The Chaebol Returns To The Presidency 1967 [EN]: Chapter 120

120. The Bluff Worked

The Minister of National Defense responded.

“If we launch a surprise attack, we have a chance of achieving some level of success. However, China possesses nuclear weapons, which makes a conventional victory impossible. Another critical issue is North Korea. If we engage in a war with China, North Korea will automatically intervene under the Sino-North Korean Treaty, forcing South Korea to fight on two fronts. A limited, local war is simply not feasible.”

“Hmm, the U.S. will likely avoid direct military conflict with China due to the risk of nuclear war. This means we might have to contend with two countries, possibly even the Soviet Union. This wouldn’t be a local conflict, but a full-blown international war….”

“Wouldn’t it be more prudent to negotiate with China, offering them a permanent seat on the Security Council in exchange for crude oil?”

“I’ve already explored that avenue, but it was completely unproductive. Unless China industrializes through trade with the U.S. and develops a greater need for oil, they will remain primarily a coal-based economy. However, the transfer of the permanent seat is imminent, and time is running out.”

Silence descended upon the room.

The National Security Advisor broke the quiet.

“If we want to avoid an all-out war, the most viable option would be a surprise attack to seize Beijing, similar to Israel’s preemptive strike [referring to the Six-Day War].”

The President turned to the Special Operations General.

“Is a surprise attack on Beijing even possible?”

“Israel’s attack on Egypt involved a relatively straightforward route through the Mediterranean. However, to reach Beijing in a direct line from the West Sea, we would have to cross the Northern Limit Line [the de facto maritime boundary between North and South Korea]. Bypassing to the west would require traversing mainland China, and bypassing to the east would mean passing through Soviet territory. Either option would inevitably escalate into an international war.”

“Hmm, so normal military operations make it exceedingly difficult, is that correct?”

“That’s correct. The probability of success is extremely low.”

“Hmm….”

The President sank into deep contemplation.

China’s defense capabilities and economic strength would only continue to grow over time.

The longer the decisive confrontation was delayed, the more disadvantageous the situation would become.

The President subsequently flew to the United States.

*

The White House.

The White House was in a state of considerable turmoil ahead of Kennedy’s re-election campaign.

The Korean President briefed Kennedy on the military treaty complexities between Taiwan and South Korea, the impending transfer of the permanent seat on the UN Security Council, and the potential for war with China.

Kennedy’s eyes widened with each revelation.

“If a war erupts in Northeast Asia, North Korea will automatically intervene, and the Soviet Union will undoubtedly be watching closely. A localized conflict is impossible. Furthermore, China is a nuclear power, making a South Korean victory unattainable.”

“So, you have no intention of altering the U.S. policy of transferring the permanent seat on the Security Council to China?”

“China serves as a check on the Soviet Union. We must encourage China’s opening to isolate the Soviet Union.”

The U.S. strategy was entirely focused on containing the Soviet Union.

“And now, we are in the midst of a presidential election. Although I currently hold a lead, a war could trigger a sudden and devastating reversal.”

For Kennedy, the election was the paramount concern.

In truth, containing the Soviet Union was a sound strategy.

In the long run, the collapse of the Soviet Union was indeed influenced by China’s opening.

However, during Chairman Wang’s era, even with the Soviet Union’s demise, South Korea would gain little unless North Korea also collapsed.

Instead, China expanded its influence and became another dominant power in Asia, providing support to the North.

This deadlocked international situation had to be overcome.

The President unveiled a hidden card, prepared precisely for such a moment.

“Is South Korea being denied the permanent seat simply because it is not a nuclear weapon state?”

Kennedy responded.

“China is a nuclear power, so I am saying this with South Korea’s limitations in mind, given that you only possess conventional weapons.”

“An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth, as the saying goes.”

“…….”

“A nuke for a nuke. President Kennedy, South Korea will conduct a nuclear test in the near future.”

It was, in effect, a declaration of nuclear intent.

Kennedy, his aides, and the interpreters present were visibly stunned.

“Wh-what did you say? Did you say a nuclear test?”

“Yes, that’s correct. I had intended to keep it confidential, but the time for disclosure has arrived.”

“Wh-when did you manufacture nuclear weapons? It’s impossible. Is this a threat?”

“You are well aware that plutonium is being produced at our nuclear power plant, and we recently achieved a successful launch of a medium-range missile capable of carrying a nuclear warhead.”

“So, you operated the nuclear power plant with the intention of creating nuclear weapons?”

“You’re putting the cart before the horse. We completed the nuclear power plant when oil wasn’t being extracted from the 7th mining zone [a disputed area in the East China Sea]. Plutonium is simply a byproduct that emerged later.”

“Ah, I trusted South Korea…. This is like shooting ourselves in the foot!”

Those present had never witnessed Kennedy display such anger within the White House.

The Korean President pressed his advantage.

“You are well aware that security requires preparing for any potential threat.”

“South Korea is in violation of the NPT (Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty). The United States can never condone South Korea’s nuclear possession. Indeed, all the permanent members will share this sentiment.”

“Did the United States seek the consent of other nations when it acquired nuclear weapons?”

“…….”

“Did the Soviet Union, Britain, France, China, and Israel seek anyone’s approval?”

“…….”

“This is a notification, not a request for approval. South Korea is an economic powerhouse and is in a position to take this step.”

“The United States is currently engaged in a nuclear weapons freeze treaty with the Soviet Union and is about to commence reduction negotiations! You’re throwing a wrench into the thawing of relations!”

“Since South Korea’s nuclear possession has not yet been made public, you should consider your options carefully. The U.S. has only two choices: transfer the UN Security Council seat to South Korea or tacitly recognize our nuclear capability.”

In the future, India and Pakistan would also develop nuclear weapons.

The United States approved India’s nuclear program, a large country, to prevent it from aligning with the Soviet Union.

This is no longer an era where nuclear possession is absolutely impossible, so variables could arise depending on the U.S.’s strategic assessment.

*

The White House NSC (National Security Council) convened.

The Secretary of Defense stated.

“Even if we impose economic sanctions on South Korea for violating the NPT (Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty), it will be difficult to inflict a fatal blow on their economy because they are one of the largest oil-producing countries and can supply their own energy needs. Furthermore, if South Korea retaliates with an embargo, the damage to friendly nations will be even greater.”

This was a time when the status of oil-producing countries was strong due to the oil shock and high oil prices.

“In the unlikely event, South Korea may turn pro-China. If that happens, it will be difficult for the United States to maintain a foothold in Asia.”

Kennedy was visibly distressed.

“How could this happen! Are we simply going to stand by and watch? With the election just around the corner, there could be no worse news than a nuclear bomb declaration!”

The Secretary of State added.

“That’s right. It’s the worst possible scenario. South Korea is cleverly exploiting the timing. Our first priority is to prevent this information from becoming public.”

“So, are you suggesting we place them on the Security Council instead of China? Are we abandoning our global strategy to contain the Soviet Union?”

“No. We are temporarily postponing the transfer to China. We need to extinguish the immediate fire that is threatening the election.”

“Hmm, that’s the only course of action at the moment. But China will pressure us, demanding to know why we are delaying.”

“We have no choice but to buy time until the election is over. We need to reassess the situation after the election.”

“Hmm, let’s buy some time for now.”

*

The Korean President’s office.

The White House National Security Advisor conveyed Kennedy’s message to the Korean President.

“The transfer of the permanent seat on the Security Council to China has been put on hold for the time being. Please refrain from making the nuclear test public, and halt the test itself.”

“Is this a firm decision or merely a postponement?”

“That’s right. The President’s view is that he doesn’t want to suddenly reverse the election atmosphere with megaton-level news at a time when the presidential election is just around the corner.”

“A postponement without any guarantees is unacceptable. There must be a quid pro quo. Are you suggesting we simply wait for the U.S. to benefit without receiving anything in return?”

“Then what other conditions do you require?”

“On the condition that South Korea does not disclose it, please tacitly approve South Korea’s possession of nuclear weapons.”

“So, you’re asking the U.S. to implicitly approve it.”

“There is no other compromise. Inform the White House.”

The National Security Advisor contacted the White House from the Yongsan U.S. military base and received a response that evening.

“Kennedy has agreed to remain silent on the condition that South Korea never discloses it.”

“That’s a relief.”

“And Kennedy requested that South Korea prevent Taiwan from declaring independence.”

“Well…. Taiwan’s independence is not something South Korea can control. The U.S. should persuade Taiwan directly.”

“We have confirmed a secret agreement that Taiwan will receive oil from South Korea and transfer its seat on the UN Security Council to South Korea, Your Excellency!”

The United States had just obtained intelligence regarding the secret agreement between South Korea and Taiwan.

The President feigned ignorance.

“Hahaha, that’s merely intelligence. Even if Taiwan transfers the Security Council seat to South Korea, it ultimately requires the approval of the four remaining permanent members. The Soviet Union is watching intently, so the transfer of the seat is not a subject of discussion at this time because it cannot be guaranteed by a unilateral agreement with the United States, correct?”

“…….”

The President refused outright.

“Taiwan’s independence is a matter for Taiwan to decide. Please do not link it to our nuclear test, which is a separate issue. The U.S. should persuade Taiwan directly.”

“Hmm, I understand.”

The envoy departed to receive further instructions.

The President took a sip of cold water to ease the tension.

“Whew~ I hope I didn’t push too hard.”

Kennedy was the one under pressure.

Shortly thereafter.

The envoy, having received instructions from the White House, visited the President once more.

“I understand. They will not link Taiwan’s independence to the transfer of the Security Council seat.”

“Good. Is it possible to document South Korea’s non-disclosure of nuclear weapons and the U.S.’s tacit approval?”

“It is impossible to make it public as a formal diplomatic treaty, so we will do it as a memorandum between the presidents.”

In the United States, the immediate crisis was averted with a secret U.S.-Korea memorandum.

It is questionable how much diplomatic binding force the memorandum will have, but the fact that the United States knew about South Korea’s nuclear possession and remained silent was enough to have sufficient binding force because the United States was at a disadvantage.

*

The President summoned the person in charge of nuclear weapons development.

The person in charge, upon reviewing Kennedy’s memorandum, widened his eyes and adjusted his glasses.

“Your Excellency, does the tacit approval mean that if we don’t disclose it….”

“Kennedy is under pressure due to the election. So, I attempted to make a deal using a nuclear weapon test as leverage.”

“Your Excellency, we haven’t even manufactured nuclear weapons yet, but a nuclear test?”

That was indeed the case.

They were in the early stages of nuclear development, not the final stage of conducting a nuclear test.

“Hahaha, in gambling terms, the ‘bluff’ worked. Since the U.S., which has the most extensive surveillance capabilities, has given its approval, let’s accelerate the research quickly.”

“To secure tacit approval for nuclear weapons possession first and then develop the weapons! The issue of recognizing nuclear possession is a greater obstacle than nuclear development itself, but you have resolved it in advance, Your Excellency!”

“If the bluff is exposed, the consequences will be unmanageable. This is a top secret known only to you and me.”

“I will keep that in mind, Your Excellency!”

Diplomacy is the art of secrets. A monumental deception had succeeded.

*

The U.S. White House envoy met with the Taiwanese President.

“We have decided to suspend discussions on the transfer of the Security Council seat for the time being.”

“For the time being? You must stop it permanently.”

“It places a strain on the U.S.’s political schedule.”

“Does the U.S. even consider Taiwan’s position? We have no intention of considering the U.S.’s position either.”

“…….”

It was the Chinese mainland that ultimately held sway over Taiwan.