Chapter 825: Visit of the Prime Minister

A knock came at the door and Bo Xilai’s secretary entered.

He whispered something into Bo Xilai’s ear.

Listening intently, Bo Xilai nodded and turned to me.

“Prime Minister Wen Jiabao has arrived. I’ll go greet him and bring him in.”

“Shall I come with you?”

Bo Xilai shook his head.

“Is there a need for that?”

He was saying that he was the main character of the day. No need to steal the spotlight.

“Alright, I’ll be waiting.”

Bo Xilai left and I asked Chairman Song Chanseong.

“It doesn’t matter if it’s not Shanghai Automotive, right? As long as the project can proceed immediately.”

“Yes. Beijing Automotive is fine too. But they’ve been too passive after establishing the joint venture…”

“What’s the biggest issue among their demands?”

The Chinese government was eager to attract foreign factories, there was no reason to drag their feet on an automotive factory, which created the most jobs.

“They’re asking for technology transfers.”

I couldn’t help but let out a chuckle at Song Chanseong’s words.

“They want to steal our technology.”

“Yes. It’s a condition we can never accept.”

“But didn’t you say you’d localize parts production in China?”

“That can be resolved by having all our partner companies build factories in China.”

It was a strategy to maximize profits while minimizing the risk of technology theft.

Beijing Automotive didn’t like that.

“So, if that issue is resolved it’s okay to work with Beijing Automotive?”

“Yes it is. It’s more important for us to set up a factory in China and start production as soon as possible. We don’t care who the partner is.”

“I understand.”

“Are you worried that Prime Minister Wen Jiabao might object?”

I shrugged at Song Chanseong’s question and replied.

“Well… Bo Xilai can’t afford to openly oppose the central government right now, so he can’t just push it through. His power base depends on the central government’s support. It might change in a few years but that’s how it is now.”

“I see. I’ll be counting on you, Boss.”

Time passed, Bo Xilai, who had been away for a while, finally returned.

“Haha, I’m a bit late.”

Bo Xilai entered first with an awkward smile, followed by Prime Minister Wen Jiabao.

I rose from my seat and approached Wen Jiabao.

“Prime Minister, it’s been a while.”

“Indeed, Boss Kim. It’s been quite some time since we’ve seen each other face to face.”

After a brief greeting, I introduced Kim Byung-woo and Song Chanseong to Prime Minister Wen Jiabao.

Once everyone was seated, Wen Jiabao spoke.

“I can’t stay long due to other commitments. I need to head back to Beijing at dawn.”

Though seemingly rude, it was understandable.

Prime Minister Wen Jiabao hadn’t originally planned to attend the inauguration.

He made the trip only after hearing I would be attending.

“How’s the atmosphere in Beijing?”

“Not bad. Relations with North Korea have কিছুটা improved and we’ve agreed to restart the gas pipeline project with Russia.”

“That’s good to hear.”

“It’s all thanks to you, Boss Kim Mu-hyeok.”

“Things are just returning to their natural order. These projects were going well but were artificially disrupted.”

Wen Jiabao nodded in agreement.

Then, as if he had been curious all along, he cleared his throat and asked.

“By the way, I don’t see Chairman Jiang Zemin…”

Bo Xilai answered.

“He left during the ceremony.”

“Huh… What happened?”

“He said he would maintain a good relationship with Korea and attract a lot of investment. Boss Kim Mu-hyeok was also present.”

“Haha, now I understand. I wish I could have seen Chairman Jiang’s face, what a shame. Are you alright? This is Chairman Jiang’s turf.”

Bo Xilai confidently answered Wen Jiabao’s question.

“I know. But I’m not Chairman Jiang’s puppet. I intend to run and develop Shanghai City as I see fit.”

“Good. Good.”

The bold answer seemed to have pleased Wen Jiabao.

Wen Jiabao nodded with satisfaction and offered some words of encouragement to Bo Xilai.

“I’ll be counting on you, Bo Xilai.”

“Don’t worry. I’ll work with the central government to make Shanghai the best city in Asia.”

“Shanghai is one of the most important cities in mainland China. The more Shanghai grows, the stronger China’s economy will become.”

“Yes. Please trust me.”

After looking at Bo Xilai with satisfaction, Wen Jiabao turned to Kim Byung-woo and Song Chanseong and asked.

“But what brings these two gentlemen here?”

“Chairman Kim Byung-woo is here for the inauguration. As for Chairman Song Chanseong…”

As I trailed off, Song Chanseong answered in fluent Chinese.

“I’m here regarding the China factory issue.”

“Then you should be in Beijing, why are you here? As far as I know, Daehyeon Automotive has established a joint venture with Beijing Automotive.”

“The project is moving too slowly. So I had to come in person.”

“Moving too slowly? That’s odd. Shouldn’t it just proceed according to the contract?”

That’s the ideal, but it won’t fly in China.

Song Chanseong answered with a troubled look.

“We haven’t even decided on a factory site yet. Beijing Automotive is dragging its feet.”

“Hmm…”

Wen Jiabao signaled his secretary with his eyes, who then explained the situation in a whisper.

Wen Jiabao maintained a stoic expression throughout the explanation.

“So that’s what happened. Mr. Song.”

“Yes, Prime Minister.”

“There seems to be some disagreement, slowing things down. But why won’t you agree to the technology transfer?”

“…”

“I understand Daehyeon Automotive also started by receiving technology transfers from other companies.”

Song Chanseong firmly replied to Wen Jiabao’s question.

“That’s not true. We did not receive technology transfers.”

“Really? I heard that Daehyeon Automotive’s own model came out with help from Japan?”

“That’s a misunderstanding. While we did cooperate on technology, it wasn’t a complete transfer. After negotiations with Ford fell through, we focused on developing our own models, which led to today’s Daehyeon Automotive.”

“Hmm… So no technology transfer, just building a factory for assembly…”

Wen Jiabao openly expressed his displeasure.

Most Chinese factories were merely production plants, so his reaction was understandable.

But I couldn’t take Wen Jiabao’s side here.

“Prime Minister.”

I looked at Song Chanseong and Wen Jiabao before speaking.

Wen Jiabao’s gaze shifted to me.

“I understand Beijing Automotive is currently in talks with Benz.”

Wen Jiabao, seemingly unaware, turned to his secretary who nodded in confirmation.

His secretary nodded slightly in response.

“Is that so? I wasn’t aware.”

“It’s not something you’d personally oversee, Prime Minister. I hear they haven’t demanded any technology transfers from Benz.”

“…Is that true?”

“Yes. And neither Volkswagen nor GM, who are producing finished cars in a joint venture with Shanghai Automotive, have transferred technology.”

Wen Jiabao fell silent as the uncomfortable truth surfaced.

“Why are you only demanding technology transfers from Korean companies? Daehyeon Automotive doesn’t plan to just build one or two factories. Right, Chairman Song Chanseong?”

Song Chanseong immediately responded to my question as if he had been waiting for it.

“That’s right. We plan to build the second and third factories right after the first. Our initial goal is an annual production of two million vehicles.”

I continued after hearing Song Chanseong’s response.

“The automotive industry creates significant employment and economic benefits. Moreover, Daehyeon Automotive intends to produce everything in China, from parts to finished products. Are you going to give that up over a mere technology transfer?”

“…”

“If you keep insisting on the technology transfer, Daehyeon Automotive has no choice but to withdraw from the Chinese market. Is that what you want?”

Wen Jiabao swallowed hard with a troubled look.

“If other companies had been held to the same standard, Daehyeon Group would have readily accepted. But that’s not the case, is it?”

The demand for technology transfer was a way to belittle Korean companies.

Wen Jiabao quickly spoke up, understanding the implication.

“What do you want me to do?”

“Please expedite the project. Or transfer the 50% stake of the Beijing-Daehyeon joint venture to Shanghai Automotive, allowing us to work with them.”

“Hmm, have you discussed this with Shanghai Automotive?”

“No. I know nothing can proceed without the Chinese government’s approval. Party Secretary Bo Xilai also said he couldn’t proceed rashly without the central government’s permission.”

Wen Jiabao glanced at Bo Xilai, who slightly bowed and replied.

“I did hear about it in advance. But I told him it would be difficult since they were already working with Beijing Automotive.”

“I see.”

Prime Minister Wen Jiabao nodded slightly and let out a soft hum.

After a moment he spoke cautiously.

“It’s not something I can decide on the spot. I’ll look into it once I’m back in Beijing.”

“I’d appreciate that. I hope we can continue working with Beijing Automotive if possible.”

“I’ll keep that in mind.”

Prime Minister Wen Jiabao turned to Song Chanseong.

“You should wait and see, Chairman Song.”

“Thank you, Prime Minister.”

After that, we spent time conversing on various topics.

After some time, Wen Jiabao’s secretary spoke.

“Prime Minister, it’s time to go.”

“Oh, has it been that long already? Time flies when I’m talking with you, Boss Kim.”

“Do you have to go?”

Wen Jiabao nodded and pressed his eyes.

He looked exhausted.

“Yes I have an important meeting in Beijing this morning.”

“I see. It’s a shame we couldn’t even share a drink.”

“Haha. Then please visit Beijing next time. I’ll prepare some fine liquor.”

Prime Minister Wen Jiabao chuckled as he rose from his seat.

He shook hands with Song Chanseong and Kim Byung-woo, then patted Bo Xilai on the shoulder and said.

“Bo Xilai, even a minor mistake is unacceptable this time. You need to join the next leadership, don’t you?”

Bo Xilai’s face brightened at the promising words.

“Yes! I won’t disappoint you.”

“Good. I’ll relay this to Chairman Hu Jintao.”

We headed to the banquet hall entrance to see Wen Jiabao off, chatting lightly as we walked.

As we were about to return to the banquet hall.

“Hey! Let go! Let go of me!”

Korean words came from one side of the banquet hall.

The voice was familiar, one that shouldn’t be here.

I quickly turned my head toward the voice.

“Shut up! Why are you acting so pricey? Do you even know who I am?”

A man was grabbing a woman’s wrist.

I immediately strode over and grabbed the man’s hand, twisting it.

“Argh!”

“O-Oppa.”

The woman was Cheon Ji-young.

“Why are you here? I told the agency to halt your activities in China for the time being.”

I had told her to stop activities in China to prevent any potential trouble.

“Y-You, let go of my hand!”

The man with the twisted arm screamed and cursed.

“What, we’ll talk about that later. Who is this punk?”

“He’s been pestering me to eat with him. I kept refusing, but he grabbed me when he saw me here.”

I could guess what happened. I told her to avoid activities in China to avoid this kind of situation.

I released the man’s arm and said.

“How dare you harass my sister?”

The released man huffed and pointed at me.

“Do you know who I am? Public Security! Where’s Public Security!”

People enjoying the party turned their attention to us.

“It doesn’t matter who you are. What matters is that you harassed my sister, Wei Zhengxing.”

“You know who I am and you still twisted my arm? Do you have a death wish?”

The man barking at me, Wei Zhengxing, was a friend of Bo Xilai and a member of the Princelings.