Kleizer's face alternated between livid and pale. At a formal negotiation between two countries, this really was a slap in the face.
They could at least have offered some excuse. That would have given everyone a graceful way out.
How awkward was this?
Especially for Kleizer, the Americans' Secretary of Defense. Wherever he went, he was used to throwing his weight around. Yet now, what could he do except swallow his broken teeth along with the blood?
Times had changed. The United States might still be the same United States, but Huaxia was no longer the Huaxia of old.
But... damn, hadn't this change come a little too fast? It wasn't just Kleizer who struggled to adjust. Every negotiator present felt the same way.
"Minister Li, since your country is unwilling to grant us control access to the Joint Defense System in the Americas, we won't press the issue. However, we hope to participate in the actual execution of joint defense missions." Secretary Kleizer had no choice but to back down.
"Well..." Minister Li seemed hesitant.
Kleizer's heart leaped with delight. For these negotiations, the bottom line set by the President and Congress was to join the Joint Defense System, while also securing as much standing within it as possible.
If he could really get the U.S. Military involved in carrying out joint defense missions and give them direct access to this super system, that would still be a major achievement.
"Minister Li, this would have no adverse effects on your country. It would also help deepen cooperation between our militaries and strengthen mutual trust..." Kleizer tried to persuade him in the most eloquent terms he could muster.
Minister Li said, "It's not impossible for you to join, but you would have to do so as observers. Also, this Joint