Foreign correspondents stationed in Beijing are better informed than Chinese correspondents, and less than an hour and a half after CNN's report on the alleged transportation of embargoed materials to Iran was broadcast, they rushed to the International Conference Center in an attempt to cover the regulations that were assisting in the Olympic bid here.

Coincidentally, a press center is being set up on the first floor of the conference center.

There is a press press desk with 300 seats and space reserved for videography and photography. In order to allow the Chinese and foreign reporters who came to cover the news to send back the news as soon as possible, a special communication area was also set up. As long as you pay a certain fee, you can use the international and domestic long-distance telephones, fax machines, film fax machines, and even the satellite transmission equipment set up by the BNB news network.

However, these are all prepared for the Olympic bid.

The establishment of a press center, regular press conferences, and interviews from domestic and foreign media are all manifestations of the "open BJ's anticipation for the Olympics". Neither the "Olympic Bidding Committee" nor the "Auxiliary Bidding Committee" have any obligation and responsibility to answer reporters' questions about NB Electrical.

Under the proposal of the charter, Jiang Cheng, vice president of the China Foreign Affairs University and deputy director of the News and Publicity Department of the "Olympic Bidding Committee," and Li Yixuan, deputy director of the news group of the "Bidding Committee," and Li Yixuan, a veteran media person in Hong Kong, made their appearance and took the opportunity to hold the first press conference on the Olympic bid.

"Mr. Jiang, I'm ABC reporter Robin Michelle, what is the attitude of the U.S. government on the accusation that the 'Galaxy' freighter under NB Shipping has just been transporting United Nations embargoed materials to Iran, Mr. Charter, the image ambassador of BJ's Olympic bid and the director of the 'Bid Committee'? Will he put down his ongoing Olympic bid and rush to the United States to deal with it, as the US government did last year when the US government was suspected of sending embargoed materials to China for NB Medical? ”

Although it was the first time that a press conference was held. When carefully prepared by the Ministry of Information and the Press Group. Order is very well maintained. Under the arrangement of the moderator. The first opportunity to ask questions was given to the ABC reporters stationed in BJ who were keeping an eye on the "Olympic Bidding Committee" and the "Assisting Bidding Committee".

Jiang Cheng, who is over 50 years old this year, has rich diplomatic experience before serving as the second secretary of the Chinese Embassy in Britain and the counselor of the Chinese Embassy in India before becoming vice president of the China Foreign Affairs University.

He held the press table with both hands and said eloquently: "As far as I know, Mr. Zhang resigned as the chief engineer of NB Electric as early as the year before last. Two months ago, he donated all his shares to the 'NB Science and Education Foundation'. What can be said about everything that is happening in the waters of the Indian Ocean. It has nothing to do with Mr. Zhang personally.

If you want to know more about this, I recommend you to visit the NB Electric China Representative Office in the International Trade Center. I believe that the vice president of NB Electric (China) Co., Ltd., who is based in BJ, will give you a satisfactory answer. ”

As soon as Deputy Director Jiang's words fell, a British reporter took the microphone and asked: "I'm James John, a reporter from The Daily Telegraph, judging from the news just released by the US State Department officials, Hong Kong's NB Ocean Shipping Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of NB Electric, is only the carrier, and is only responsible for transporting the containers containing embargoed materials from China's D Company to Iran, and it is impossible to even know what is inside."

In other words, what the U.S. State Department officials are really accusing is your government. Excuse me, Mr. Jiang. Will this incident have an impact on BJ's Olympic bid, and what is the attitude of the BJ Olympic Bidding Committee? ”

The question is acute. But before going downstairs, I had already studied how to answer.

Jiang Cheng's face was straight, and he said very seriously: "For the BJ Olympic Bidding Committee, what just happened is expected, and at the same time unexpected. As everyone knows, since BJ's bid for the Olympic Games, the US Government and Congress have adopted various means to obstruct it, and some congressmen have even gone against the Olympic spirit by submitting a bill to the House of Representatives to boycott BJ's bid for the Olympic Games.

We have reason to believe that the US State Department's groundless accusations against the 'Galaxy' are part of its boycott of BJ's bid for the Olympic Games, and have had an extremely bad impact on our Olympic bid. However, it will not affect the pursuit, yearning, support and enthusiasm of the 1.3 billion Chinese people for the Olympic spirit. ”

As soon as Secretary Chen and the leaders of the National Tourism Administration left, the central government set the propaganda caliber for the "Olympic Bidding Committee", and this should not trigger anti-American sentiment in China. This is because once anti-US sentiment rises in the country, the central authorities will find themselves in a dilemma, and they will even demand that the attitude of the US government be separated from the mainstream public opinion of the American people.

Jiang Cheng did not say "strong dissatisfaction" or "strong indignation" from beginning to end, and his evaluation of the incident was downplayed, which surprised dozens of reporters from major foreign media.

At the same time, Chen Zhenghuai, the newly appointed deputy director of the State Sports Commission, was entrusted by the leaders of relevant departments to ask the charter in the rest area of the fourth conference hall how NB Electric was going to deal with the incident and what the central government needed to do.

“…… If you refuse to inspect it, people will say, sure enough, I was right, there must be something on the boat, even if you jump into the Yellow River, you can't wash it. Now is not the time to fight for a moment of righteousness, let them investigate, let this matter pass as soon as possible, save it from making a fuss, and no one will be able to step down at that time. ”

The charter is similarly understated, but the tone is a little helpless.

Chen Zhenghuai didn't feel guilty, but the military strength was not strong and the national strength was not strong, so he could only let others humiliate him, and he was silent for a while before he whispered: "The above is also the opinion, it is better to compromise by the company than by the state." ”

"Compromise is compromise, but you can't just compromise."

The charter glanced at the TV that was playing the press conference downstairs, and said lightly: "From taking over Guangdu Ocean Shipping Company to the present, Mr. Wu has only done two things, one is to apply to join major international shipping organizations, and the other is to make friends with the presidents of major shipping companies in Hong Kong. Next, Mr. Wu and Daniel will muddy the waters, on the one hand, asking major shipping organizations to put pressure on the US government for NB shipping, and on the other hand, diverting public opinion as much as possible. ”

Chen Zhenghuai's understanding of the transfer of public opinion is nothing more than to guide public opinion at home and abroad from the United States against the Chinese government to against NB Electric, so that a "political incident" becomes another "oolong incident", but he doesn't understand when he asks major shipping organizations to come forward, and can't help asking: "Can shipping organizations put pressure on the US government?" ”

"Of course."

The charter refers to the office area outside the glass partition. Said slowly: "Uncle Chen." Let me tell you. It was not a difficult task for me to help the Olympic Bid Committee win the right to host the 2000 Olympic Games. The reason why the people are so busy is that they want to take this opportunity to let the current 'Olympic Bidding Committee' and the future 'Olympic Organizing Committee' know more about the operation of the international community.

The same applies to the handling of the 'Galaxy incident'. It is entirely possible to seek the support of the international community in accordance with international practice, and ultimately achieve the ultimate goal of ending the event in a courteous and courteous manner. ”

"Don't sell it. Be specific. ”

Later, he was going to Zhongnanhai to report, Chen Zhenghuai was afraid that there would be even a slight omission, so he actually took out a small notebook and prepared to record it with his back to the floor-to-ceiling glass.

Like the followers of the "Golden Sun", he was completely convinced of the regulations, and patiently explained: "It is certain to be inspected, but it is certainly not possible to inspect on the ship, but it will bring economic losses as soon as it docks at the port and unloads." Berth fees, hoisting fees, liquidated damages caused by failure to deliver on time, and a series of losses caused by the delay of the vessel.

Of course, the company will not bear this cost, and I don't think the U.S. government will bear it. Therefore, Mr. Wu made some preparations in advance, and then he will go through his connections in Hong Kong. Through the company's branches around the world, you can seek support in all aspects. ”

"How to support?"

"Hong Kong is an international shipping center, there are several old ship kings, new ship kings, and some even started by transporting embargoed materials to China. This means that what happened to NB Shipping could happen to them in the future. ”

The charter took a small sip of water and continued: "From this point of view, our interests are aligned. Moreover, NB Shipping, like NB Airlines, is pitifully small and poses no threat to them at all, and there will be no such situation. ”

Chen Zhenghuai's eyes lit up, and he blurted out: "Mr. Bao loved Hong Kong and the country before his death, and his son-in-law will definitely stand on our side." ”

Mr. Bao founded Global Shipping, one of the world's largest shipping companies, and his eldest son-in-law, who serves as the president of Wharf Group, is very close to BJ, and is said to be interested in running for the head of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region after the return to the motherland. The second son-in-law served as the president of Global Shipping and had great influence in the international maritime community.

The charter nodded slightly, and said confidently: "Mr. Wu has a good relationship with Mr. Hermet, and there is no need for the central government to come forward to ask him for help." In fact, it was with his help that NB Shipping was able to join international shipping organizations such as CMI (Comité Maritime International), ICS (International Shipping Union), ISF (International Federation of Shipping), P&I Association and BIMCO (Baltic International Maritime Council) in the shortest possible time.

CMI is based in Antwerp, Belgium, and its Maritime Arbitration Committee specializes in dealing with maritime disputes and formulating maritime bills; ICS is mainly composed of influential private shipowners from 23 countries such as the United Kingdom, the United States, and Japan, and its members own 50% of the world's gross tonnage of merchant ships.

Based in London, ISF is also an international ship-owning organisation representing shipowners' interests on all issues relating to the employment and safety of seafarers, as well as advisory to the IMO (International Maritime Organization), the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) and the United Nations Economic and Social Council.

The P&I Club is equivalent to an insurance company jointly funded by the shipowners, setting up a mutual fund to compensate for external compensation, and the members of the association share their respective responsibilities, and the shipowner is both the insurer and the insured.

Founded in 1905 and headquartered in Copenhagen, Denmark, the Baltic International Maritime Council is the largest, most influential and most efficient international shipping organization in the world. In addition to providing the SCO members with free information services, free advisory services, seminars and short-term training in ports and maritime transport throughout the world, as well as dispute prevention and settlement services,

Its members cover more than 110 countries and regions around the world, 950 ship owners, and about 11,800 ships accept its services. When its members make a mistake due to some accident, the guild protects the interests of its members through its position in the maritime industry......"

Since its establishment, NB Electric has continued to apply for various certifications and join various industry associations. So much so that the Hong Kong headquarters had to vacate a large office. Dedicated to storing these messy certificates and materials.

I didn't expect it to be useless before. It would only be a waste of money, but now it can come in handy.

Chen Zhenghuai has been abroad, seen the world, and worked in the Department of Foreign Economic Cooperation of the State Economic and Trade Commission, which specializes in dealing with foreign countries. ”

"There is no way to do it, the international and domestic environment determines that things cannot be made big. From the perspective of the company's development, the US government cannot be offended to death, and can only ask the major international shipping organizations to mediate. Minimize the impact as much as possible. ”

In terms of the reaction to the "Galaxy incident", the NB Electric Headquarters appeared to be a little "lagging behind".

It was not until four hours after the US State Department officials filed the charges that Wu Jinhua, the company's president, issued a public statement under the siege and interception of reporters from all major media outlets in Hong Kong and overseas media in Hong Kong, and personally rushed to the US Consulate in Hong Kong to seek a solution to the matter.

It is a matter of national reputation, and Mr. D has always maintained a high degree of attention to the development of the situation.

In just half a day, the General Office of the Central Y Academy, the General Office of the State Council and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs transferred more than 40 documents and materials, Zheng Ming picked out the most important ones, and read aloud in his ear: "Old man, this is a statement just issued by NB Electric, and Wu Jinhua, president of the company, said in an interview with the media: NB Electric is a responsible multinational company. In compliance with public international law and all laws and regulations of relevant countries, NB Shipping has a series of strict control measures for 'hazardous chemicals' and 'dangerous goods on board'.

The Milky Way vessel does not and cannot contain the banned chemicals claimed by U.S. State Department officials. Nonetheless, in a sense of accountability to the public and shareholders, they have set up a team personally led by Senior Vice President, Mr. Koh Sang-shing, to verify the contents of the containers with shippers one by one. ”

The old man held the banana fan silently, and Zheng Ming continued: "The following paragraph is the main point, he said that due to well-known reasons, NB Shipping could not accept a series of requests made by the US government. At the same time, he also said that if there is an agreement on the economic losses caused, then NB Electric can be inspected with a positive attitude under the objective and impartial supervision of international shipping organizations such as the International Maritime Organization, the Comité Maritime International, the International Shipping Union, the International Federation of Shipping, the P&I Association of Shipowners and the Baltic International Shipping Council, as well as the governments of third countries and the news media. ”

Without hesitation, he took the potato, using the intriguing description of "well-known reasons" to divert public opinion against the Chinese government. It is also used in the way of business to give a direction for resolving the incident.

The old man put down his fan and asked, "What about public opinion in the United States?" ”

Speaking of this, Zheng Ming couldn't help but show a smile, leaned into his ear and said loudly: "Old man, I think Clinton is also anxious at this time, and American public opinion is simply one-sided, thinking that the US intelligence department is looking for a 'non-existent array processor' again." The Washington Post, with the title of "Olympics - The Curse of NB Electric", reviewed the U.S. House of Representatives' investigation into NB Medical when NB Electric was the top partner of the Barcelona Olympics, and predicted that this is likely to be another embarrassing oolong incident;

In the article, a commentator for the St. Petersburg Times said, "It is inconceivable that the youngest scientist at the end of the century, the discoverer of the giant magnetoresistive effect, and the founder of NB Electrical and NB Laboratories, would raise money for global science, education and charity by sending banned chemicals to Iran."

The CBS news anchor was even more scathing, saying that if it happened on April Fool's Day, maybe he wouldn't have been so surprised, claiming that the United States had obviously done another stupid thing, but this time the protagonist changed from the House of Representatives to the White House, and the American scientific community would be disgraced by this. ”

NB Electric took over this hot potato, which is too easy for people to have all kinds of reverie.

This is all expected, the old man nodded noncommittally, thought about it and asked, "What about BNB News?" ”

BNB News didn't make any comment, just gave the TV audience a basic knowledge of geography and shipping. First of all, on a large map of China, the fixed route of the 'Yinhe' from Jinmen Xingang - Hujiang - Hong Kong - Singapore - Jakarta - Dubai - Dammam - Kuwait was delineated. He also pointed out that the 'Yinhe' departed from Xingang to Hujiang on 7 July, set sail from Hujiang to Hong Kong on 12 July, and arrived in Dubai on 3 August after calling at Singapore and Jakarta. ”

Zheng Ming glanced at the information collected by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and then said: "Then point out that the destination of the 'Yinhe' alleged by the US State Department officials is Bandar Abbas, Iran, there is no container terminal at all, so what can the 'Yinhe' do there?" Now everyone knows that the so-called 'intelligence' of the US side is full of loopholes, and they are waiting to see the jokes of the Clinton administration. ”

The same event, which happens on different subjects, will have very different results.

The charter and his NB Electric have a high reputation in the United States, and having been subjected to a similar accusation, Americans, who have always been wary of the government and even distrustful of it, naturally choose to trust NB Electric instead of the U.S. government.

What's more, they have their own mouthpieces that can make their voices heard at the first time and defend themselves against the accusations of the US State Department.

The son-in-law just introduced the preparation of NB Electric half an hour ago, and so many international maritime organizations and shipping organizations are willing to speak for them, and even tie up with the "International P&I Association" through insurance, and the United States wants to board the ship for inspection without giving an explanation, which is tantamount to infringing on the interests of shipowners all over the world, including some American shipowners.

As for the sinking of the "Yinhe", the "International Federation of Shipping", which was founded in 1909 and is headquartered in London, was the first to refuse, NB Shipping is its member, and it has the responsibility to maintain the safety of seafarers and safeguard the interests of its members, regardless of its attitude towards China.

This person owes a lot of favor.

While secretly thinking about how to let NB Electric participate in the Three Gorges Project that had just started, the old man asked expressionlessly: "Isn't there any negative report?" ”

"Yes, but very little, and not for NB Electrical."

Zheng Ming glanced at the information in his hand again, and then said: "A tabloid in New York said that NB Shipping is only a carrier, just like an airline, and cannot guarantee that every passenger is a law-abiding citizen, and if there are really prohibited chemicals on the 'Galaxy', it is also 'shameless' used by the Chinese government." ”

Anti-China and not anti-NB Electric, the old man was completely convinced, and couldn't help but sigh: "It seems that our little friend's billions of dollars have not been donated in vain, and he actually has such a high reputation in the United States, well, it is right to ask him to be the image ambassador of the Olympic bid." ”

The mainstream public opinion of the "Galaxy" incident in the United States is there, and the country will treat it as coldly as it did when NB Medical was investigated last year, and it can be said that the overall situation has been decided, and it will not be too passive because of this.

Thinking of today's important activities of the "Olympic Bidding Committee" and the "Auxiliary Bidding Committee", Zheng Ming came out with a ghost: "Old man, he seems to be very interested in the fact that American pop star Michael Jackson came to BJ for a concert, and many old comrades and the Ministry of Culture are a little worried about this, thinking that the harm will outweigh the benefits." ”

The old man pondered for a moment and said coldly: "That Michael, I know, many young people are his fans. It's better to be sparse, and you won't like him because you don't let him come, don't listen to his songs, and don't learn him to dance. Later, I will call the Ministry of Culture and ask them if they don't even dare to hold a concert, so what Olympics are they going to do? ”

…………………………… (To be continued......)