Chapter 1613 Guan Hai's Abacus

Donilon took the document and flipped through it quickly.

His expression changed from confusion to surprise, and then to excitement similar to that of Ao Guanhai in just a dozen seconds.

"This... is indeed unexpected." Donilon raised his head, the surprise on his face still not subsiding. "They actually think the same as us... as you, Your Excellency?"

Originally, Donilon was responsible for internal coordination, but the progress was slow due to the complex network of stakeholders.

Now, he no longer has to spend effort to convince those globalization idealists and business representatives who have been kidnapped by the Chinese market.

The burden on my shoulders was suddenly lightened by more than half.

"That's right, Tom." Ao Guanhai nodded with satisfaction, leaned forward, and pointed his finger at the draft treaty annex. "However, their draft is only good in terms of ideas. The details, especially the time nodes, are too far away from our overall pace and need to be adjusted."

He was even somewhat thankful that Donilon's movements were a few beats slower than planned.

Now that others are asking for something from them, the White House not only does not have to pay any price, it can even pretend to be reluctant in exchange for some other conditions.

"Take it back, organize a team, and come up with our own plan based on this draft as soon as possible."

Ao Guanhai gave specific instructions:

"There are two main changes: First, Canada is clearly listed as an independent participant and given a quota. I think it can be set at the same level as South Korea, which is '1'."

"As a balance and exchange, the CIS's share should be raised to the same as the EU's, that is, '2'. This is more in line with geopolitical realities and will make it easier to dispel China's vigilance."

Having said that, he suddenly felt like laughing.

Although they won't say it, in fact, many people already regard Canada as the 51st state of the United States.

So much so that even this kind of document forgets about him.

"Second, and most importantly," Ao Guanhai said with emphasis, "the startup time. They want it to be as fast as possible, but we have to adjust."

"The time point for formally promoting the negotiation of this treaty and subsequent pressure actions will be clearly set after the mid-term elections in late 2014."

When talking about the midterm elections, Ao Guanhai showed an elusive smile on his face.

"Speaking of which, we have to thank the Chinese... If they hadn't caused the global capital turmoil last year, our economic situation would have been really difficult..."

There was some emotion in his tone:

"The Democratic Party's base is in a very good situation now, and its public support is also rising... I don't want any major actions that may cause sharp market fluctuations or international tensions before the November voting day."

"Especially a systematic containment plan against a major trading partner and creditor like China. The risks are too great and it is easy to cause complications."

Last year's round of capital frenzy largely activated the investment market, which had been half-dead since the 2008 financial crisis.

Wall Street is very active right now and employment data is improving.

This injection of 'stimulant' has a significant effect.

Donilon quickly wrote down the other party's request in his notebook.

But after finishing writing, he frowned slightly, with a hint of worry:

"But the final confirmation of the midterm election results is usually not until early December, followed by the Christmas and New Year holidays. The efficiency of the entire federal government, including Congress, from mid-December to mid-January... you know, is almost in a semi-dormant state."

"This means that we will not be able to really start pushing the plan forward until at least February 2015, which is only about 2 months away from November 2016."

"Once this plan is launched, it will involve complex international negotiations, possible sanctions threats, and dramatic changes in market expectations... If it is handled improperly, or if China's reaction is more intense than expected, it is likely to cause fluctuations in economic growth in 2015 and the first half of 2016, or even downside risks..."

"..."

Ao Guanhai certainly knew what his security advisor was worried about.

November 2016 is voting day.

The other party's concerns are reasonable.

However, he showed an expression of nonchalance:

"You are very considerate, Tom. But ..."

He paused, his tone strangely relaxed.

"Since we have already secured victory in Congress, let's just leave the events of 2016 alone."

These light words are somewhat confusing.

At least Donilon was stunned.

"Let them go?"

He repeated it automatically, totally unable to comprehend what the President meant.

Does the president have no hope of being re-elected? This is impossible!

Just as Donilon opened his mouth to ask more questions, Pete Rouse, who was standing behind him,

He touched his lower back with his elbow in a very covert way.

Donilon immediately stopped talking and glanced at the other person in confusion.

There was no expression on Ross's face. He just shook his head very slightly, and his eyes signaled him not to ask any more questions.

Ao Guanhai seemed not to notice this little action. He picked up the coffee cup on the table and took a sip leisurely.

There was a brief silence in the office.

Donilon quickly closed his notebook:

"Understood. I will organize the team and modify the plan according to your instructions to ensure a seamless launch of the plan early next year."

"Very good." Ao Guanhai nodded. "Show me the revised draft as soon as possible."

"Yes." Donilon and Rouse answered at the same time and turned to leave.

He walked out of the Oval Office and the heavy wooden door closed behind him.

The corridor was silent. Donilon could not help but stop and look at Royce, lowering his voice and asking anxiously:

"Pete, just now... 'Let them be'? This..."

Royce did not answer immediately. He walked forward a few steps, came to a more secluded corner, and then turned around.

He reached out and gently patted Donilon's shoulder, his voice was very low, and his speed was slow and clear:

"Who are we, Tom?"

Donilon was startled: "Of course..."

He pointed in the direction of the Oval Office.

"Yes, we are his personal staff." Rouse shrugged. "We are only responsible to him and only serve his personal political life and long-term interests."

“Not America, and not the Donkey Party.”

"If you understand this, you will understand what he just said."

After saying this, Ross looked at Donilon meaningfully, said no more, turned around and left quickly.

Leaving the latter standing there alone.

The words just now were like a gust of wind that blew away the fog in Donilon's heart.

Ao Guanhai is only in his early fifties and is a true emerging force.

Even after leaving office, he still has at least 20 to 30 years of political life.

It’s impossible to start retirement life like this.

Therefore, for Guan Hai himself, letting the Elephant Party enter the White House in 2016, clearing out a group of Rooseveltists or Clinton factions, and integrating the power of the blue camp into his own faction may be the choice that maximizes his interests...