Lethal Trajectories - Michael Conley [185]
Lin Cheng paused before answering. “I think the Saudi operationand aftermath went better than we had any right to expect. China is comfortable with the leadership and reforms of King Khalid, and we endorse his plan to get more of the nation’s oil money back into the hands of the Saudi people. This will go a long way toward addressing the societal issues facing the last two regimes. And of course we are gratified to see oil once again flowing out of Saudi Arabia and other Gulf countries—although Saudi oil supply is not yet half of what it once was. With the price of oil now hovering around three hundred dollars per barrel and trending downward, perhaps we can start to recharge the global economy.”
“We share your belief, and I think it will soon be possible to start a partial withdrawal of forces from the region. We’re deeply concerned, however, with some of the moves Iran has made in the Strait of Hormuz. Their actions are destabilizing in a region where we need stability.” Clayton was eager to hear what Lin Cheng would say about the issue, which was vital to the United States. It was a small hope, but….
Cheng thought for a moment before answering. “Perhaps we can help. We are in no mood for even a threat of disruption in oil supply in that region, and we do have some influence with Iran. Perhaps we can get them to back off a little. That’s about the best I can promise for now, Clayton, but you have my word I’ll see what I can do.”
“That’s good enough for me. Your word is as good as gold as far as I’m concerned.” Clayton felt relief knowing that China could get to Iran in ways the United States never could. This détente thing really works, he thought.
“What’s the current situation with Israel?” Lin asked with concern. Ah, Clayton thought, a favor for a favor, as is only fair with allies.
“Israel is still catching its breath. They were about as close to an all-out nuclear confrontation as a country can get—not a few of their leaders thought it was imminent. They’ve been surrounded by hostile neighbors since their inception in 1948, but nothing has ever before equaled the magnitude of this crisis. They truly are exhausted, and I suspect they will be receptive to any worthwhile peace settlements that might be offered. They deeply appreciated, by the way, China’s willingness to not break off diplomatic relationships, and they want to improve their relationship with you.”
Lin Cheng smiled, probably realizing, Clayton thought, the value of better relations with Israel and the treasure trove of new technologies and markets they could provide.
Nearing the end of the path, and knowing they would soon meet Jack and Wang Peng for a working lunch at the Lodge, Clayton just had to ask Lin Cheng a question he had been pondering for weeks.
“What have you learned from all this, Cheng?”
“I could write a book on it, Clayton. There are so many things I’ve learned and gained—one of them being the friendship that I now have with you and your brother. It’s something I value quite highly.” Clayton, deeply touched by Lin Cheng’s sincerity and humility, could only nod at his remark. But a thought echoed through his head: He’s a classy guy.
“I guess above all,” Lin continued, “I’ve learned deep in my gut how small this planet is and how mutually interdependent we are. If one nation suffers, we all do in some way. In this new age, future solutions will have to be collaboratively thought out and developed to seek optimal results for all nations. Our days of thinking only in zero-sum frameworks of winners and losers are passé. Whether or not this is true, that’s the way I feel—how about you, Clayton?”
“My take on it pretty well dovetails with yours. We’ve been so busy battling our hot and cold wars over the years, and we have so little to show for it. Speaking only for myself, I’m saddened to think of how far along we could’ve been on building a clean, renewable energy infrastructure in our country and holding down deficits if the money spent on mega-military establishments to protect our access to oil had instead been