Tommy Boggs Speaks at Committee of 100 Annual Conference
Tommy Boggs, Jr is a partner for Patton Boggs Law Firm. More importantly, his firm has been hired by the Chinese government to represent them in their dealings with Washington.
Just when relationships couldn’t be any more complicated someone decided to get the lawyers involved. That ought to clear things up, eh?
What is interesting about Boggs is that both his mother AND father were part of first congressional visits to China…way back when. He was born to be a diplomat into a diplomat’s family.
Some interesting points that Boggs made.
1. There is a "Perception" for good or for bad, right or wrong, that jobs have been lost to China. If that’s what people see, that’s what they see.
2. In a straw vote that was eventually shelved by the senate, some 70% voted to RAISE the tariffs on Chinese imports.
3. Politicians contribute to protectionist feelings.
4. Election years (this year) what is perceived makes a difference in what is executed.
5. Beijing must create 25 million jobs each year in order to keep up with the present growth….this can be done by promoting US imports, increasing tech support and liberalizing import laws to China.
That Boggs’ law firm has been hired to help the Chinese government with diplomacy – knowing which senator is likely to agree or disagree on what, and so on…is unique. China is NOT using its own lawyers. According to Boggs, this sort of thing doesn’t happen very often if at all.
He says that his firm "does not influence Chinese policy. They only consult and advise." Further, according to Boggs, "personal diplomacy is still very important."
But, how can a lawyer give a personal touch? Do lawyers have hearts?
What do you think about the Chinese government hiring an American law firm to help tthem with diplomacy?
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