Empire of the Ring

This was an unprecedented situation in which malicious codes were detected and treated in advance in more than 20 facilities, not one or two locations, and some of the facilities’ operations were suspended.

Upon learning that they were systematically attacked from the outside, the Chinese government declared a state of emergency. The Chinese government was making all-out efforts to determine the cause of the attack, judging that it was the work of those who were unhappy with its policies, rather than viewing it as an attack by a specific country.

It was natural as no country would dare to do such a job against China as it was a risky gamble. If caught, it would have to prepare for an all-out war.

Considering the level of the attack, it did not affect the overall industrial facilities. China did not think it was a national attack.

But even with such a sloppy attack, China was very stirred.

Some even complained that the result did not live up to the nation’s astronomical expenses on cybersecurity.

The Chinese government tried to prepare security measures, but already, it had been revealed that the computer security network was sloppy, and black hackers started to peer at the Chinese computer network frequently.

The attack was, overall, not very ineffective.

It was not until Youngho heard from intelligence agents that the Chinese government was in a hurry that he found the impact of the attack was enormous.

The fact that the Chinese government was so embarrassed by the temporary paralysis of their computer system itself was a good harvest.

The Chinese government, which wielded unbridled power and coercive policies, was also very sensitive to public discontent.

“Look, the Chinese government is all flustered.”

Hearing that the Chinese government was concerned about cyber terrorism, Youngho got excited.

Park Jong-il, who delivered the news, also tilted his head at the unexpected result.

“It’s an unexpected situation. I’m a little puzzled.”

Cyber-attacks did not just cause paralysis of work. The chain reaction of its ramifications had been more than imagined.

The news of the Chinese government’s embarrassment was like a rain in drought.

“Looks like we chickened out for nothing. I was going to listen to you and change my China policy a little bit.”

“I still think we should keep things amicable with China to buy time. That doesn’t mean we’re going to stop the cyber-attacks.”

“I also want to buy time in many different ways. I’m just a little hesitant because we don’t have the right card to deal with China. Why don’t we send a special envoy to China to figure out what the intent of the Chinese government is?”

There had been no change in the policy toward China.

Kazakh crude oil and gas were still exported to China through pipelines. It was a means to earn foreign currency.

Sending a love call to China would be part of an operation to ease internal tensions and buy time. It was an effort to ease the strained relationship due to the royal family’s recent purchase of the Greek port, Piraeus.

Such a thing would be more smoothly solved by having a mediator than by the direct parties.

“We’ll have the best result if we can mobilize Michael, right?”

“That’s a good idea. He’s been telling us to have an amicable relationship with China anyway. He seemed to be complaining about not focusing on Afghanistan these days.”

This was about the deployment of many Kazakh troops near the Tajikistan border without going deep into Afghanistan while working as peacekeepers. There was no other choice as Youngho was not sure when China would attack the Pamir Plateau.

“What are you talking about? We guarantee the security of the U.S. military in Afghanistan. The Kazakh Army is peacekeepers.”

The number of anti-government organization’s attacks on U.S. troops in Afghanistan had decreased significantly since the Kazakh troops were dispatched.

This was because the Kazakh military, which was Muslim the same as Afghanistan people, was stationed with the U.S. military. For the U.S. military, the Kazakh military was like a strong shield.

Then, the U.S. companies, which had joined the resource development in Afghanistan, also became active as the site of the geological exploration, peace-keeping vehicles composed of Kazakh troops were always there.

***

-Hello, what makes the Duke of Kazakhstan call me?

“I just thought I’d say hello in a long while.”

-You don’t have that much leisurely time to call me without a reason, but I’m glad you are thinking of me.

“I’m calling to tell you the good news.”

-I’m starting to feel nervous when you say that.

Michael responded defensively as Youngho seemed to be always asking for an unbearable request. It was a burden for Michael.

“Hahaha... I am the one who makes you tired.”

-I won’t deny it.

“You’re the only one I can talk to. So, what should I do? When you retire, I will serve you well in Kazakhstan.”

-When a senior U.S. government official leaves office and go to live in Kazakhstan, it will only create bad rumors about me.

Although Michael seemed to draw the line, everyone knew that he was a pro-Kazakh figure in American political circles.

“Chief, I’m thinking of restoring relations with China.”

-Whoa, is the sun going to rise from the west tomorrow? What made you change your mind at last?

“I’m tired of being in constant tension. How do you like the idea of taking the credit for this?

-You’re asking me to come forward after all.

Michael’s voice, which had been low all along, brightened.

“I need your help.”

-That’s true. Are you willing to cooperate in China’s One Belt One Road project?

“We are still cooperating very hard. It’s just that the subject of the business has changed to us.”

-You know the Chinese government is in a mess these days.

“It’s all right except the temporary suspension of several public institutions from cyber terror attacks.”

-You’re well aware of it. You didn’t get involved, did you?

“If I had that kind of power, I wouldn’t have thought of reconciling with China.”

-I’m glad you didn’t get involved. The Chinese government has asked us to cooperate.

Michael’s words were a warning not to make reckless decisions toward China. Michael came out of nowhere that Youngho felt a prick inside.

“Kazakhstan doesn’t have the ability to do that. And I don’t allow my pride to do something like that to hurt innocent citizens.”

-The world knows you’re a gentleman, but I made a slip of the tongue.

He said so, but he did not seem to have much confidence in Youngho’s words. No matter what Michael thought of him, Youngho went straight to the main point.

“The Chinese government seems to be very disappointed about the bid for the Greek port of Piraeus. There was also the Uzbek gold mine problem.”

-There must be a lot more than that. From the point of view of the Chinese government, Kazakhstan must be quite annoying. Kazakhstan’s smooth relations with China also help U.S. foreign policy. To be honest with you, you know we have no choice but to remain neutral even if there is a dispute between the two parties. China is the second-largest trading partner of the United States after Europe after all.

“I know what you mean. No matter how important Central Asia is, China is more important to the U.S. That’s why I’m asking you to come between us.”

Only when the U.S. stepped up as an arbitrator, China would engage in a sincere manner as it was looking down on Kazakhstan.

-If the U.S. were to come in-between, we’d have to have a good material for compromise.

“If it’s an agenda to ease the tension in Pamir, wouldn’t it be quite important?”

-That’s a good offer. Then, can you make the kind of concessions that China wants?

“If it’s reasonable, I’ll consider it.”

-Okay. Please make sure that the Tajik government doesn’t speak out in the wrong way. I’ll contact the Chinese government right away.

“Don’t worry about that.”

***

The Tajik government had entrusted the Pamir Plateau border issue entirely to Kazakhstan as there was no intention to dispute with China over a land that had been abandoned until now.

China also had no choice but to take up the proposal to discuss and resolve the tension in the Pamir Plateau.

A breakthrough was needed because the recent paralysis of public facilities raised complaints from the Chinese people.

To show off the government’s diplomatic prowess, China’s interest was to resolve the Pamir border issue amicably.

“Getting the U.S. to mediate was an excellent choice. There must be a mediator in this. It can only hurt your feelings, let alone agree.”

Eriksson said it was a very good decision upon hearing what Youngho suggested to Michael.

As a matter of fact, there was no guarantee that the negotiations with China would proceed smoothly even if Kazakhstan took the initiative.

The border issue was a matter of pride rather than national interest, and if it was negotiated by the direct parties, they would not come to a conclusion and could turn away from their feelings.

The border of the Pamir Plateau was too wide of a distance between Tajikistan and China, and they had not been able to come to a clear agreement until now. In particular, China’s sentiment was at its zenith, as Kazakhstan took the lead in building barbed wire fence.

Youngho was considering demolishing the barbed wire fence to open up the conversation with China.

“Your Highness, if you’re determined to buy time, you should build up China’s pride with a big concession. Offer to step out of the area that each country claims its ownership.”

“...”

“And let it be a buffer zone. That could guarantee both Tajiks and Uyghurs’ freedom to live a nomadic life.”

“A buffer zone?”

“If the border is not going to be set anyway, we should propose each country to step aside and put a middle ground to the area that both sides claim. Wouldn’t China give in as well? It’ll think that it can get it back at any time because it has power. It’s the same with us.”

“That’s a good idea.”

“It’s just the second-best solution that could be controversial in the future.”