A New India

The recent failure of the East-West Swap deal had strained relations between China and India to the breaking point, and the military buildup in the region had escalated tensions further.

Now, new information had arrived that threatened to tip the balance even more.

General Zhang, a seasoned military strategist, stood beside the map, his expression serious. "Chairman Mao, we have received confirmed intelligence that the merger between Nepal and India is progressing. King Tribhuvan is on his way to India to finalize the agreement with Prime Minister Rohan Varma."

Mao\'s eyes narrowed as he processed the information. This was more than just a rumor this was a significant development that could alter the region\'s balance of power.

"And how reliable is this intelligence?" Mao asked, his voice calm but with a sharp edge.

Minister Chen, the Foreign Minister, leaned forward. "The intelligence is from a reliable source, Chairman. We intercepted communications indicating that the King is set to finalize the merger. If this goes through, India will have a direct influence over Nepal, further encircling us."

Mao tapped his fingers on the armrest of his chair, deep in thought. The stakes were high. China had already invested significant resources in the Tibet region, establishing military outposts and infrastructure to secure its western front.

To now divert additional resources to the Nepalese border would strain China\'s already stretched finances. "And what of our investments in Tibet?" Mao asked, his tone measured.

Zhou Enlai, China\'s Premier and a trusted advisor of Mao, spoke up. "Chairman, our resources are already heavily committed in Tibet. Expanding our military presence on the Nepalese border to counter India would require an investment similar to what we\'ve made in Tibet. This would stretch our financial resources thin, potentially leading to an economic crisis."

Mao\'s expression darkened. He knew the weight of Zhou\'s words. "We cannot afford to let this merger go unchallenged, yet we also cannot bankrupt ourselves in the process. What options do we have?"

General Zhang cleared his throat before speaking. "Chairman, we could intensify our covert operations in Nepal. By sowing discord among the factions that oppose the merger, we might slow down or even halt the process. We could also focus on diplomatic efforts, leveraging our influence in Pakistan to increase pressure on India from the west."

Mao nodded slowly, considering the options. "The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second-best time is now," he said, quoting an old Chinese proverb. "We may have missed our chance to prevent this from the start, but we must act now to prevent it from fully taking root."

Zhou Enlai added, "We could focus on economic and political measures rather than military ones. By supporting the factions in Nepal that are still undecided, we can create internal instability, making it harder for India to finalize the merger. At the same time, we could publicly oppose the merger, presenting it as a threat to regional stability.

This could garner support from other neighboring countries who are also wary of India\'s growing influence."

Mao considered Zhou\'s words carefully. "Divide and conquer an ancient strategy, but still effective. If we can\'t stop the merger outright, we must weaken it from within. How quickly can we mobilize our agents in Nepal?"

General Zhang responded, "We already have agents in place. With additional funding and clear directives, they can escalate their efforts immediately. However, we must be cautious. If our involvement is exposed, it could justify a stronger Indian response, especially with their recent military deployments."

Mao\'s gaze shifted back to the map. "We must also be mindful of our finances. Zhou, how much would it cost us to maintain our current posture in Tibet while expanding our influence in Nepal?"

Zhou Enlai frowned slightly, the weight of the situation evident on his face. "Chairman, to sustain our efforts in both regions would require resources we currently do not have. We would need to divert funds from other critical areas, potentially destabilizing our economy. The people are resilient, but even they have limits. We cannot afford to stretch our resources too thin."

Mao nodded, understanding the gravity of the situation. "To catch fish, you must first calm the waters," he said "We must avoid stirring the pot too much, or we risk losing everything."

Minister Chen, sensing the need for a decisive plan, spoke up. "Chairman, perhaps a dual approach is best. We can deploy limited additional forces to the Nepal border to show strength without overcommitting, while focusing our main efforts on covert and diplomatic channels. We should also reach out to Pakistan and other allies to ensure they are ready to support us should tensions escalate further."

Mao leaned back in his chair, considering the plan. "Yes, a dual approach would allow us to apply pressure without overextending ourselves. We must make it clear to both Nepal and India that there will be consequences if they proceed with this merger, but we must not push ourselves into a position where we are vulnerable."

Zhou Enlai nodded in agreement. "I will ensure that our economic policies remain stable while we allocate the necessary funds to support our efforts in Nepal. We must tread carefully, but we cannot afford to do nothing."

Mao stood, signaling the end of the meeting. "Prepare the orders. We will strengthen our presence at the border, but we will not overextend. Focus on destabilizing the merger from within, and ensure that our message is clear: China will not stand idly by while its neighbors conspire against it."

The officials rose, bowing slightly as Mao exited the room. Once he was gone, General Zhang turned to Minister Chen. "We must act quickly. I will alert our agents in Nepal to increase their efforts immediately. Zhou, we will need the additional funding as soon as possible."

Zhou Enlai nodded. "I\'ll make the necessary arrangements, but remember, our resources are not limitless. We must achieve our goals without tipping the scales too far."

As the officials dispersed, the tension remained palpable. The stakes had been raised, and they were now playing a dangerous game.

The balance of power in the region was in jeopardy, and the next few days would be crucial in determining the outcome.

Back in New Delhi, Prime Minister Rohan Varma was preparing to welcome King Tribhuvan.

The merger was progressing well, but he knew that with China\'s growing interest in the region, the situation was becoming more volatile.

The failure of the East-West Swap deal had left a bitter taste, and now, with Pakistan also exerting pressure, Rohan knew that time was running out.

As Rohan reviewed the latest intelligence reports, a new document arrived, detailing the recent Chinese military movements and potential economic strains they were facing.

Rohan read through it carefully, understanding that China\'s aggressive posture was not without its own risks.

This knowledge gave him a small sense of reassurance China was strong, but they were not invincible.

Meanwhile, in Beijing, Mao Zedong sat in his office, staring at the map of Asia on the wall. The coming weeks would be decisive.

He knew that China could not afford to let the merger between Nepal and India strengthen India\'s position without resistance.

But he also knew that pushing too hard could lead to an economic crisis at home. The balance was delicate, and the stakes were high.

The chessboard was set, and the game was on.