From:	Herbert Wolverson <hfw373s@***.SMSU.EDU>
Subject:	Re: China - PLA Macrotechnology
Date:	Thu, 14 May 1998 22:53:59 -0500

Hello!

> I'm not sure how many of you have heard of that particular
> corporation - PLA Macrotechnology, that is. I'd like to call your
> attention to it.

:-) I knew that sooner or later one of my research topics would
come up in a message! I've written papers on the link between
US companies and the PLA front companies. (Defense and Strategic
Studies is a neat subject!)

> It is a 'corporation' consisting of China's military companies, which
> is under military direction. Its purpose is to provide weapon
> platforms and weapons for domestic use, as well as export. It has
> quite extensive finances, and I would expect that company in
> particular to be of interest in the SR world. It is also fairly
> diversified into other areas of warfare than weapons - uniforms,
> medicine, boots, foods, etcetera... and then further diversification,
> still under 100% military ownership.

Its really amazingly intricate, just how far its web spreads. They
have lobby groups in Washington on their payroll. They have recently
diversified into such things as warehouse space in the US, often
trying to buy former bases after Cohen's base closure plans go
through. For the Shadowrun world, I've always assumed that would
make them a VERY potent corporate entity in terms of logistics,
and also in terms of shipping potential (ie. smuggling).

They have moved heavilly into the nanotech/biotech industry
of late.

> ... just in case you need an A/A+ (but not AAA) megacorporation
> based on current corporations, which might have a few 'ulterior
> motives' with what they do.

Don't give too much away, I have a game planned around these
guys for the summer. :-)

As an aside, what is the status of China in 205X? I find it
hard to believe they are still PRC, but I don't think they
would be democratic either.

Take care,
Bracket.

---------------------------------------------------
Herbert "Bracket" Wolverson
http://home.mci2000.com/~bracket@*******.com/
---------------------------------------------------
" I hang my head, and I advertise
A Soul for Sale or Rent"
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