue. If you want to build a cement plant, where will the power guarantee come from? I'm afraid the first thing to build is a power plant.
This is another chicken-laying-egg-hatching problem. To build a power plant, the investment in a coal-fired power plant is not small, and the cost of fuel-fired power supply is simply unbearable, so this is also a problem, and there is also the problem of labor..."
"Okay, I'm only asking you about the biggest crux, but you've said so much. If I say that the market problem can be solved, do you think other problems are still problems?" Lu Weimin said unceremoniously what Radar would say.
Radar was speechless and looked at Lu Weimin in disbelief. He could believe you when you said you could solve the labor problem and the power problem. But how can you solve the market problem? How can you create market demand? "Can the market problem be solved? How? If
If the market can solve it, then other problems, uh, I think they can be overcome, right? Even if we really build a power plant for this, it's not a bad idea. Anyway, the port here is convenient, but... for the people, where does this market come from?
"
Lu Weimin smiled mysteriously, "Dago, this question is more specific and complicated. I'm not very good at answering you now, but I think there is a market here. Well, first of all, a Japanese wants to build a military base in Djibouti. You
You may have heard about it, and there will be action soon. Is there any demand for cement?”
Radar snorted, "How much cement is needed for a military base? Besides, even if we invest in building a factory here, we won't have enough time."