Dale Brown - Sky Masters

“Very noble sentiments, Mr. Ambassador, ” the President said noncommittally, “ones that we all share, of course. But… you have significant naval forces in the Philippines, you have mobilized strategic forces, including nuclear-capable forces, throughout Asia, and you seem to be on a wartime footing although the rest of the world is not. Forgive me for being so blunt but, Mr. Ambassador, but what the hell is going on?”

“Mr. President, I’m sure you realize the complicated, confused situation we find ourselves in, ” Ambassador Hao said. “The government of China found itself torn between a monstrous event and the resultant threat to our security, and the request for assistance that came because of the incident. Our government had no choice but to act, in the hope that our presence could help restore stability to the area and help calm a destructive political situation.”

“So you’re saying that you have no desire to occupy portions of the Philippines?” Thomas Preston asked the Chinese diplomat. “You will remove your military forces from the Philippines once calm is restored?”

“I cannot say how our military forces will be deployed, Mr. Secretary, now or in the future, ” Hao replied sincerely, “simply because 1 do not know this information. Mr. Ambassador, in my opinion the Chinese military presence in the Philippines is destabilizing and unwarranted, ” the President said. “Trade, immigration, free passage, communications, and political stability were all assured before your country’s intervention. Why does your government now feel it so necessary to occupy parts of the Philippines?”

“I assure you, Mr. President, China occupies no part of the Philippines…”

“I have information that states Chinese troops have occupied several military bases in and around Manila and on the islands of Palawan and Cebu. Is my information inaccurate?”

“Mr. President, the Philippine government requested our assistance in controlling an uprising by well-armed fanatical rebel troops, ” Hao replied. “Any action we took was at the specific request of the Philippine government, in complete cooperation with that government-“

“With President Mikaso’s permission?” the President interrupted. Hao paused for a moment; the question obviously took him by surprise. “I have received word, Mr. President, that President Mikaso is no longer in power. I do not know any details of this. I am sorry, but I assumed you had that information as well…”

“I have information that Mikaso is dead.” Hao’s Adam’s apple bobbed conspicuously, and his eyes grew wider as he said, “I do not know this, Mr. President. Is it true?”

“My sources inform me that Mikaso was killed by Chinese soldiers, Mr. Ambassador. Do you deny this?’ Hao’s face registered true surprise, although it was uncharacteristically understated for the usually animated Chinese liaison. “I cannot confirm nor deny this, Mr. President. I have no wish to doubt your word, but I must be certain of this.”

“I am certain as I need to be, Ambassador Hao, ” the President said. “I have a great fear that your government, or your military, is ready to occupy the Philippines for good. Tell me I am mistaken, Mr. Ambassador.”

“I may only offer assurances, Mr. President, ” Hao said immediately. “The Chinese are no threat to the United States, and we do not seek any sort of confrontation whatsoever with any power. We are in the Philippines at the request of the Philippine government, and we have the right to offer aid and assistance in any manner consistent with our own national interests. The Americans had troops in the Philippines for nearly a century, as you well know, and no one dared question your right to be there.”

“That’s because no foreign power saw our presence there as a threat, ” Thomas Preston said. “We were a force of regional stability-” “Against the aggression and dominance of the Soviet Union, yes, ” Hao said. “But you opposed Chinese trade and national security interests as well, something that hurt our efforts to grow and become part of the global economy.”

“I will not debate the effect of history on the development of China, Mr. Ambassador, ” the President said. “I will simply say the American people are very worried about the actions your government is taking in the Philippines, and they and the Congress want action.” He paused to let the import of his words sink in a bit; then: “I believe I can wait no more than thirty days before taking direct action against China, Mr. Ambassador.”

“You already have two aircraft carrier battle groups in the Philippine Sea, ” Hao said, “and another approaching the Celebes Sea. The Philippines are surrounded by American warships. Are you not already taking substantial action?”

“The American people want to know when the Chinese will be leaving the Philippines, Mr. Ambassador, ” the President emphasized. “I want to know the same thing. Do you have an answer?”

“My government did not inquire of you when you would be leaving Grenada, or Panama, or Saudi Arabia. “Listen carefully, Mr. Ambassador . . .” the President said with growing impatience. “I want to know what your government’s intentions are in the Philippines, and I haven’t heard a straight answer from you yet. Your government’s actions have been hostile and furtive, Ambassador, and I don’t like it. For the past twenty years, we’ve had a policy of openness and trust between our countries. We consulted each other on important world matters. Ever since the Tian’anmen Square massacre, your government has cut off most communications with us. That breeds distrust and caution.”

“Mr. President, I assure you, my government does not seek to disrupt any ties with the Americans. “Don’t tell me, show me. Nothing but your actions will prove to me what your country’s intentions are. But let me tell you what I intend to do: “We will use all our available intelligence resources to discover how many troops you have in the Philippines, and we will begin a program to match, and then exceed, that number. We may not succeed, but with cooperation from the Association of South East Asian Nations and other countries we may come close. In addition we will seek to surpass the number of warships you have in the Philippines, and we’ll sail those ships freely in international waters, as close to your vessels as international law allows. We expect no interference, but let m assure you that our warships will be authorized to defends themselves to the maximum extent should there be any threatening moves made against our forces. “I want the government of China to make a public announcement clearly outlining your objectives and plans for your actions in the Philippines; but in any case, I want China to reduce the number of troops it has in the Philippines by one-half within thirty days, unless a compelling reason is given why you should remain. I also want Arturo Mikaso to be released from custody or his body turned over to his family and let them as well as his close advisers be released; and if it is found that Mikaso was killed by Chinese soldiers, I want those responsible brought to trial. China does not operate in a vacuum, Mr. Ambassador-you are responsible for your actions. You cannot invent arguments for naked acts of aggression and expect the rest of the world to play along.” The rapid-fire flurry of demands put Hao on the defensive. He glanced over at his aide to be sure she was taking notes, then said in a flat voice, “My government will make a full disclosure-“

“I should also advise you that this government views the sharp escalation in offensive strategic forces in China a serious threat to world peace and security; we see it as an unwarranted and belligerent act that is clearly over and above any reasonable response to outside military pressure, ” the President interrupted. “I want China to reduce the number of offensive strategic forces it has on alert and return to a less threatening, more defensive posture. Otherwise the United States and our allies will be forced to respond by increasing strategic force postures as well. China will then be responsible for a serious military escalation that will ultimately lead to disaster. “There should be no doubt in your minds that we consider this Chinese military buildup in the Philippines a threat to American national security interests, and we will respond accordingly. You may take that message to your government.” The President sat back in his seat, paused for a few moments, then said, “Do you have anything further for me, Mr. Ambassador?” The Chinese ambassador to the United States remained impassive and stone-faced throughout the President’s allocution. “I will take your message to my government immediately, ” Hao Sun Yougao replied, “and convey your requests and concerns to Comrade Cheung. . . personally.”