Lethal Trajectories - Michael Conley [112]
“And what is your second point, Peng?”
Taken aback by the tone and manner of his boss’s questions, Wang replied, “Your suggestion that it would be most difficult to do business with the new rulers of Saudi Arabia got their attention. It was important to remind them that the ideological Saudis had lumped China together with the Western powers, and that negated any goodwill leverage we might have had.”
“What about the ideologues in our Politburo? What positions do you believe they will take?”
“There are probably a couple who will never agree with your recommended approach, Mr. Chairman, but most are pragmatic enough to know that political realities trump ideology when one’s back is up against the wall. Even Chairman Mao opened the door to the West with President Nixon’s visit back in the 1970s.”
“I hope you’re right. Do you think they grasped the opportunities we might create by collaborating with the Americans?”
Wang paused, not to ponder the question, but rather to slow his boss down. It was similar, he thought, to the old Stanford baseball games where the catcher went out to the mound to calm his stressed-out pitcher.
“I liked the way you tied this in with the Chunxiao issue—specifically, tabling Chunxiao for now, with the understanding that America would use its influence to call the dragons off our back. More importantly, your suggestion of engaging the Americans later in support of China’s definition of the exclusive economic zone was a compelling reason to deal with Chunxiao later. I think our comrades understood the value of this proposition, but the truth is in the details—many of which are unknown at present.”
“Yes, you are right. It’s all in the details, and I rather like the idea of you and Jack McCarty taking charge of those details. Jack seemed like a reasonable and pragmatic person—willing to bend a little to get a little.”
“How do you propose to proceed from here, Mr. Chairman?”
Lin paused. Wang suddenly realized the tough part—convincing the PSC—was behind them. Lin now controlled the tempo and tone of China’s upcoming decisions.
“The first thing I’ll do is call Clayton McCarty,” Lin mused, appearing more relaxed. “I’ll tell him China is interested in collaboration, but I’ll stop short of fully committing to it. I’ll share some of the PSC’s concerns and remind him it would be helpful if America could demonstrate its commitment in some way.”
“That’s an excellent starting point, Mr. Chairman,” Wang replied, pleased with his boss’s calm response. “I think Clayton understands that. You might even consider asking him what China can do to promote the détente and sate the appetites of his opposition. My guess is he’ll also need something concrete before addressing Congress.”
“Yes, indeed. Let me ask you, Peng, if I were to suggest to him that you and Jack, and whatever staff you deem necessary, meet somewhere prior to Clayton’s address to Congress, would you be ready to go on a moment’s notice?”
“Indeed I would, Mr. Chairman,” Wang replied, trying hard to disguise his excitement.
“Good, very good; I will suggest this to Clayton, but it must be done quickly.”
Wang nearly laughed with relief at the way events were unfolding. Even a week ago, it would have been unthinkable that the chairman of the People’s Republic of China would be on a first-name basis with the leader of his nation’s greatest adversary. Fascinating how adversity and common interests can bring even adversaries together in a common cause, he mused.
“When do you intend to call Clayton?”
“Let’s see, it’s 12:15 here, so it’s, ah, quarter after midnight in Washington. We still have a few things to work out on the PSC meeting, but if you would join me for