Free Web NovelMost of the elders gathered here were men who had led China’s opening after Mao Zedong died.
Because of that, they knew very well that if the sanctions the United States wanted to implement were passed, North Korea wouldn’t last even three years before collapsing.
Li Feng spoke with a grave expression. freёwebnovel.com
“China does not wish for North Korea to collapse. We simply wish to return to the days when we discussed matters and resolved them through dialogue. But such a hard-line sanctions proposal? We cannot agree to that.”
“If you don’t agree? You don’t have many options. Agree, or war. You know that very well.”
“What? Are you threatening us?!”
If this sanctions proposal didn’t pass, Bush would have no options left.
Unable to withstand the continued pressure of the neocons, he would inevitably bomb North Korea’s nuclear facilities with the two aircraft carriers already deployed.
I do not want a war breaking out on the Korean Peninsula.
“This isn’t a threat, it’s reality. Didn’t Chairman Jiang Zemin say earlier? That warmongers are the ones moving America. President Bush himself is not a hard-liner. It’s the neocons surrounding him who insist on war. But if this sanctions proposal fails because China opposes it, their influence will become even stronger.”
A threat, he said. The real threat hadn’t even begun yet.
I leaned into my chair and lifted one corner of my mouth.
“And if the sanctions proposal doesn’t pass—if it fails in the Security Council because China opposes it—then every bit of Western capital flowing into China will pull out instantly. I will be the first to do so.”
“You—businessman!”
Li Feng slammed the table, raising his voice. His displeasure was fully visible on his face.
I couldn’t trust the facial expressions of seasoned politicians, but I could at least tell he was genuinely angry.
Who would dare speak so unpleasantly before the very people who moved China?
“Prime Minister Li Feng, you also called me a businessman just now. Yes, I am a businessman. I do anything as long as it brings profit. Dreamhigh and the Korean companies associated with me entered China because we believe in China’s growth. But if political problems arise, we cannot continue our investments.”
“You dare...! Who do you think you’re threatening?!”
I didn’t answer. I simply looked around the table at everyone present, then continued speaking.
“When one has no intent of carrying it out, that is when something is a threat. I truly intend to do it. Every company connected to Dreamhigh will withdraw from China. That will start a panic. I doubt anyone here is ignorant of what that means.”
Would Wall Street’s hyenas or Europe’s wolves increase their investment in China once we pulled out?
No—rather, they would take short positions and try to smash the Chinese economy.
After all, one makes far more money by collapsing a country’s economy than betting on its rise.
China was not comparable to South American nations or developing East Asian countries—but at the very least, they could still be shaken.
Of course, with time it would become difficult, but for now it was possible. China’s economy had not yet grown enough.
“Russia will not oppose the sanctions.”
“How do you know that?”
“Because what both Russia and I want is stability in North Korea. We were preparing to gain enormous economic benefits from constructing a gas pipeline and oil pipeline stretching from Russia to Korea.”
At the mention of constructing gas and oil pipelines, the elders began murmuring.
“But because of North Korea’s nuclear test, none of that could proceed. The entire plan is currently ruined. So of course they are furious at North Korea.”
“...”
“Then China alone will oppose it. How admirable—throwing yourself as food to protect your ally. Truly fitting for a great power.”
At my sarcasm, the elders’ gazes grew fierce.
By now, I had shown them everything I could.
If they refused to show their hand, I had made it clear I could walk out immediately.
Silence fell once more. Li Feng glared at me.
Seeing him, Jiang Zemin finally spoke.
“If China joins the sanctions, what benefit do we get? Do not tell us to abandon an ally without receiving anything.”
“Much will change. Who knows? Perhaps some sort of coup will occur in North Korea, and something will happen to Kim Jongil. Then, if China steps in again as the great elder brother, you will gain enormous political benefit.”
Jiang Zemin snorted.
“Speak sensibly. A coup already failed. Do you think that man will allow another one to happen?”
“That is something we cannot know. Or perhaps the people may rise up. That is why North Korea must be completely sealed off.”
“Dream on.”
I saw Wen Jiabao clenching his fist tightly.
Except for Wen Jiabao, none of them understood the true meaning behind my words. So I decided to toss them a carrot.
“Dreamhigh is acquiring Yugansk, the core subsidiary of Yukos.”
“We’ve heard.”
“I also heard that China suffered significant difficulties because the Yukos situation dragged on. Its oil supplies were heavily affected.”
“And what does that have to do with this?”
“If China casts a vote in favor of the sanctions—not abstaining—I will push forward the construction of an oil pipeline linking Russia and China.”
At the mention of an oil pipeline, the room stirred again.
“Did you just say... an oil pipeline?”
Jiang Zemin asked with a shocked expression.
“Yes. I heard the negotiations are ongoing. But I also know there are too many intertwined issues for the decision to be made easily.”
“That is true. And you say you will make it happen?”
“Of course. A direct oil pipeline from Russia to China—if we build it, wouldn’t that solve everything? China will be able to import more oil, and transportation costs will drop. Economically and in terms of energy security, the benefit to China will be enormous.”
I had intended to save this card for later, but now was not the time to hold back.
To completely isolate North Korea and create the conditions for Jang Songthaek to move, I had to use every weapon I had.
“Russia has not been able to decide easily. Do you know why?”
“Yes. I understand that the long distance—around 1,000 kilometers—and the issues related to the land it must pass through have slowed everything down.”
“That is correct. Especially the frozen ground and the massive construction cost. That is what has delayed the project.”
In my memory, the pipeline construction began around 2010.
But in this life, I intended to accelerate it.
“We will handle all of that. Dreamhigh and the Russian government will set up a joint venture and construct the pipeline. That will naturally solve the financing problem.”
Jiang Zemin let out an involuntary sigh.
China’s oil consumption increased daily. With time, it would grow to the [N O V E L I G H T] point of importing 15% of all oil produced globally.
Russia would secure a stable buyer, and China would secure a stable supply.
“With this, China receives a very generous gift. And still, is it not enough?”
“Good. If that truly becomes possible, we see no issue. But may I ask you one thing?”
Jiang Zemin nodded with satisfaction and asked.
“Yes, please ask.”
“What does President Kim gain by sanctioning North Korea? Even if something happens in North Korea and a new government emerges, it is not guaranteed they will be friendly to South Korea.”
“That is the same for me. I have no interest in unification or anything like that. I care only about my own profit.”
“Profit?”
Jiang Zemin asked again, puzzled.
“As I said earlier, I will bring Russian oil and gas into Korea first. Then I will develop export routes to Japan and Southeast Asia.”
“Hmm...”
“And beyond that, I want to pursue a Eurasian railway project connecting Korea, China, and Russia.”
“...That is a national project.”
“I know. And I know each country’s railway corporation will operate it. But not all countries share the same track gauge. It will inevitably become a massive project, involving enormous sums of money. And I intend to create the consortium that will lead it.”
If anyone else had said it, they would have called him insane—but I genuinely meant it.
Perhaps sensing that, Jiang Zemin sucked in a breath.
“Of course, that is a distant future. The pipeline construction comes first. That alone will bring enormous profit.”
Even if I explored and developed Yugansk’s oil fields, without buyers it would be nothing but wasted money.
“...Will North Korea accept this?”
“If they give up their nukes and accept foreign investment, the sanctions will be lifted quickly. But I doubt Kim Jongil will do that. Chairman Jiang, wouldn’t you agree?”
Jiang Zemin nodded faintly.
“So agree to the sanctions the U.S. brings, and cut all aid going into North Korea. Then North Korea will naturally surrender—whether it is Kim Jongil or an uprising that topples the regime. Whatever the outcome, there will be major change.”
“And after that, you proceed with business?”
“Yes. North Korea is a country with no infrastructure whatsoever. Pyongyang is slightly better, but everything else is decades behind. That means there will be endless work to do—and endless money to earn.”
Jiang Zemin thought for a moment, then said:
“We must discuss this among ourselves. Please step outside.”
I nodded and stood.
“Then I’ll wait outside.”
Jiang Zemin immediately summoned someone, and the old man who had guided me earlier entered.
“Escort President Kim to another room.”
“Yes, Chairman.”
I followed the old man to another space. There, Chief Ma was sitting alone.
When he saw me enter, he rose.
“Boss, is the discussion over?”
I shrugged and shook my head.
“They’ll call us when they’re ready.”
The old man closed the door.
I sank into the soft chair and spoke to Ma.
“I’ve already thrown the topic at them. Now they’ll decide what to do among themselves.”
Russia would have been easier—only one man to persuade.
But China insisted on maintaining a collective leadership system.
Neither Hu Jintao nor Jiang Zemin could ram this through alone.
Whatever their final decision, I had already said everything I needed to say.
“Kyungyeong-hyung is still in Russia, right?”
“Yes. He’ll sign the Yugansk acquisition contract once you arrive in Moscow.”
“He’s been through a lot because of this. Barely slept. I need to make sure he actually rests this time.”
Of course, I couldn’t say anything important here.
This room was obviously being monitored, so I kept the conversation light with Ma.
About an hour passed. The door opened, and the old man returned.
“They request your presence again.”
I nodded and rose from my seat.
‘What decision will they have made?’
