The Chaebol Returns To The Presidency 1967 [EN]: Chapter 66

66. Reject Internal Interference!

Chairman Woods tilted his head.

“Okinawa? Isn’t that island Japanese territory? Japan would never be satisfied with just that much at stake, would they?”

“Okinawa will secede and become independent from Japan.”

“Secede and become independent?”

Woods’ slick expression changed, and for the first time, a sense of seriousness washed over him.

The President delivered the decisive blow.

“If Okinawa secedes and becomes independent, Japan will have no claim, even with the 200 nautical miles [a maritime zone extending 200 nautical miles from a country’s coastline, granting exclusive rights to marine resources].”

If Okinawa truly became independent, Japan would have almost no share in the 7th mining zone, no matter what maritime territory laws were enacted.

“Your Excellency, secession and independence haven’t been decided yet, have they?”

“That’s right. But soon, the United States will conclude an agreement to withdraw from Okinawa. What do you think the next step will be?”

“…….”

The President preempted Woods with undisclosed information.

After a long silence, Woods spoke.

“Alright. If Okinawa becomes independent, we will develop it with a 1:5:5 ratio. But the condition is the confirmed secession and independence of Okinawa.”

“Of course. However, it’s not that I don’t trust Chairman Woods, but to prevent double-dealing with Japan, I’d like to sign an MOU (Memorandum of Understanding) [a non-binding agreement outlining the intentions of the parties involved].”

“An MOU?”

“With an MOU, Exxon will preempt the competition among the Seven Sisters [a group of the world’s largest multinational oil and gas companies]. The oil majors will compete with each other to develop the 7th mining zone.”

The President fueled Chairman Woods’ competitive spirit.

“…….”

“As you know, a Memorandum of Understanding is not binding, so you can watch the process of Okinawa’s secession and independence and then decide. Exxon has nothing to lose.”

Woods gulped down the ice-filled orange juice.

In Woods’ mind, the Asian oil road was being simulated busily.

If he bet on Japan, and Okinawa really did secede and become independent, he would be left empty-handed, like a dog chasing a chicken, staring at the roof [a futile and disappointing endeavor].

Also, if Korea joined hands with another oil major, Exxon would lose a century’s worth of livelihood.

Chairman Woods came to the conclusion that it was enough to secure the joint development first and then decide while watching how Okinawa’s situation unfolded.

“Your Excellency, you need Exxon’s business card, don’t you?”

“Haha, that’s right. Business is about mutual give-and-take, a win-win situation.”

“Your Excellency, you are truly a master of business. You’re making deals not with what you have, but with the future profits of the other party. I formally propose that when your term as President ends, you become my business partner, how about it?”

“Haha, I’d be honored. I’ve always wanted to work with Exxon.”

With that, the two immediately signed an MOU document stating that Korea and Exxon would jointly develop the 7th mining zone.

The President chuckled inwardly.

Hmph, I’m finally doing the global business that Chairman Wang couldn’t do back in the day, now that I’m President.

* * *

The U.S. Capitol Building in Washington, D.C.

Boom, boom!

Banners were hung throughout the city, and people were excited about the celebratory parade.

An estimated one million citizens gathered around the Capitol, making Kennedy’s popularity palpable.

The VIP seats were crowded with congratulatory delegations from over 150 countries, showcasing America’s prestige.

The Korean President also occupied a seat.

“Your Excellency, welcome! We’ve been waiting for you.”

The Japanese Prime Minister appeared, and Kennedy’s aides rushed to him, fawning over him as if he were their master.

It was a welcome befitting the VIP who had poured the most money into Kennedy’s campaign.

The Japanese Prime Minister’s entourage shook hands and patted shoulders with the aides, flaunting their friendship with loud laughter, as if they were having so much fun.

The aides personally escorted the Japanese dignitaries to their seats.

The Japanese Prime Minister approached President Park.

Enemies meet on a narrow bridge [an unavoidable confrontation]; Japan’s seat was placed right next to Korea’s.

However, the Japanese Prime Minister’s group didn’t even offer greetings, instead clearing their throats solemnly as they sat down.

President Park spoke first.

“You must have had a long and tiring journey.”

The Japanese Prime Minister replied curtly, without even making eye contact.

“Hmph, thank you.”

The President preemptively provoked them with polite words.

“Since Japan is our strategic ally and neighbor, if Korea produces oil, we will sell it to Japan at a discount.”

“Wh-what?”

The Prime Minister’s voice rose and cracked.

He looked as if he was about to grab someone by the collar.

He was so agitated that his beard trembled.

The Japanese Foreign Minister, who was next to the Prime Minister, stepped forward.

“How rude. The West Sea continental shelf is Japanese territory, and the oil is also Japanese resource!”

“You are the one who is extremely rude. Isn’t sitting down without accepting greetings a virtue learned on the first day of elementary school?”

“Wh-what did you say?”

“And make sure you know this. If the continental shelf is Japanese land, then Tokyo is Korean land.”

“What are you saying?”

“The minister’s remarks just now are internal interference.”

“…….”

“From now on, if you bring up the continental shelf oil story to Korea, whether officially or unofficially, we will consider it internal interference and take appropriate measures.”

“…….”

The theory of continental shelf extension was still valid at this time.

They took deep breaths, suppressing their anger.

Kennedy appeared and waved his hand, and the citizens cheered.

Wow! Wow!

The event proceeded according to the schedule.

Kennedy placed his hand on the Bible and took the presidential oath.

* * *

The banquet hall.

The banquet hall, where the leaders of various countries and the global CEOs of the United States gathered, was a diplomatic battlefield and a global marketplace.

They gathered in groups of three or five to discuss the diplomatic issues and businesses of each country.

The Japanese Prime Minister was surrounded by the leaders of Africa and South America.

These were the countries that Japan was providing aid to.

However, the Korean President mainly met with CEOs rather than politicians.

He requested investment and technical cooperation from shipyards (drillships) and oil refinery CEOs.

The President was waiting for one important person.

Finally, an Exxon Vice President brought a man and introduced him.

“Your Excellency, this is Mr. Cornell, Vice President of AIPAC (American Israel Public Affairs Committee) [a powerful lobbying group that advocates pro-Israel policies to the U.S. Congress and Executive Branch].”

He was a tall, thin Caucasian man with black curly hair.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

“The honor is mine.”

He was the most influential figure in the United States, even among the stellar invitees at this banquet.

Cornell said.

“I heard you are developing an offshore oil field that is estimated to have considerable reserves?”

“That’s right. We’ve done the first drilling, so momentum will pick up.”

“Oil is a very global interest, Your Excellency. I’ve heard roughly, but the diplomatic relations between Korea, Japan, and the United States are entangled right now. There are concerns about tension in Northeast Asia.”

“That’s true. But if Korea had the status of the United States, there would be no problem at all. I’m drilling in my own land.”

“…….”

“But since we are still a developing country, neighboring powers are nitpicking. They are just jealous. If you, Mr. Vice President, could help, this matter could be handled smoothly.”

Wow!

Clap! Clap! Clap!

Cheers and applause were heard.

Kennedy had appeared in the banquet hall.

Kennedy went up to the podium and briefly greeted the dignitaries.

“Thank you for flying so far to congratulate me.”

Clap! Clap! Clap!

As Kennedy came down from the podium to shake hands with the invitees, an aide guided Kennedy to one place first.

Kennedy strode towards the Korean President and extended his hand.

“Thank you for coming.”

The person Kennedy extended his hand to was Cornell.

All eyes were on Cornell.

Few people knew why the President was greeting him first.

Cornell said.

“Congratulations, President!”

And Kennedy shook hands with the Korean President next to Cornell.

“I’m sorry I’m only seeing you now because I’ve been so busy.”

“Congratulations, President!”

Kennedy asked.

“Do you know Mr. Cornell?”

The President replied.

“I was introduced by Exxon.”

“Ah, business is already progressing a lot. I’m sorry I can’t guarantee whether I’ll have time to meet with you.”

There were dozens of countries that wanted to meet with Kennedy.

Japan and Korea were among them.

He had a personal friendship with Kennedy, but now that he was the official President, not just a candidate, maintaining the relationship was not easy.

The Japanese Prime Minister’s group was upset because they didn’t know why Kennedy was meeting the Korean President first.

“Why is Kennedy greeting the Korean President first?”

The Korean President had a deep conversation with Cornell.

* * *

That night at midnight.

Vroom~

President Park was in Kennedy’s car heading to the White House.

Kennedy grinned, revealing his white teeth.

“Hahaha, it feels like déjà vu when we used to travel by car at West Point.”

“Indeed, hahaha.”

Kennedy’s schedule was so tight that they ended up meeting in the moving vehicle.

Vroom~

Kennedy expressed his concerns.

“As soon as Korea started drilling on the continental shelf, Japan and China strongly protested. China has even warned of military conflict.”

The President said.

“Based on the theory of continental shelf extension, the 7th mining zone continental shelf is Korean territory. They are interfering in our internal affairs.”

“Japan is one thing, but if China uses this as an excuse to expand into the Southeast Sea, the situation will become complicated.”

“President, rather, Japan is inducing China’s advance into the Pacific.”

“…….”

Kennedy paused for a moment as President Park came on strong.

The President unleashed the prepared logic without hesitation.

“Japan and China have issued a joint statement. They were the first to diplomatically align with China to seize the continental shelf oil. What does this mean?”

“…….”

“Korea is the country with the worst historical feelings towards Japan, but it carried out the Korea-Japan Treaty according to the United States’ request to build an anti-communist front. But Japan is so blinded by oil that it’s immediately siding with red China. Is Japan really a blood ally of the free world?”

“Hmm….”

“Japan is a typical militaristic, bureaucratic country. The reason they are currently cooperating with the United States is to gain an opportunity to change the Peace Constitution, and they are outwardly compliant while inwardly disobedient. If they acquire military power with economic strength, they will try to dominate Asia under the pretext of containing China. You know very well that Japan is obeying because it lost the war with the United States, not out of respect.”

“Hmm, that’s a chilling analysis. I don’t know if it’s an opinion that reflects too much heightened emotion.”

Kennedy was dubious.

This was because the aides who had been bought by Japan had glorified Japan as the only blood ally in Asia.

Concrete evidence that was difficult to deny was needed.

“Japan is cooperating with China to change the continental shelf territory to the 200 nautical mile law.”

“Did you say 200 nautical miles? Are you talking about 200 nautical miles in the maritime territory, not the underwater territory?”

This was information Kennedy was hearing for the first time.

“That’s right. Do you know what the 200 nautical mile territorial claim means?”

“I don’t know.”

The President unfolded a map of Northeast Asia that he had taken out of his pocket.