Lethal Trajectories - Michael Conley [40]
“China has been strangely quiet, and our talks with them have been cordial. Both China and Japan will take their grievances to the United Nations in the next few weeks, and we expect the real lobbying effort for our support will come at that time.” A short discussion followed regarding what America’s position should be. McCarty finally tabled the discussion, as the decision could wait for the return of the president.
“Our allies are behind our wait-and-see approach,” Cartright continued, “and they agree that sanctions or anything resembling trade restrictions should not be on the table at this time. On another note, we’re getting some confusing signals from Saudi Arabia, and know that OPEC is concerned about the destabilization Chunxiao is causing in the oil markets. Our embassies are on special alert in China, Japan, and the Middle East.” The latter evoked a spirited discussion about concerns in the Middle East, which McCarty again reined in.
“Thanks much for your report, Elizabeth—much appreciated,” McCarty said. He turned next to CIA Director Anthony T. Mullen. “Tony, what are your sources picking up on the Chunxiao Incident and related matters?”
Nodding, Mullen said, “Let me comment on a few things. First, we agree with the secretary’s assessment of the Chunxiao Incident. The rogue admiral Elizabeth mentioned had, we’ve learned, grandiose plans for a resurgent Japanese navy and was determined to reestablish Japan’s position in the East China Sea. China’s response, while excessive, was not out of line given Japan’s intrusion, the loss of their platform, and up to a quarter million barrels of oil production lost daily.
“Second, we did an assessment of both Japanese and Chinese oil and energy inventories and reserves. The Japanese have about an eight-week supply in their strategic petroleum reserve plus whatever is in their current inventories. The Chinese have a strategic petroleum reserve of over ninety days plus inventories. Accordingly, the Chunxiao oil loss will affect Japan far more quickly than China, and we can expect Japan to push hard for quicker remedial actions than China. It will undoubtedly frame the timing and manner in which Japan seeks support in the United Nations.” He cleared his throat, took a small sip of coffee, and continued.
“Last, we’ve been closely monitoring communications and military movements throughout the world. While activity has picked up everywhere as a result of the Chunxiao Incident, we’re picking up some unusually heavy communications traffic from Saudi Arabia that doesn’t necessarily relate to Chunxiao. As Secretary Cartright indicated, there’s something going on there that we can’t quite put our finger on.” This led to another speculative discussion on the Middle East that McCarty brought to a close in the interests of time.
“George,” Clayton asked, looking at the president’s chief of staff, “what are you hearing on the domestic front?”
“Thank you, Mr. Vice President,” he replied. “First of all, we’re seeing a gradual shift in the daily news focus from Chunxiao to the president’s illness. Ever since that idiot Wellington Crane leaked the news, the media has killed us with questions and inquiries. As Chunxiao stabilizes and the president’s hospital stay lengthens, we expect media coverage to continue in that direction. Your remarks in the Rose Garden today, Mr. Vice President, will be an important first step toward the White House regaining the initiative.” McCarty nodded pensively at Gleason’s observation.
“Senator Tom Collingsworth is also making waves,” Gleason continued, “and the fringe media is eating it up. He’s convening the Senate Foreign Relations Committee to investigate whether or not we’ve violated treaties with Japan and are, in effect, selling