The Chaebol Returns To The Presidency 1967 [EN]: Chapter 79

79. The Continent’s Gambit

During Chairman Wang’s era, the Nixon Doctrine, which included the withdrawal of US troops from South Korea, was precisely what China advocated for.

Back then, South Korea narrowly averted the withdrawal by hinting at its nuclear capabilities.

The President stated,

“Zhou Enlai will insist on the ‘One China Principle’ and demand the severance of diplomatic ties with Taiwan.”

“…….”

“This is where diplomatic ambiguity becomes crucial.”

“…….”

“China is in a hurry. We should firmly reject unreasonable demands. We must not be led by them. They’re trying to get a piece of Area 7 [a disputed maritime area]. The ROK-US alliance holds the leverage. If we use oil as bait, as the US desires, China will eagerly take it. We must never concede Area 7. The ROK-US alliance must protect the oil.”

“Of course, Your Excellency!”

This was the global landscape that only the regressor [someone who has returned from the future] was aware of.

The President continued,

“Zhou Enlai is keenly aware of the advantages and disadvantages of both left and right ideologies. He is eloquent, resourceful, and possesses a broad global perspective. No one utilizes ‘ambiguity’ in diplomacy as effectively as he does.”

“Ambiguity….”

“We must leverage that ambiguity. That’s where the room for diplomatic and military maneuvering lies.”

Knowing the enemy and knowing yourself ensures victory in every battle. The President resolved to actively utilize Zhou Enlai’s strategies.

* * *

Beijing Foreign Ministry.

Chinese Foreign Minister Zhou Enlai and the US National Security Advisor were engaged in secret talks as envoys.

Zhou Enlai was one of the most influential figures in the People’s Republic of China, holding the positions of both Premier and Foreign Minister.

A graduate of a French university, he possessed an unparalleled understanding of the global situation within China.

Mao Zedong without Zhou Enlai, the Chinese Communist Party without Zhou Enlai, was unimaginable.

Mao Zedong was, in effect, Zhou Enlai’s figurehead.

In China’s journey towards communism, he was responsible for the KMT-CPC [Kuomintang-Chinese Communist Party] political relations and foreign affairs.

With his exceptional eloquence and resourcefulness in justification, military strategy, and diplomacy, he was instrumental in enabling the Communist Party, which had been at a disadvantage, to seize control of the mainland.

It was also Zhou Enlai who re-appointed and mentored Deng Xiaoping, who had been sidelined during the Cultural Revolution.

The summit with the United States was also his initiative.

Zhou Enlai was the one who prevented China from becoming a satellite state of the Soviet Union and established a pragmatic political line under the Communist Party and economics under capitalism.

His diplomatic achievements also included persuading the United States to grant Taiwan the status of a permanent member of the UN Security Council.

During Chairman Wang’s time, Zhou Enlai’s counterpart was Foreign Minister Kissinger.

Kissinger’s strategy was to draw China towards the Western bloc to counterbalance the Soviet Union.

However, Kissinger was, in effect, influenced by China, by Zhou Enlai.

But with Kennedy assuming office, the diplomatic strategy shifted, and history was unfolding differently.

Zhou Enlai began,

“Chairman Mao stated this: the common adversary of the United States and China is the Soviet Union. China and the US share a common enemy.”

“Ah….”

The advisor felt a chill run down his spine. The South Korean President’s words were proving accurate.

As expected, China harbored ulterior motives.

“If the United States agrees to One China and severs diplomatic ties with Taiwan, China can become a friend of the United States. Just as China abandons the Soviet Union, the United States can abandon Taiwan.”

If it hadn’t been for the South Korean President’s warning, he might have succumbed to this alluring temptation, as Kissinger had.

The advisor responded,

“The United States supports One China, in the same spirit as One Korea.”

“…….”

This was an ambiguous statement. Depending on one’s perspective, it could be interpreted as either communization or liberalization.

The South Korean President’s insightful briefing was proving valuable.

The advisor stated,

“We will consider withdrawing US troops from Taiwan, but we will not sever diplomatic ties. We would like to maintain diplomatic ambiguity on sensitive issues.”

“Hmm….”

During Chairman Wang’s time, the US-China Joint Communiqué omitted the phrase ‘severing diplomatic ties with Taiwan,’ and only mentioned that the United States recognized the ‘One China’ policy and would withdraw its troops from Taiwan.

By deliberately avoiding specific mention of sensitive issues, they were able to reach an agreement, which Kissinger termed ‘constructive ambiguity.’

However, the United States effectively severed diplomatic ties with Taiwan, allowing China to obtain permanent membership in the Security Council and making the critical error of handing over Taiwan.

Zhou Enlai said,

“One China means that in the UN, the People’s Republic of China is the only legitimate country. Please support the succession of the US Security Council permanent membership.”

As the South Korean President had predicted, China was demanding the most crucial core issue.

“This is not a matter I can answer immediately. I will consult with the White House and the UN.”

He didn’t provide a definite answer, but left room for consideration. It was an application of diplomatic ambiguity.

After a break, the meeting resumed.

Zhou Enlai said,

“Chairman Mao also approved the withdrawal of US troops from Taiwan.”

As the approval or disapproval of permanent members was not yet decided, China was noticeably anxious.

“Thank you.”

“However, as evidence of easing tensions, US troops must also withdraw from the Korean Peninsula.”

The advisor said,

“You mean the withdrawal of US troops from South Korea.”

“That’s right.”

“We can fully consider the withdrawal.”

“Haha, that’s a good idea.”

“However, US troops in South Korea are not there to check China, but to deter North Korea. North Korea commits dozens of armed provocations every year. How will you eradicate the North’s provocations?”

“North Korea is a friend of China, and they will cooperate fully if we instruct them.”

“Good. If there are no provocations from the North for a year, we will withdraw US troops from South Korea. But conversely, if there is even one provocation, we will bomb the North Korean leadership as punishment. In that case, China must not interfere.”

“Hmm, that’s….”

His poker face, which had been composed, faltered.

The advisor pressed on.

“This will be a kind of secret agreement between the US and China. Both countries must put it in writing.”

Zhou Enlai’s face tightened.

If he signed such a document, even if South Korea staged a provocation and US troops bombed Pyongyang, China would be unable to intervene.

Ultimately, the withdrawal of US troops from South Korea was removed from the agenda between the two countries.

Zhou Enlai said,

“The continental shelf is also connected to China’s territory. If oil is extracted from the continental shelf, China should also discuss its share.”

The advisor’s face turned serious. His polite demeanor vanished instantly.

“The United States is willing to sell oil, but has no plans to divide the shares at all. That is Korean territory. We cannot divide the territory.”

“…….”

“Currently, there are two US aircraft carriers docked in the Middle East to protect the US oil transport routes. If oil is extracted from Area 7, China should expect some of the US 7th Fleet to be stationed around the Korean Peninsula.”

“The 7th Fleet?”

If the 7th Fleet was stationed right in front of them, it would be suffocating for China.

Zhou Enlai said urgently,

“Tensions must not be heightened by increasing military power!”

“It’s not an increase, but an aircraft carrier movement. We have withdrawn and plan to withdraw US troops from Vietnam, Taiwan, and Okinawa. China has no right to dictate the scope of US military activity. If the United States and China have a peaceful relationship, one cruiser is sufficient. The protection of offshore oil fields depends on the diplomatic relations between the two countries.”

He linked military power to diplomatic trust to pressure China.

The advisor offered an incentive.

“If China establishes diplomatic ties with the United States and opens up, we can grant you the privilege of installing a pipeline directly from the continental shelf for imported crude oil. Of course, we will have separate military negotiations with China.”

If China could purchase oil from the Middle East and transport it via submarine pipeline instead of by tanker, it could save a significant amount of money.

It was enough to break free from the clutches of the Soviet Union, which was attempting to create satellite states through oil dependence.

China was in a position where it could not delay normalizing relations with the United States, as it was considering how to share the wealth of Area 7.

The advisor said,

“We need to hold a summit between the leaders of the two countries as soon as possible to accelerate the progress of relations between the two countries.”

“That’s right.”

“Chairman Mao should visit the United States. It would be symbolically significant.”

Until now, the top leaders of the Soviet Union and China had never visited countries with different systems.

“The Chairman of China does not leave the country. I would like the US President to visit China. And the fact of this Sino-US meeting, and the fact of the US President’s visit, must be kept top secret in advance.”

“Why do you keep everything so secret?”

“There are many who oppose Sino-US normalization, especially the Soviet Union.”

China was in a contradictory position.

When the Soviet Union discussed arms reduction with the United States, it launched fierce attacks, labeling it revisionism.

But now that it was discussing normalizing relations with the United States, the Soviet Union could not help but feel betrayed.

“The Soviet Union? Why are you concerned about the Soviet Union?”

“If China shakes hands with the United States alone, it is betraying the Soviet Union. The moment we declare the Soviet Union as a common enemy, the Soviet Union will regard China as an enemy and will do anything to interfere with Sino-US negotiations.”

“…….”

In fact, Zhou Enlai was also walking a tightrope between Mao Zedong and the United States.

The United States was attempting to appease the authoritarian Mao Zedong by visiting him and creating an atmosphere of paying tribute.

To the United States, he was using the threat of dogmatists as an excuse.

“We cannot guarantee the safety of President Kennedy as well as Chairman Mao. This is because extreme dogmatists and Soviet spies are lurking everywhere. Please do not disclose Sino-US contact to the media or even a small number of people in the White House. If we want Sino-US diplomatic normalization, secrecy is the best way.”

“…….”

“It may remain great in history, but the process must be done silently to succeed.”

It was a precarious world where the leaders of both countries had to meet secretly.

It was secret diplomacy, as the South Korean President had said.

* * *

Ahead of Kennedy’s visit to China, the US and China were engaged in a war of nerves.

The Chinese official in charge of foreign protocol said,

“US security personnel cannot be armed in China.”

“Do you mean to guard him with bare hands?”

“We cannot be certain that there are no Soviet spies among the US security guards.”

“…….”

“Our security guards will provide five layers of ironclad security. We will guarantee their identity.”

“I see that the summit schedule with the Chairman is missing from this itinerary.”

“The schedule will be set up unexpectedly and privately.”

“What is this rudeness? How can the summit schedule not be specified in the summit schedule?”

“It’s just private. This is also for security reasons from reactionary forces and the Soviet Union.”

“…….”

Chairman Mao was extremely afraid of Soviet assassination.

* * *

Beijing Capital Airport.

Shuung~ Squeak!

The plane carrying Kennedy and his entourage arrived.

He flew 25,000 km to set foot on the Chinese mainland, shaking off 20 years of accumulated hostility.

Kennedy, his bodyguards, and his entourage who disembarked were bewildered.

They couldn’t find the huge welcoming crowd, the waves of national flags of both countries, and the loud military band, even after searching intently.

The airport runway was empty, and there wasn’t even a welcome placard displayed.

China repeatedly requested Kennedy to keep the departure as confidential as possible.

The US evening newspaper only briefly reported Kennedy’s Asian tour.

Kennedy and his party were somewhat prepared, but it was a snub that exceeded expectations.

As they walked down the track, there was no carpet, and only one person was approaching from afar.