章 513: Chapter 513: Advancing the Construction of Oil Pipelines
The elders gathered here were mostly figures who had led China's opening up after Mao Zedong's death.
Thus, they were well aware that the moment the U.S. sanctions they were proposing passed, North Korea would collapse within three years at most.
Li Peng spoke seriously.
"We don't wish to see North Korea collapse. We simply hope to discuss and resolve these issues with each other as we did in the past. But a harsh sanction proposal? We cannot agree to that."
"And if you disagree? Your options are limited, aren't they? Agree, or face war. You know that well."
"What? Are you threatening us?!"
If this sanction proposal didn't pass, Bush would have no choice.
It was only natural that under the pressure of the neocons, he would launch airstrikes against North Korea's nuclear facilities using the two aircraft carriers already deployed.
I do not wish for war to break out on the Korean Peninsula.
"It's not a threat, it's reality. Didn't Chairman Jiang just say that warmongers push the U.S. into action? In truth, President Bush isn't a hardliner. It's the neocons around him who advocate for war. However, if this sanction passes, their influence will grow stronger."
A threat? Genuine threats haven't even begun yet.
I sank deeper into my chair, lifting one corner of my mouth in a smirk.
"If the sanctions don't pass, and especially if it's vetoed in the Security Council due to China's opposition, then all Western capital that has flowed into China will withdraw at once. I, for one, plan to be the first to do so."
"Hey! Businessman!"
Li Peng slammed the table, his tone rising. His displeasure was evident on his face.
While I couldn't fully trust the expression of this seasoned politician, it was clear he was genuinely angry.
Who would dare speak so uncomfortably in front of those moving China?
"You've just called me businessman, Premier Li. Yes, I am a businessman. I do whatever it takes if it's a profitable venture. Korean companies involved with me, including Dream High, are here because they believe in China's growth. But if political issues arise, we can't continue our investments either."
"How dare you… Who do you think you're threatening?!"
I didn't respond; instead, I glanced around the table. Then I continued speaking.
"Threats come only when I don't mean it. I really mean it. All companies associated with Dream High will withdraw from China. This will trigger a panic. Those present surely know what that means."
Would Wall Street and Europe's wolves seize the opportunity to invest in China as we exited?
No, they'd rather short sell and attempt to crush the Chinese economy.
It's much easier to make money by bringing down a country's economy than betting on its rise.
While China couldn't be compared to South American countries or East Asian developing nations, at least its economy could be shaken.
Of course, that would only become difficult with time, but it was possible now. The Chinese economy hadn't matured enough yet.
"Though I haven't met them, I believe Russia will not oppose this."
"And how do you know that?"
"What Russia and I desire is North Korean stability. We were pursuing significant economic benefits through the construction of gas and oil pipelines stretching from Russia to Korea."
At the mention of gas and oil pipeline construction, the elders began to whisper among themselves.
"But all that has been stalled due to North Korea's nuclear tests, which has likely provoked their great anger."
"…"
"So only China will oppose it. To maintain their alliance, they'll throw themselves under the bus. Quite a major country, aren't they?"
At my sarcasm, the gazes of the elders turned fierce.
I had shown them everything I could present.
I had clearly indicated that if they did not reveal their true intentions, I could get up and leave at any moment.
Another silence fell. Li Peng glared at me.
At that moment, Jiang Zemin spoke up, having seen Li Peng's state.
"What benefit will we gain from participating in the sanctions? Don't tell me to abandon our alliance without any benefits."
"A lot will change. Who knows? A coup might occur in North Korea, putting Kim Jong-il in jeopardy. At that point, showing the big brother's face again will yield significant political gains for China."
Jiang Zemin snorted.
"Don't say nonsense. The coup has already failed. Do you think that Kim Jong-il would let another coup happen?"
"That's uncertain. The people might revolt as well. For that reason, we are completely isolating North Korea."
"…What a happy dream you have."
I could see Wen Jiabao clenches his fists.
No one understood the true meaning of my words except Wen Jiabao. So, I decided to throw them a carrot.
"This time Dream High has acquired Yugansk, a subsidiary of Yukos."
"I've heard that already."
"Yukos's situation has dragged on, and it's said that China has faced huge difficulties. It was heavily impacted in its crude oil supply."
"What does that have to do with this matter?"
"If you cast a vote in favor of this sanction rather than abstaining, I will promote the construction of an oil pipeline connecting Russia and China."
The mention of the oil pipeline caused a stir in the meeting room again.
"Did you just say… an oil pipeline?"
Jiang Zemin asked, his face filled with surprise.
"Yes. I've heard it's under negotiation. However, there are complex issues intertwined, making it hard to reach a swift decision."
"Indeed. Will you do that?"
"Of course. We can construct a direct oil pipeline from Russia to China, can't we? This way, the amount of crude oil imported from Russia to China will increase, and the transport costs will decrease. It will be a tremendous benefit for China both economically and in terms of energy security."
This card was something I had planned to use later, but the time for holding back had passed.
To completely isolate North Korea and create conditions for Jang Seong-taek to move, I needed to wield the weapons I had.
"It's not an issue that Russia can decide easily. Do you know what you're saying?"
"Yes. It's known to be stalled due to the approximately 1,000 km distance and various issues in the areas where the pipeline will pass through."
"That's right. Especially because it has to cross frozen land and the management issues associated with it, it gets stuck. Along with that, the colossal construction costs are also a headache."
From what I recall, the construction of the pipeline wouldn't start until around 2010.
But this time around, I intended to expedite that.
"Yes. We will handle all of that. We will establish a joint company with the Russian government and manage the pipeline construction. That way, the funding issues will be resolved naturally."
Jiang Zemin gasped in surprise.
China's crude oil consumption was rising day by day. Over time, it was expected to become a country importing 15% of the world's crude oil production.
Russia would be able to secure a stable sales location for crude oil, while China would have the conditions to continue importing oil.
"It seems like a significant gift for China. Is that not enough?"
"Alright. If that's possible, I see no issue in granting it. But may I ask just one thing?"
With a satisfied nod, Jiang Zemin inquired.
"Yes, go ahead."
"What benefit will Kim gain by imposing sanctions on North Korea? No matter how I think about it, it doesn't seem like he stands to gain much. Even if a new government rises in North Korea due to some incident, I can't see it being friendly towards Korea."
"I am of the same mind. I'm not interested in unification or anything like that. I'm only doing this for my benefit."
"Benefit?"
Jiang Zemin asked back, baffled.
"As I mentioned earlier, I will ensure that crude oil and gas from Russia reach Korea. Then I will develop routes to export that to Japan and Southeast Asia."
"Hmm…"
"In addition to that, I wish to develop the Eurasian railway project connecting Korea, China, and Russia."
"That's a national project."
"I know. And I understand that each country's railroad companies will operate it. However, not all countries have the same rail gauges. Ultimately, it will lead to a massive undertaking involving significant funds. And I intend to create a consortium to oversee that project."
If someone else had said it, they could have dismissed it as crazy talk, but I was genuinely intent.
Perhaps sensing my serious gaze, Jiang Zemin sighed deeply.
"Of course, that's a tale for the distant future. For now, the pipeline construction comes first. We can secure huge profits from that alone."
If we explored and developed the oil fields in Yugansk and even drilled but had nowhere to sell it, it would be a waste of resources.
"…Will North Korea accept that?"
"If they abandon their nuclear ambitions and accept foreign capital investment, the sanctions will be lifted quickly. But I don't think Kim Jong-il will allow that. You share the same sentiment, don't you, Chairman Jiang?"
Jiang Zemin nodded slightly.
"Then, if you agree to the sanctions proposed by the U.S. and cut off all support to North Korea, it will naturally lead to their surrender. Whether it's Kim Jong-il or a new regime formed by a people's revolt, there will certainly be a great change."
"And the plan will proceed after that?"
"Yes. North Korea is a country with no infrastructure at all. Pyongyang may be somewhat better off, but other regions are stuck decades behind. There's so much work to do, and plenty of opportunities to make money."
Jiang Zemin contemplated for a moment before speaking.
"We'll need to discuss this among ourselves, so will you excuse us?"
I nodded and stood up.
"Then, I will wait outside."
Jiang Zemin soon called for someone, and the elder who had guided me opened the door and entered.
"Please take Chairman Kim to another room for a moment."
"Yes, Chairman."
I followed the elderly man to another location. There, Manager Ma was sitting alone.
Upon noticing my entrance, Manager Ma stood up.
"Boss, have you finished your conversation?"
I shrugged and shook my head.
"If they call for me again, I will come back."
The elder closed the door and left.
I sank into a plush chair and spoke to Manager Ma.
"For now, I've thrown down the gauntlet. They'll probably decide what to do among themselves."
If it were Russia, it would only take convincing one person.
But China was maintaining a collective leadership system.
Neither Hu Jintao nor Jiang Zemin could simply push through decisions on their own.
No matter how they decided, I had conveyed everything I wanted to say.
"Brother Gyeong-yeong is still in Russia, right?"
"Yes. They say he'll sign the acquisition contract for Yugansk once you arrive in Moscow."
"He's had a hard time this time because of this project. He hasn't had a proper break at all. I really should insist he take a rest this time."
Of course, I couldn't talk about anything significant.
It was obvious that this room was being monitored, so I continued my conversation with Manager Ma while making small talk.
Had it been about an hour? The elder entered as the door opened.
"They're asking for you to come back in."
I nodded and stood up.
'What decision have they made, I wonder?'
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