Chapter 939 - Framework For Cooperation (1/2)

Chapter 939: Framework For Cooperation

Choose other engineering companies?

This euphemistic refusal left a bitter taste in his mouth.

Although it was not shown on his face, the representatives from Hua and Russia were relieved. They were most worried about Celestial Trade being unable to withstand the pressure. They didn’t mind that a neutral small country owned a space elevator, but they couldn’t accept their competitor possessing one.

The best solution was for Xin to possess the sovereignty of this space elevator, and for all the other countries to share outer space.

The rejected President of Ecuador did not have a pleasant expression on his face, but he also did not say anything more. He nodded and then sat back down. NASA Director Bolden looked calm as he already expected the rejection. After all, the monopolistic market always made more money than a competitive one.

At least until the emergence of a second company that could master the technology of space elevators, it was impossible for Celestial Trade to accept orders for space elevator construction from other countries.

The discussion continued, and the issues discussed next were simple and straightforward, mainly on how countries should cooperate in the space elevator projects.

The Director of the European Space Agency, John Werner, stood up and glanced at the representatives and began to deliver his remark.

“Space has no boundaries. Everyone should contribute to the collective mankind. Although the space elevator is built by Celestial Trade, the outer space belongs to all of mankind, and the space elevator should be shared by all of mankind…”

When John said this, the expression on Jiang Chen turned into a sneer.

It was so obvious what he was going to say next.

“… So, here, I propose,” John Werner did not look at Jiang Chen, but looked up at the representative of the France and German Space Agency, and then shamelessly read out his proposal, “The United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs to evaluate the cost of space elevators. Countries will jointly pay for the construction of the space elevator to Celestial Trade, and buy the space elevator in the name of the United Nations, which will be jointly managed by the international community.”

John Werner’s speech ended. There seemed to have been an agreement made prior as a round of applause sounded. Immediately afterwards, representatives from the European countries rose to speak and expressed their support for the proposal of the Director of ESA.

“The representative of France seconds.”

“The representative of Germany seconds.”

“The representative of Italy seconds.”

“…”

Listening to the overwhelming support, a smile emerged on Werner’s face. Before the start of the summit, they all agreed to pressure Celestial Trade. So many countries have seconded the same proposal at the summit. Even if Celestial Trade wanted to refuse, they must weigh the diplomatic risks brought on by the rejection.

Although Bolden, who represented the UA, did not express his position, he turned his eyes to Jiang Chen.

So many countries seconded the proposal. How will you deal with this?

Suddenly, at this moment, a different voice echoed.

“The representative of Hua, votes against.”

Everyone, including the Director of the European Space Agency and Bolden, was stunned and looked at the seats of the Hua delegation.

“The space elevator is built within the territorial region of Xin and should be owned by Xin. The position of the Hua is consistent. We oppose any country interfering in the internal affairs of the third country in any form.” The middle-aged man with black hair glanced at the seats of the European representatives and said word by word, “Hua recognizes the legitimacy of the Xin’s space elevator. Hua is willing to respect the territory of Xin and cooperate with Xin.”

The summit was quiet, not a single person spoke.

Jiang Chen opened his mouth and was about to say something. At this time, the Russian representative stood up and concisely said.

“The representative of Russia seconds this view.” After a pause, the man with a Slavic face said. “Agreeing with Hua’s perspective.”