Chapter 168 Some people only know how to be a quarrel

In the original timeline, the EU and the United States had an extremely exciting and intensive game over Boeing's merger with McDonnell Douglas.

Although the European Union at this time was still very immature, with no euro even issued and only 15 member states, the fighting power that broke out under the ideal of European integration was extremely strong. European countries were riding on the wind of victory in the Cold War and were very ambitious, feeling that as long as It is not a problem for Europe to unite and be on an equal footing with the United States on the other side of the ocean.

Under the guidance of this kind of thinking, the EU certainly cannot sit back and watch Airbus's two main rivals merge into one and concentrate their efforts against itself. Therefore, although Boeing and McDonnell Douglas have no subsidiaries in Europe, the European Commission Jurisdiction was exercised on the grounds that the merger and acquisition parties were selling products to airlines in the EU and would have a significant impact on the European Economic Area's large business jet market.

The United States believes that according to the EU-US agreement of that year, the Federal Trade Commission should decide whether the merger is feasible, and the European Commission needs to respect the decision to unconditionally approve the merger.

There are no definite rules for the application of laws outside the territory. It has always been the public's opinion that the public has its own reasons, and the mother-in-law has its own reasons. The final result still depends on the negotiation, or the outcome of the game.

In the Boeing-McDonnell Douglas merger case, faced with the EU's obstruction, the United States was even prepared to retaliate by restricting flights and detaining airliners. Not to be outdone, the EU also threatened to impose huge fines on Boeing's business operations within the EU. There is even a complete ban on the registration of Boeing aircraft in EU countries.

The final result was nothing more than a step back for both parties. The EU approved the merger of the two companies to proceed normally, while Boeing made a series of commitments to prevent restrictions on competition, including huge concessions in the market and technology patents.

"Do you think Europe will turn against the United States?"

After hearing Chang Haonan's statement just now, not only Ding Gaoheng, but also Du Yishan, who had been sitting next to him drinking tea, showed a somewhat surprised expression.

"Of course it will. The biggest victim in this matter is the EU, and they will definitely not be willing."

"Will this merger fail due to the EU's opposition? But both Boeing and McDonnell Douglas have already announced it?"

Ding Gaoheng spoke much faster than before, obviously very interested in this issue.

"Well... that shouldn't be the case, but the EU will definitely put forward corresponding conditions and strive for sufficient benefits for itself in this merger, and this should also be the direction we strive for."

Chang Haonan did not speak too harshly. After all, according to his professional background, making some directional predictions can be regarded as knowledgeable or exhaustive, but if everything that happens later is explained clearly It's obvious, but it's hard to explain.

Therefore, we still focus on aspects related to the aviation field:

"Compared to the EU, we still have fewer bargaining chips, but after all, we hold such a huge market in our hands, and there is no reason for Boeing to be manipulated by Party B."

"Now Airbus is developing rapidly, and the Tupolev Company in Russia is also actively looking for foreign users for new models such as Tu-204 and Tu-334. Of course, we cannot really turn to Europe. Or Russia, but it’s okay to use them to pull some strings with Boeing.”

"What about the specific method of operation? Under what name will we or the EU use to interfere in the domestic commercial activities of the United States?"

Ding Gaoheng asked very detailed questions, which showed that he really wanted to find an opportunity to gather some wool for China.

But Chang Haonan on the sofa next to him felt more and more strange.

At the beginning, he felt that those rather basic questions were testing himself.

But after several back and forth exchanges, we found that this was not the case.

The other party seems to be really unclear about many things.

Consulting in this era was far less developed than in later generations, and there were huge information barriers between different majors or industries.

Moreover, the Cold War has only ended a few years ago, and the thinking of most people, especially the older generation, is still stuck in the era of confrontation between East and West.

Therefore, it is normal for Ding Gaoheng, an old engineer who has been engaged in technology for half his life, not to understand the competitive relationship between Europe and the United States and these business rules.

However, nearly two days have passed since the official announcement of the merger between Boeing and McDonnell Douglas. Whether it is the Commission of Science, Technology and Industry for National Defense or other relevant departments, there must have been relevant discussions or meetings on this matter.

Logically speaking, there should be consultants or experts who specialize in this area to give relevant advice.

Even if these people are limited by the factors of the times and cannot be as sure about everything as the reborn Chang Haonan, they still cannot let a person of the level of the director of the Science and Technology Commission not know everything.

Chang Haonan raised his head slightly and let his gaze naturally scan the surface of Ding Gaoheng's desk.

There was a pile of papers spread out there.

Although I can't see the specific content, I think it must be related to this merger and acquisition incident.

It's weird anyway.

But it was impossible for him to ask directly, so he could only use a circumstantial approach:

"I think the best place to start is definitely with antitrust or anti-unfair competition regulations. As long as Boeing and McDonnell Douglas conduct business in a region, they must abide by local competition laws, otherwise they will face fines or market restrictions."

"But for something more specific, I think... there should be more professional people responsible for making suggestions, right?"

Sure enough, when Chang Haonan said these last words, Ding Gaoheng's brows suddenly frowned, revealing a trace of imperceptible sullenness.

He did not answer immediately, but looked down at the meeting minutes on the desk in front of him.

After a while, he raised his head again.

"Let's take a look. The suggestions given by more professional people are all here."

As he spoke, he picked up a few documents from the table, sorted them out and handed them to Chang Haonan.

There is no title on the cover, only the classification level, but there is no top secret, except for one secret, it is just a secret, indicating that these are only the contents of consultation and discussion at the ministry level, and have not yet formed a final decision to report to higher levels.

Of course, even if that kind of thing is formed, Chang Haonan will definitely not be able to see it now.

He opened one.

Du Yishan, who was next to him, also came over.

The master and disciple frowned almost at the same time.

Then the second, third...

The frown deepened.

Looking at the several documents in front of him, Chang Haonan finally understood.

Not only did I understand why Ding Gaoheng was already keenly aware of the room for maneuver in the Boeing-McDonnell Douglas merger, but he also acted as if he had no understanding of the matter.

I also understand why China in the previous life did not respond to this incident in the end, and even continued to inject capital into the MD90 manufacturing project after the incident.

Some of the conclusions given in these meeting minutes are truly outrageous.

After some analysis, I believe that given the current strength comparison between China and the United States, it is barely appropriate to judge that it is not appropriate to react to this matter.

In fact, if we don't consider that the EU has made such a big move, this countermeasure cannot even be said to be wrong.

But there are still people who think that the merger of Boeing and McDonnell Douglas is a good thing for China?

Some even said that they should support the merger decision of the two companies in exchange for Boeing's continued support of McDonnell Douglas' aircraft production line in China. They even believed that if additional investment could be continued, there would be a chance to replace the MD90 production line with the more promising Boeing 737 Production line.

Chang Haonan almost laughed when he saw it.

If this kind of person doesn't have a problem with his brain, then he has a problem with his butt.

McDonnell Douglas was able to actually hand over part of its aircraft manufacturing technology because it was at a critical moment of life and death and needed the help of the Chinese market.

Even so, the most critical aircraft structural design and aero-engine related technologies for large aircraft are still in their own hands.

After acquiring McDonnell Douglas, Boeing will occupy 70 to 80% of the world's civil aviation market, and it would be damned if it would even talk to you about technology transfer.

Do you really think they are doing charity?

As for the other parts except the conclusion, it is even more unsightly.

Some people have almost written it on their faces that they received black money from Boeing...

Chang Haonan took a few deep breaths and restrained his urge to curse.

As a junior, he must not behave too inappropriately in Ding Gaoheng's office.

Not only will this not solve any problem, it will also reduce the persuasiveness of previous judgments.

"Director Ding, these suggestions... although they all make sense, the starting point seems to be a bit one-sided."

High emotional intelligence: The starting point seems to be one-sided.

Low emotional intelligence: There is a high probability that the butt of these guys is not on our side.

"It's really a bit one-sided."

Ding Gaoheng can naturally understand the meaning of Chang Haonan's words:

"That's why I brought you here today. I hope to hear some voices from other perspectives."

Chang Haonan also understood.

The other party wants some more professional opinions that can guarantee their position.

But he couldn't answer -

Even if you don't consider the issue of maintaining the character, he really can't say anything more.

At this time, Du Yishan, who had been silent just now, suddenly spoke:

"Actually, within our aviation industry system, there are a group of people who often deal with foreign customers. I think we can definitely ask for their opinions."

I’ll have another one in the afternoon. I’m sorry that I’m really not in a good state these past few days. I feel very tired after writing for a while.