Dear Comrade

＜ Chapter 25. Won Gyo Geun Gong (2) ＞

Chapter 25. Won Gyo Geun Gong (2)

At Jeonghwan’s words, Bush brightened his eyes for a moment, then slowly answered.

“Make peace with distant countries, and attack nearby countries.”

“It is correct. You must have been in China for a long time.”

“….Isn’t that a phrase from ‘The Thirty-Six Realms’, anyway, are you saying that the United States is a far-off country and China is a nearby country? So will North Korea become hostile to China?”

‘Are you serious?’ asked Bush.

Only then did Jung-hwan slowly put away his diplomatic rhetoric and customs and reveal his sincerity little by little, with a satisfied smile on his face.

It will start to bite the rice cakes slowly.

“That’s right.”

“It is an unbelievable story. During the Cold War, China was a stronger supporter of North Korea than the Soviet Union. But now come…”

“It doesn’t matter what happened to each other in the past. It’s not an emotion, it’s a geopolitical issue. What country did the United States wage war with to ensure regional stability in the early days of its founding?”

At Jeonghwan’s question, Bush gave a slightly uncomfortable expression and hesitated for the first time to answer.

I will do just that.

When his answer was delayed, Jeonghwan answered his own question.

“It was Mexico. In that war fought under President James Falk, who was an expansionist, he secured Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and established Louisiana’s possessions. The war doubled America’s land size and began the western frontier that made the prosperous America it is today. Even today, it is an area with a lot of oil. As you know, President, all empires in history are built on the blood of neighboring countries.”

“…In my defense as President of the United States, it was only in accepting the Texas pioneers’ demands for independence and their voluntary union membership…”

“Ah, to avoid any misunderstanding, I have no intention of morally condemning the United States or the President for the act of aggression. I have no interest in anything other than the aggression suffered by my republic or the damage suffered by my people.”

Jung-hwan smiled relaxedly at President Bush, who was the first to show a bewildered expression as he struggled to defend his country’s aggression.

It was because the poker face of that old veteran who rolled and rolled in an international diplomatic battle seemed to have cracked for the first time.

Of course, considering that the truth is that the US-Mexico war started with a preemptive armed provocation by the US, it was true that Bush’s excuse was literally just an excuse, but it’s important now, isn’t it?

From the moment he first decided to become the supreme leader, perhaps even from the moment he was reborn from Lee Jung-hwan in the Republic of Korea to Kim Jeong-hwan in North Korea, it has been a long time since Jeong-hwan decided to build a wall with morality in the general sense.

After all, it is often the case that an individual’s average moral view does not coincide with the national interest.

Moreover, hesitating to make decisions that would bring enormous benefits to the country for reasons of personal morals or conscience was another sense of irresponsibility as a national leader.

And such irresponsibility was also the behavior that Junghwan hated the most.

“Again, President, if I had been President Polk in the same situation, I would have acted similarly. Irresponsible leaders block the way for national development because of their own personal or political party positions or political interests to which they belong. Whether the motive is greed or morality, it is just endless irresponsibility and neglect of duty.”

Bush’s eyebrows rose slightly as he saw Jeong-hwan, who is the leader of North Korea (now barely escaping from the country he had gone to), without hesitation to spit out words that are difficult to put into words in public.

At first glance, he seemed angry at Jeonghwan’s reckless remarks, but in reality, the sentiments Bush felt at Jeonghwan’s remarks were completely different.

‘This young friend is a real diplomat… Then the story would be quick, but you need to know first if you really have the same view as me on China’s future.’

“In other words, the general secretary thinks that China wants to annex North Korea, at least to the extent of subordinating it, under its own influence, just as the United States did with Mexico. Perhaps the motive is… to go to the Pacific?”

“Because we are the neighboring countries of the Empire. And neither us nor our South Korean friends have any desire to become a bridgehead for China to advance into the Pacific Ocean.”

“The advance of continental powers into the Pacific… I understand that it is something that must be prevented from our point of view. But before that, I have to ask you a question.”

George Bush, who had completely resolved the embarrassment a while ago, looked directly into Jeonghwan’s eyes and asked a confident question.

Although the question may sound arrogant at first glance, Jeonghwan knew that his confidence was not based on pretentiousness or nationalism, but from an objective and complete belief in his country’s national power.

“But think about it, General Secretary Kim. No matter how China enters the Pacific, will it become a strong opponent to affect the interests of the United States? Of course, China is a huge country. The country is as large as the United States, and the population is the highest in the world. There are also nuclear weapons. But for now, that’s just that. National power functions only when it can efficiently develop its vast population and territory to unleash its full potential.”

“…………”

“I do not believe that China, which has industrial competitiveness to make fake Mickey Mouse dolls, will be able to compete with our fleet for supremacy in the Pacific. In addition, not long ago, it was even subjected to economic sanctions from the international community. The general secretary seems to want to establish friendship with us using China as an excuse. Isn’t it a bit of a leap that the United States of America will be competing for supremacy with a country that has barely escaped the poorest country?”

‘Ah, well, why are you doing this, the players?’

Bush’s question with the implied meaning of ‘Do you mean holding hands with you to stop China?’ was already expected by Jeong Hwan.

It is now 1991.

The United States led the Cold War to victory, which had dragged on for a long time, and also won the Gulf War, washing away the nightmare of the Vietnam War.

Moreover, it was an era when Americans’ confidence was at its peak as they watched Japan, which they thought would be a rival economically soon, fell in real time.

In this day and age, the prediction that China, known as the producer of cheap T-shirts and kung-fu videos, will compete for world supremacy with the world’s most powerful nation within half a century would sound like an unpleasant joke to anyone.

…….Except for the two people here right now, Hwan Jeong and President George Herbert Walker Bush of the United States.

“President Bush knows best that my prediction is by no means a leap forward. Am I wrong?”

In response to Bush’s test-like question, Jeong-hwan cut the line at once, waving his hands as if he did not want to play a boring tug-of-war again.

“Does China not compete with the US? It might be now. But what about 20 or 10 years from now? China already has the experience of successfully launching a satellite and nuclear armament for the first time in just 15 years. I bet you will soon build an aircraft carrier yourself. And the countries in the South China Sea and even the Pacific Ocean will be the areas of activity for the carrier.”

“…China doesn’t have the strength and technology to do that. Not yet.”

“Still, yes. But technology is something you can catch up with if you spend time and money. When Deng Xiaoping’s reform and opening-up begins to bear fruit in earnest, China’s growth thereafter will pose a more serious threat to US hegemony than satellites or rockets. Napoleon called China a sleeping lion. Now, before the lion wakes up from sleep, do you think it is a leap and a leap forward to fasten a strong leash and muzzle in advance?”

“…I feel like I’m reading the most extreme report of the Heritage Foundation researchers. Perhaps in the present-day America, even in Washington, the general secretary’s argument will probably be criticized as being too grandiose. However….”

After stopping the conversation, Bush looked at Jeonghwan with eyes that did not understand the meaning for a moment, and then a strange smile appeared on his lips.

It’s like meeting someone for the first time who understands your deep worries and fears.

“…but coincidentally, you agree with me. Now that the Soviet Union collapsed, I also believe that if there is a country with the potential to become an adversary to the United States in the future, it is China. And cutting those buds early, preferably within my term, will ensure that America’s global influence is safe.”

Hearing those words, a strange smile appeared on Jeonghwan’s lips.

Finally, the position of each other was clear.

Unity of interest in front of a common enemy, the enemy of the enemy is my friend.

Great enemies always make old enemies friends.

And without delay, the two began to engage in practical diplomatic deals.

Although the two leaders were almost rich in age, they had the same attitude as a seasoned gambler who carefully weighed the opponent’s hand and decided the stake.

“Now that we are talking about Korea, the USFK is already fulfilling its role if it is to contain the communist bloc.”

“Haha.. I am not trying to talk about having US troops stationed in our republic. Shouldn’t we also have economic growth? In the future, if reform and opening up and a market economy system are introduced, our first market in North Korea will have to be China for the time being.

“good. What do you think about Japan? I know the Korean leaders are pretty sensitive about this.”

“Of course, we have to deal with the past. But I am a leader who can distinguish the future national interest from a temporary grudge. The Korea (Korea), US (US), Japan (Japan) alliance… No, should we call it the Korea, US, Japan, and Cho (朝) alliance now? In any case, it will not negatively affect this four-party alliance. I promise.”

“…It’s amazing.”

At Jeonghwan, who gave a cool answer as if he had prepared it in advance, Bush made a strange expression and then promptly asked a provocative question as if he was going to raise the level of difficulty.

“Hmm… And the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) said that the general secretary came to power with the support of officers from the Soviet Union. What do you think about the view that General Secretary-nim is the Soviet Union’s long-term horse that is trying to contain China by borrowing our strength?”

“Hahaha… President Bush, the CIA just released a report last year that there was nothing wrong with maintaining the Soviet system. But let’s look at the situation in Moscow right now. And maybe that speculation was from Defense Secretary Dick Cheney?”

“……!!! hum, hum. And one more thing about South Korea, I hope that you and North Korea will improve their relations with South Korea. Unification is basically a matter for the Korean government and the general secretary to take care of, but at least…”

“If we fight each other over the cause of containment against China, it means we have to form an alliance or at least a cooperative relationship, isn’t it?”

At Jeonghwan’s direct expression, Bush hesitated for a moment, then affirmed by pretending to raise his palms to the sky.

“It’s nice to meet someone who doesn’t need to be formal with each other after a while. That’s right. General Secretary. Rather than having embassies in Pyongyang and Seoul, it is easier for us to have conversations with one person. And shouldn’t we also have something to say to Korea, which has been our friend for 40 years? If you accept this proposal, I will think that General Secretary is ready to become an ally of the United States.”

Junghwan nodded his head without hesitation at Bush’s suggestion.

“Even so, I was thinking of slowly improving the relationship with the Korean side. It will take some time, but I promise that soon we will start by recognizing each other’s systems.”

“Great. Now….”

‘Wow, now the State Department backlash can be stopped.’

Bush sighed a little as if he had relieved his worries, and then his eyes lit up and looked at Jeonghwan.

“…Tell me what you want. What does General Secretary Kim want from me, or from the United States? Do you expect something in return for joining our Pacific Alliance?”

Junghwan opened his mouth right away without hesitation to Bush who spoke directly.

“First of all, we need to join the UN. I hope that President Bush will exercise appropriate influence as a permanent member of the United Nations and the head of South Korea’s supreme ally.”

“As you know, it is difficult to sign up alone.”

“Oh, I don’t even want to go there. I’m satisfied with just signing up at the same time. But more importantly, after signing up. I’m sure you’ve already been informed by your aides, but we, North Korea, recently declared a reform and open route and established a special economic zone. I hope you will put some effort into helping American companies invest there. And finally…”

After saying this, Jeonghwan swallowed his saliva for a moment.

In the meantime, the results of his unexpected luck and his future knowledge and preparations that had finally come to fruition were about to come out of his mouth.

“Our Democratic People’s Republic of Korea can function as a substitute for China in the production chains of American companies.”

“Our country is a free economy. The government can’t tell companies where to move their factories and where to subcontract them…”

“But you can do judo, can’t you?”

At Bush’s words, Jeonghwan shook his head, and Bush laughed as if he had heard his heart.

“Many people, including the President, know that China’s economic sanctions won’t last long. However, even the blindfolded sanctions period is a long time for American entrepreneurs who have been using China’s cheap labor with pleasure. Then, in the era of global trade that will open up in the future, shouldn’t any country play a small part in China’s role as a global subcontractor production base?”

“……Wow, are you really the leader of a communist country? General Secretary Kim.”

Bush shook his head in disbelief once more.

“Because I studied in a capitalist country. It is predicted that such requests from business people will soon pour into the White House. Either lift the sanctions or come up with an alternative. I don’t think the government of the United States, one of the most economically and politically cohesive countries in the world, will be able to withstand such pressure for long. Especially if the president is a Republican and has made a promise to save money.”

“….ha. Well, to be honest, it’s hard to deny. There are already talks of lifting or easing sanctions from lobbyist firms. I am far from being a moral gentleman, but even after seeing the tragedy at Tiananmen Square, everyone is blinded to the profits in front of them… But as you know, it is difficult as a national leader to prioritize the national interest over moral criticism. point.”

“I will not criticize either. As we talked about the U.S.-Mexico war earlier, they want the country to take on the task of containing China, and we want foreign companies to enter North Korea to get out of immediate poverty and to attract foreign capital and revitalize industries. The interests are aligned.”

“The problem is with Congress, I don’t know if it will be possible to get the Senate and Senate consent within my term.”

At Bush’s remarks, which seemed to be trying something, Junghwan gave a comfortable smile for the first time and made a joke of his own.

“President, you are a victorious president. He also expelled the Arab dictator and overthrew the Soviet Union. Besides, you just incorporated a socialist country on the periphery of Asia under the wing of the United States. I recently looked at the presidential approval rating statistics on CNN, and it was over 90%. I’m still um… the leader of a democratic country, honestly, I was envious. haha.”

“I won… if I had to correct it, it’s 89%. haha…”

Bush finally burst into laughter, as if tired of Junghwan’s (funny but not funny) bone-in joke.

The tension was released and the purpose was shared.

The two leaders finally looked at each other and smiled.

“Then, did you agree?”

“That’s right. General Secretary. Welcome to America’s Friend.”

The two leaders, old and young, held hands and waved up and down.

Soon, this agreement will be made in the form of a document by the working group and ambassadors and diplomatic messages will come and go, but Jeong Hwan knew that all important hurdles had been overcome.

In this way, North Korea, along with Japan and South Korea, was selected as one of the bridgeheads and horses of the United States to check China’s advance into the Pacific Ocean in the future .