Chapter 5 Chapter 4: People in Beijing exclaim

"Busy! The second word is still busy!" Qin Wencai said, since the "3.26" report meeting in the Great Hall of the People, he and Zhang Wenbin, the vice minister in charge of offshore oil's external work of the Ministry of Petroleum, and other comrades in the "Ocean Group" , The working time of more than ten hours a day is not enough. "Needless to say how busy you are at work during the day. And you don't have much rest at night, because we have to get in touch with oil companies in Europe and the United States every day. Our nights happen to be their daytime, and some things can only be waited until midnight. Deal with it..." Qin Wencai said.

What was the situation in Beijing, China in 1978?Many of us who have been here are very clear: If you want to make a long-distance call, you have to go to the long-distance telephone office east of Fuxingmen to queue up. It is common to wait for three or four hours for a call; if you want to make a telegram, you have to go to Xidan Chang’an Street telegraph building waiting.The Ministry of Petroleum's external contacts are all international telephone calls and international telegrams, and the waiting time is even longer.At that time, the only cities in the country that could make international long distance calls were Beijing and Shanghai.The Ministry of Petroleum cooperates with oil companies in Western countries to drill wells offshore. If you want to make an international call, you must first send a telegram to Beijing or Shanghai on land, and then transfer to Hong Kong to go to a certain country.This is not a particularly difficult problem. What troubles Qin Wencai and the oil people is that when dealing with "capitalist countries", many times you have to go through one after another for approval by the higher authorities, and you have to wait for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Even approval from the National Security Agency. "But all these waiting and approvals are considered necessary and unconditional. I remember a very deep time when I sent an invitation to an international company, and thirty or forty departments went through just the approval. At that time, we had no complaints, because everyone I know in my heart that this is a "polite and respectful" cooperation and struggle against the Western world on behalf of the country, and I am crossing the river by feeling the stones - no one knows how deep or shallow the river is. What we know Yes: If you don’t do it well, you will drown. So try to be careful.” Qin Wencai said with a wry smile as he recalled that period of time.

When China's door to the outside world shows a slight gap, the Western world is ready to move, and even cheers for long live.At that time, the oil people in China did not know a background: After the "oil war" between the Western world led by the United States and the Arab Islamic countries, several consecutive "embargoes" and price hikes, those who depended on oil imports Developed countries are becoming more and more aware of the threat of oil shortage to their own development, so the global oil exploration craze has been set off in a short period of time. "By 1978, almost all oil exploration equipment had been rented out, and more and more funds were waiting for a new round of investment." An oil economics commentator pointed out at the time.

China, which has an ocean area roughly twice the size of the entire European continent, will open up its offshore oil exploration market. This news undoubtedly makes Western countries with technological equipment and abundant funds extremely excited.When the Chinese oil company delegation was still visiting the United States, the European oil industry was collecting relevant intelligence every day.In the end, they came to the conclusion that the door to the East is about to open, and whoever wins the right to explore and develop oil in China's "virgin sea" will have the greatest chance in the second 20 years of the 20th century, or even in the first fifty years of the 21st century. Rule the world.

In June 1978, the first hot wind of summer had just blown into Beijing.A large French oil delegation came to Beijing, headed by Caron, director of the French government's energy department. "Why are they here? We didn't send an invitation to the French oil company!" That day, Zhang Wenbin told Qin Wencai that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs had notified him to meet the French oil delegation the next day.Qin Wencai felt very strange. Zhang Wenbin smiled and said, "France has diplomatic relations with us, so they can come to China directly through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs."

I see. At this time, Qin Wencai felt a sudden coolness: It seems that once the gate of the country is opened, there will be a myriad of sights! No, the French oil delegation led by Caron had just left the six-bedded Petroleum Ministry building, and the foreign affairs department came to tell Qin Wencai in a hurry: Tomorrow, Vice Chairman Li Xiannian will meet with Anderson, chairman of the American Atlantic Richfield Petroleum Company, in the Great Hall of the People. , asked our Ministry of Petroleum to accompany the interview. The American Atlantic Richfield Petroleum Company is a well-known oil company in the United States. The invitation letter we sent to them has not yet been sent out, so why are they here?Qin Wencai became more and more confused.

The comrades in the foreign affairs department said with a smile: "He is visiting China in the name of a delegation from the American Humanities Association." Another "so it is"!However, what Qin Wencai understands more and more is that Western countries are more anxious about China's foreign cooperation than we Chinese.Of course, they are capitalists, where there is money to be made, they must sharpen their heads to drill! efficiency.A new word was deeply imprinted in Qin Wencai's mind.Foreigners pay special attention to efficiency. In comparison, the efficiency of our Chinese people is poor!No wonder Vice Premier Kang Shien repeatedly told the people in the Ministry of Petroleum: It takes a month to do something in one day!

The list of the first batch of foreign oil companies invited to visit China was determined, and invitations were issued through diplomatic and other channels soon.It doesn’t matter what happened. For the next few days, Zhang Wenbin, Qin Wencai and other staff members of the “Marine Group” of the Ministry of Petroleum seemed to be on the highway, and it was difficult to stop and take a breath... Litke, the chairman of Binance Petroleum Company, is an old friend of Bush. When Qin Wencai and the others visited the United States, he had contacts with Chinese oil people at Bush's family dinner. Naturally, he was the first to be invited to Beijing. The first guest of a foreign oil company.

"We are willing to carry out risk cooperation with counterparts in your country, and we can first conduct geophysical exploration in your sea." Litke came prepared and put forward his own idea when meeting with Zhang Wenbin. The first step in offshore oil exploration and development is the same as ground work. It is most important to understand the geological structure of the underwater world, and geophysical prospecting is essential.Zhang Wenbin is very clear about the significance of Litke's proposal to engage in geophysical exploration first. "Thank you very much. We will give priority to your suggestion." Zhang Wenbin replied.

Zhang Wenbin, who was born in the military, seems to be a seasoned diplomat, answering every foreign oil mission politely.In addition to the need for diplomacy between countries, Zhang Wenbin and Qin Wencai knew this well: the assets owned by a well-known international oil company are almost several times or dozens of times the entire assets of the Ministry of Petroleum of China!Offshore oil exploration and development is a big hole for throwing money. If you don't have enough funds, don't even think about it. China's opening up to the outside world, to put it bluntly, is to use the funds of famous foreign companies and consortiums to serve the construction of my country's four modernizations.The purpose of opening up is to introduce capital and technology.China has people, resources and spirit, but no money and lack of technical equipment.

"What is hunger and thirst?" Qin Wencai said, "At that time, in order to meet the climax of the construction of the four modernizations, China launched offshore oil exploration in an all-round way, and introduced funds and advanced technologies. It was like walking a few miles on Chang'an Avenue under the scorching sun. Looking forward to drinking a bottle of Coca-Cola as well!" But at that time, the Chinese could not afford to drink Coca-Cola, and could only drink cold boiled tea and large bowls of tea.However, the bosses of foreign companies with money, technology and equipment flocked here. For a while, almost all the rooms of the Beijing Hotel were occupied by foreigners with high noses and blue eyes... What happened?Why are they all foreigners?The citizens near the Beijing Hotel were amazed, like they were watching a circus, people ran to the entrance of the Beijing Hotel from day to night to watch those tall noses and blue eyes.Young people are interested in the suits worn by people with high noses and blue eyes, and some older people come to watch. Several old men are whispering: They don't look like "old men"—Beijing in the 1950s and 1960s People have seen the Soviets, but few have seen the Americans. At that time, the only place in Beijing where foreigners could live was the Beijing Hotel.Ordinary people are not allowed to go into restaurants for a stroll, and public security personnel and plainclothes police will come forward to stop them. "We are very envious in the eyes of the citizens that we can go in and out of the Beijing Hotel!" A "foreigner" from the Ministry of Petroleum who participated in the reception told me proudly that a young man in Beijing wanted to invite him into the hotel. Going to "see the world", I am willing to give him a bottle of "Moutai". "At that time, a bottle of Moutai cost six or seven yuan, but I couldn't take him in even so. We have discipline." The "foreigner" said. At that time, the "foreign affairs discipline" was very strict. If anyone came into contact with foreigners alone, he might be labeled as "communicating with foreign countries". Believe it or not.Anyway, there was a senior official of the Ministry of Culture who secretly watched a few "pornographic" movies on TV during a visit to Japan. After being reported by someone, he was given a moderate punishment when he returned home. Many people know this. The summer in Beijing in 1978 was unusually hot.Since the invitation letter was issued, more than 20 well-known oil companies such as United Petroleum Corporation, Exxon Petroleum Corporation, and Mobile Petroleum Corporation of the United States have flocked to Beijing one after another, eager to discuss cooperation with Qin Wencai and the others. "The Beijing Hotel couldn't accommodate them. We had to let some foreign company teams live in the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse, and some even arranged to live in some old houses in the Old Summer Palace. At that time, Beijing had few decent hotels, and we Also consider not allowing foreign colleagues to collude in private, so try to separate them. A delegation was arranged in a temporary small courtyard next to the Summer Palace, which is said to be the place where Comrade Peng Dehuai lived when he was in distress. To those 'foreigners' Our negotiating opponents, we were afraid at first that they would be unhappy, but this group of "foreigners" danced with joy when they saw the Summer Palace with mountains and rivers, and repeatedly praised us for "considerate care" and "a symbol of Sino-US friendship." Qin Wencai Said, "The Beijing Hotel at that time did not have air-conditioning. When the meeting came, the foreign guests were all in suits and leather shoes. But within a few minutes of the meeting, they were all sweating profusely and dared not say anything. In the end, it was our Vice Minister Zhang Wenbin who was wearing a Chinese tunic suit." Take off your coat first, and say to the 'foreigners': "It's too hot, you can take off your suits. This will not affect our friendship and etiquette!" Upon hearing this, the 'foreigners' Immediately relieved, they took off their suits one after another, and privately praised with a smile: So the officials of the Communist Party are also very flexible and witty!" Talks, again and again; conditions, negotiated one after another... Throughout the summer from mid-to-late June to July and August, Zhang Wenbin, Qin Wencai and other comrades from the "Ocean Group" of the Ministry of Petroleum of China, almost every day non-stop with the The high-nosed, blue-eyed people dealt with and negotiated, and the scenes and scenarios were no less than several "North Korea Armistice Negotiations."During this period, there were quarrels, handshakes, private drinking of coffee to complete a certain detail and condition that had not been negotiated on the negotiating table for several days, and chatting between the east and the west during the walk, and the "death rivals" ” became friends.In short, the first contact between the Chinese and Western oil circles after the opening of the country was beneficial and mutually beneficial. In late August, Zhang Wenbin discussed with Qin Wencai that the results of the first phase of talks could be reported to the central government. "While the enthusiasm of the 'foreigners' is high, we should sign several cooperation agreements with them." The old political commissar of the "oil engineer" fanned a black paper fan and ordered his old subordinates: After the report is finished, send it to the two old ministers There. "Yes, I will make a draft first, and you will finalize it!" Qin Wencai took over the task.He knew that the report should be sent to Yu Qiuli and Kang Shien first. On August 12, 1978, a "You Wai Zi No. 400" request report submitted to the State Council in the name of the Ministry of Petroleum, the Ministry of Foreign Trade and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs read: State Department: According to the instructions given by the central leadership comrades to the report of the oil company delegation to the United States this year, since June, the Ministry of Petroleum has successively contacted foreign companies such as France, Japan, Italy, and the United States on offshore oil exploration and development.During the contact, we talked about negotiating the form of cooperation, as well as inviting me to inspect and train personnel on my behalf.During the contact with Binns Petroleum Company of the United States, I learned that there are five forms of cooperation in offshore oil exploration and development in the world, including joint operations, risk contracts, general contracting, individual contracting, and support services.At present, risk contracts are widely used, and the content is: if exploration fails, all expenses shall be borne by foreign companies; if oil fields are discovered in exploration, in addition to repaying all exploration expenses, compensation fees shall be paid to foreign companies.According to the example given by Binns Company, 28.5% of the crude oil produced is given to foreign countries as compensation every year for 15 consecutive years.As for the specific amount of compensation, the foreign businessman said it can be discussed further. We believe that my country's Pearl River Mouth Basin in the South China Sea has a large area, deep water, high risk, and low degree of exploration. Pick out ten to twenty blocks (accounting for about 20%-40% of the total area) and engage in risky cooperation with several foreign companies such as the United States, which will help us to use the technology and equipment of foreign companies to accelerate the exploration and development of favorable offshore oil-bearing areas ; It can provide us with systematic experience, technology, equipment and funds required for large-scale exploration and development of continental shelf oil resources.To this end, we plan to discuss with the American Binance Company on the terms of risk cooperation.At the same time, more countries should be selected to participate in the competition.As for the proportion and time limit of the compensation fee, after finding out the quotations of each company, choose the best one to sign the contract. As for the inspection and training, under normal circumstances we are ready to accept the invitation and send professionals there.Cost issues can be resolved together in the contract. Yes or not, please advise. After the report was sent to Zhongnanhai, Qin Wencai and Zhang Wenbin took the archived manuscript and looked at it again and again. They felt that this report included everything that should be written, and the idea of ​​cooperation with foreign countries based on our own interests was foolproof. We will definitely support and satisfy you with all our strength!They even estimated so boldly. Qin Wencai said to his colleagues involved in negotiations with foreign countries: Take advantage of the few days before the central government's instructions have come down, everyone should make good adjustments and prepare for more arduous tasks! "Okay, these days I just eat Western food with 'foreigners', which ruined my stomach. I have to go home and ask my wife to make me some more sour noodle soup!" Someone said cheerfully. About a week later, Zhang Wenbin's office called: "Wencai, the old ministers have something to say, you should take the documents and read." "What's the matter? They have different opinions?" Qin Wencai hurriedly asked after hearing the old political commissar's tone was very gloomy. "Let's talk about it after reading the document." Qin Wencai immediately took a look at the documents, "At that time, it was really like a slap in the face!" Qin Wencai recalled: "We thought that the two vice premiers, Yu and Kang, would definitely agree that we should hurry up and sign a contract with the 'foreigner'. Before that, Kang Didn’t the minister tell us that we need to do one month’s work in one day? We feel that after more than two months of negotiating with so many foreign companies and a lot of work, the ‘foreigners’ have shown great enthusiasm. We must grasp We should seize the opportunity and quickly carry out foreign cooperation in offshore oil exploration and development, especially in our report, which is very clear, and it can be said that we have considered it very carefully. Once the cooperation is successful, it will be rolled out in an all-round way. Who would have thought that the instructions of the two old ministers, Yu and Kang, turned out to be a basin of cold water..." What were Yu and Kang's instructions? They commented in the report of the Ministry of Petroleum: Regarding the method of cooperating with foreign companies to develop offshore oil fields, it is still in the initial stage of contact.More research needs to be done.There will be a variety of ways of cooperation, and it is not advisable to die prematurely.It can be widely contacted, and all methods must be touched, and then the best method is selected, and then reported to the State Council for approval. "What is this?" "A few days ago, we were asked to do a month's worth of work in a day, why did we suddenly say 'it is not appropriate to die prematurely'?" "That's right, our investigation and research have been deep enough. We've talked to so many companies, and almost all of them have fully grasped the international practice of 'foreigners' in offshore oil exploration and development, so we decided on the plan!" After the instructions from the two deputy prime ministers were communicated, those involved in the negotiation of the "Ocean Group" couldn't turn the corner. To be honest, even Zhang Wenbin and Qin Wencai kept muttering in their hearts: Yu and Kang, who have always acted decisively, are not in this style!Foreign cooperation is the policy set by the Central Committee at the "March 26" meeting, and the specific steps are basically taken according to the wishes of the two old ministers. How could this result after working so hard for a long time? Can't figure it out!At least for a moment I can't figure it out. There was another situation at that time: in order to speed up the exploration and development of offshore oil, the Ministry of Petroleum not only established the China National Petroleum Exploration and Development Corporation, which was specifically responsible for foreign cooperation, and Zhang Wenbin, the vice minister, also personally served as the general manager.At the same time, the Ministry of Petroleum also established an Offshore Oil Exploration Bureau in Tanggu, Tianjin, which was directly under the leadership of the Ministry. Ma Jixiang, the former deputy director of the Political Department of the "Petroleum Division" regiment, was appointed as the first director and party secretary of the Offshore Oil Exploration Bureau.Tanggu is the birthplace of China's offshore oil exploration. On January 7, 1966, the Ministry of Petroleum established the Ocean Exploration Headquarters here.For more than ten years, China's offshore oil exploration has been groping and carrying out hard work. Because the technology and equipment capabilities have not yet reached a certain level, the offshore oil achievements in the Bohai Bay have not made much progress. Now the Ministry of Petroleum is taking advantage of foreign cooperation. Ready to do a big job here, Tanggu has once again become the base camp of China's offshore oil exploration.Naturally, Zhang Wenbin couldn't forget to use his most capable "oil division" cadre as the commander of the upcoming "Battle of the Ocean".Joining hands with Ma Jixiang was Zhong Yiming, one of the earliest experts engaged in offshore oil exploration in the Republic. "It's too backward!" In May of this year, Zhang Wenbin took Ma Jixiang, who was about to go into battle, to the Tanggu Offshore Oil Exploration Base Camp. The old political commissar of the "oil engineer" looked at the clumsy and crude offshore drilling equipment used by his team. He exhorted his old subordinates with great emotion: the level of China's offshore oil is at least several decades behind advanced countries, but it is not terrible to be behind, what is terrible is backwardness in thinking.Therefore, what is the prospect of CNOOC? The first task is to see whether our oil workers can emancipate their minds.Now that the major policies of the central government have been set, CNOOC's work has become the vanguard of the country's opening up to the outside world. If it is done well, it will have a far-reaching impact.It was the first time to deal with foreigners and cooperate with capitalists.We can only fight the battle of opening up to the outside world only if we put on our clothes and try to consider all the things that may be considered! "Please rest assured, the old political commissar, we will do our best!" Ma Jixiang issued a military order to Zhang Wenbin. "Okay! I'll give you one word now: Quick! Once the cooperation agreement between Qin Wencai of Beijing and the foreign company is signed, you will have thousands of troops from all walks of life to work at sea, so you must start immediately. Take action, ask for a quick word on everything you do! If you are not quick, it will affect the overall situation..." "Yes, we will resolutely follow the old political commissar's instructions!" Ma Jixiang's answer satisfied Zhang Wenbin.After returning from Bohai Bay, Zhang Wenbin plunged headlong into the reception of foreign companies with Qin Wencai, and conducted various meetings and negotiations like a whirlwind for more than two months.In addition to negotiations and meetings, in fact, during this period of time, Zhang Wenbin has been arranging the related work of the marine exploration team in the entire north and south seas. In his own words: "Even during the Daqing battle, I have never been so nervous and busy!" Daqing During the battle, Zhang Wenbin was Yu and Kang's deputy. Now in the offshore oil exploration and development campaign, Zhang Wenbin is the "commander in chief".He has to make up his mind about all the steps, and naturally the degree of busyness will be very different, especially now when dealing with foreigners, any omission and negligence may cause serious damage to the national interest. "Don't be sloppy! It's like walking on thin ice!" Zhang Wenbin, who is over half a hundred, often said this sentence to himself with a smile while smoking a cigarette in front of his subordinates. In those few days, the comrades involved in the negotiations did not understand Yu and Kang's instructions, and complained a lot.Zhang Wenbin was very anxious after hearing this, but in fact he didn't understand it.But as the "commander" of the Ministry of Petroleum dealing with "foreigners", he knows that he must keep a clear head at this critical moment. Zhang Wenbin approached Qin Wencai to discuss countermeasures, in order to do a good job in the stability of his team, and he could not offend those "foreigners" right now. Qin Wencai is resourceful and sensitive to political trends.One day, he took a newspaper and said to his old political commissar that we were only immersed in negotiating with "foreigners" in the restaurant during this time, and we didn't know what happened outside. Zhang Wenbin asked: "What happened outside?" Qin Wencai said: "The discussion on the standard of truth testing has become more intense than some days ago. Now it is a dispute over the views of 'two whatevers'. This issue involves a lot of people, and it even affects our foreign cooperation." "What did you say!" Zhang Wenbin was a little anxious. Qin Wencai waved to him, and then took out a piece of "People's Daily", which contained Deng Xiaoping's speeches when he inspected the Northeast.Qin Wencai's face was shining brightly, and he read to Zhang Wencai: "How to hold high Mao Zedong Thought is a big problem. Now many people inside and outside the party and at home and abroad agree to hold high the banner of Mao Zedong Thought. What is holding high? How to hold high? You know, there is a kind of discussion called 'two whatevers', which is not very Is it famous? All the documents that Comrade Mao Zedong read can’t be moved, and everything that Comrade Mao Zedong has done and said can’t be moved. Isn’t this called holding high the banner of Mao Zedong Thought? No! If it goes on like this, it will damage Mao Zedong Thought. Mao Zedong The basic point of view is to seek truth from facts, which is to combine the general principles of Marxism-Leninism with the concrete practice of the Chinese revolution..." "Yes, Comrade Xiaoping is right! Now our cooperation with foreign companies is still in a semi-secret state, and some people have already started to make sarcastic remarks. If it is made public, I guess we deviate from Mao Zedong Thought, There may be too many jokes about fighting with foreign capitalists!" Zhang Wenbin suddenly waved his hands emotionally, as if a storm was coming. Qin Wencai, who was lying on the table, stared at the newspaper and made a gesture with his right hand to signal the old political commissar to calm down, saying: "The following words of Comrade Xiaoping are very important to us, listen: after several years of hard work, With today’s international conditions that are much better than in the past, we can absorb international advanced technology and management experience, and absorb their funds. This is a condition that Comrade Mao Zedong did not have when he was alive. Foreigners may also deceive us , and may bully us to fall behind. For example, it is possible to raise the price of a set of equipment for you, or shoddy it. But in general, we have good conditions that we did not have in the past. If Comrade Mao Zedong did not say We cannot do what we have done in the past, and we cannot make this determination now. On such issues, what does it mean to hold high the banner of Mao Zedong Thought? It is to proceed from the current reality and make full use of various favorable conditions to realize Comrade Mao Zedong’s proposal and Comrade Zhou Enlai’s. The four modernization goals announced. If only what Comrade Mao Zedong said can be done, then what should we do now? Marxism must be developed! Mao Zedong Thought must also be developed! Otherwise, it will become rigid!" "Is it what Deng Xiaoping said?" Zhang Wenbin moved excitedly to Qin Wencai's side, and grabbed the newspaper to read. "Of course it's his exact words! Look at the last paragraph." Qin Wencai pointed to the bottom left of the newspaper.So Zhang Wenbin read word by word: "What is exaltation? This is the question we have to answer. The guidelines and policies proposed by the central government are truly exalted. It is the best to make such a big determination and accelerate the pace of progress. Exaltation. Leaving these is a formalistic exaltation, a false exaltation." "Happy! Xiaoping's words are profound and clear! Wen Cai, in my opinion, under the direct leadership and command of the Party Central Committee and two veteran ministers Yu Qiuli and Kang Shien, we have no direction to cooperate with foreigners in offshore oil exploration and development. Wrong, it is indeed adhering to the party's line of seeking truth from facts. The reason is not complicated: because we have no money and no experience, proceeding from this actual situation, under the unified steps of the central government, we negotiated and cooperated with 'foreigners' conditionally, and finally To realize the development of my country's offshore oil industry and serve the four modernizations, I think this is holding high the great banner of Mao Zedong Thought!" Zhang Wenbin asked his comrades with sparkling eyes. "And it's really holding high the great banner of Mao Zedong Thought!" Qin Wencai said more affirmatively. "Then we don't have to be afraid of anything! Do what we should do." Zhang Wenbin suddenly changed the subject, and said, "I think we need to correctly understand the spirit of the instructions of Vice Premiers Yu and Kang. During this period of time, we have received so many foreigners. The company is a bit hot-headed, and foreign companies are so eager to cooperate with us, so they are eager to sign several cooperation agreements. The motivation is undoubtedly correct, but for such a big foreign cooperation, the country’s first time, we It is the first time for oil people, so we must be cautious. Therefore, it is very reasonable for Vice Premier Yu and Kang to ask us to do more research and explore various solutions. After all, on the one hand, we are cooperating with foreign companies On the one hand, we are laymen, and on the other hand, there are many forms of international cooperation in the development of oil projects. If we are not familiar with all the situations, we will definitely suffer.” "I agree with your analysis. The central government can forgive us if we suffer a little loss, but we must not suffer a big loss, because this is not just an issue of international sales, but a matter of the country's long-term interests." Qin Wencai said. "Okay, let's do the work separately." The veteran Zhang Wencai seemed to be full of confidence and strength.The young and vigorous Qin Wencai was even more vigorous and resolute.In the next few days, they called the comrades who participated in the negotiations with foreign companies, and held individual meetings or collective meetings to explain that the instructions of the two vice premiers, Yu and Kang, were not only very correct, but also very timely. "Foreign companies are now cooperating with us to explore and develop offshore oil. They are very anxious, and we are also very anxious, but the starting point of the two is different. They are anxious because they want to enter our country as soon as possible and make money early. We are anxious It is because they are afraid of losing opportunities. Although people are anxious, they know how to negotiate. We are anxious, but we are laymen in international cooperation and negotiation. Who is the loser when we are in a hurry? It must be us! Think about it, everyone. Reasonable? So Yu and Vice Premier Kang’s instructions are both timely and correct.” "Now that we've said it, we've figured it out! If we didn't say anything, the general direction is in the hands of your leaders, and we will do what you say!" "Yes, what should we do next? We are waiting to accept the mission!" Zhang Wenbin and Qin Wencai looked at their fighting team, which was always clear-headed in politics and full of work spirit, with proud smiles on their faces, and at the same time, they were deeply encouraged in their hearts. "Okay, let me plan the next step." Zhang Wenbin stood up with a strong body and straightened his chest, just like the thousands of troops who ordered him back then, "According to the arrangement of the party group of the Ministry of Petroleum and reported to the Central Committee for approval: 1. Immediately dispatch Delegations of different levels and sizes will carry out a new round of investigations in different countries with different investigation contents; 2. The objects of the investigation include not only the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Norway and other countries with advanced oil technology, but also countries like Brazil , Kuwait, Cameroon, Iraq and other developing countries..." "Amazing! This time our Ministry of Petroleum has to move up and down!" "Hahaha, we are going abroad!" "This time, the 'three major pieces' that my child yelled about are here!" In private, the staff of the Ministry of Petroleum are secretly delighted.At that time, anyone who could go abroad was a kind of treatment.Because going abroad can not only have some clothing subsidies, but also send some pocket money.In order to save these pocket money, most people brought back some foreign daily necessities for their family and friends. It was common for most people to eat malted milk and biscuits (there were no instant noodles at that time). However, Chinese oil workers have a different feeling about going abroad: they know that they are representing the country to study, learn from experience, and practice their skills, so that they can compete with foreigners when they come back—in fact, we are the country after the country opened to the outside world. The first batch of "scouts" went deep into the capitalist's lair to find out its condition... Today, Minister Song Zhenming, Vice Minister Zhang Wenbin, Jiao Liren, Qin Wencai, Yan Dunshi, Min Yu, Li Tian and other senior officials from the Ministry of Petroleum almost all went out, each with a delegation, forming 9 teams with different tasks , which lasted more than half a year, has visited more than a dozen countries and regions in Europe, America, Africa and Asia.At the same time, with the approval of the State Council, more than 20 foreign companies were invited to visit Beijing. "International communication activities. Chinese oil workers and foreign oil workers have almost the same feeling: this time China's door to the outside world has been completely opened! The White House in the United States, the Palace of Versailles in France, and 10 Downing Street in the United Kingdom are all watching with great excitement the dramatic changes that have taken place in China during this time. President Carter was aggrieved by the protests and demonstrations that the Shah of Iran received during his visit to the United States a few days ago!When he held a welcome ceremony for King Pahlavi on the lawn of the White House that day, Carter, who originally wanted to save face, tried to use this ceremony to prove to his own people that his government's policy of being close to King Pahlavi had not failed. At the beginning of the ceremony, there was a huge wave of protests, and there was a commotion in front of the White House. The police had to use high-pressure tear gas guns to drive away the protesters. As a result, the tear gas spray from the tear gas guns made the king and Carter himself unable to open their eyes. . "Is the president's eyes better?" At 10 o'clock that night, Energy Minister Schlesinger was suddenly called to the White House by the president. He looked into the red eyes of the president and asked with concern. "It won't get better so quickly." The president asked Schlesinger to sit down with lingering anger, then picked up the phone and asked the director of the CIA to come to the White House immediately. Beside the fireplace, the president covered his eyes from time to time with one hand, held several intelligence documents on the table in the other, and said to his energy minister and intelligence chief: "We must seriously study the situation in China tonight. With an unprecedented move, we are visiting important oil countries in the world, what is behind such an 'abnormal' action, we have to find out." The faces of Schlesinger and the intelligence chief immediately turned serious.They listened carefully to every word the president said... This night, the lights of the White House stayed on until dawn in the east. In the end, the Big Three in the White House came to the conclusion that the CCP held two important meetings in a row at the end of 1978, especially the third plenary session of the Eleventh Central Committee. Deng Xiaoping, who insisted on reform and opening up, had fully controlled the highest decision-making power in China The development of the economy is determined by the CCP as the central task of the whole party, so the opening to the outside world led by the development of the offshore oil industry will greatly accelerate the pace! "This is a God-given opportunity. We must not fall behind Japan and France!" Carter issued a death order to Schlesinger, and said: "Congress has approved our proposal to formally establish diplomatic relations with China, and I will formally establish diplomatic relations with China soon." Invite Mr. Deng Xiaoping to Washington, and I will focus on the issue of oil cooperation with him.” After hearing this, the tall and tall Dr. Schlesinger excitedly made a graceful rotation in front of the president's oval desk, and then proudly said: "OK, the president and I will make another breakthrough between Nixon and me on the China issue. Great performance in the Kissinger era!" The intelligence chief said: "I will immediately find out the relevant situation of the Chinese oil company delegation's visit to European countries, and quickly report to the president and Dr. Schlesinger." At this moment, across the ocean in Beijing, China, people are welcoming the new year with unprecedented joy.What particularly excites and inspires Chinese oil workers is that in the coming year 1978, they had too many exciting events, and they are most proud of two things: one is that the oil industry has become a center of China’s opening up to the outside world. Second, China's crude oil production exceeded 100 million tons this year. Since then, China has truly become one of the world's major oil powers.