Chương 695: Chapter 695: For My Sake, It Must Be Done
Moon Kyung-duk is Jang Seong-taek's closest confidant.
In his previous life, he vanished along with Jang Seong-taek during a purge, but as time passed, he returned to the political arena.
How he managed to survive is unclear, but he had always been a man who moved alongside Jang Seong-taek.
In this life as well, he walked the same path as Jang Seong-taek.
Now, in a time when most senior officials in Pyongyang are over sixty, his rise to a high-ranking position at such a young age of forty is entirely due to his loyalty to Jang Seong-taek.
A man who has risen to the center of North Korean politics without any notable family background, where blood ties and legitimacy are paramount.
"If it's Moon Kyung-duk…"
"He is working as the deputy chief of the Central Committee. Once development begins in Nampo City, he's set to take on the role of the chief secretary there. Apparently, he'll also serve as the Minister of Transport and Maritime Affairs concurrently."
This highlighted just how much Jang Seong-taek valued Nampo City.
He sends the most trusted Moon Kyung-duk to Nampo, meaning he aims to streamline complicated administrative processes in collaboration with me.
"I will probably head to Japan as a special envoy. I appreciate your support, President Kim Mu-hyeok."
He's entrusting Moon Kyung-duk with Japan's compensation rights?
This means Jang Seong-taek's trust in Moon Kyung-duk is deeper than I had thought.
"I will do my best as well, Deputy Chief Moon Kyung-duk."
Having Jang Seong-taek's closest aide in Nampo is a good thing for me.
After all, it would prevent random people from trying to take a slice of the pie in Nampo.
"But Deputy Chief, coming to Nampo means you're distancing yourself from the political scene in Pyongyang, doesn't it?"
"Please, speak freely, President Kim. It's not a problem. The Chairman wants me to go to Nampo, after all."
"I have to make a good impression on the deputy chief."
As I joked, the man who had been speaking stiffly suddenly broke into a businesslike smile.
"Please develop Nampo City beautifully, as the Chairman wishes. Let the whole world see the changes in our republic."
"Of course. It must be done for my sake too."
I took a moment to survey Nampo City.
Most of the factories that used to be here had long since closed and left Nampo.
"Where did the factories that were here go?"
"Most have either moved or been shut down. Factories that lack competitiveness have been closed, and the few that are viable have been relocated. You're planning to attract businesses from South Korea to Nampo, aren't you? The Chairman decided that this route would be better than preparing for it later."
Jang Seong-taek was fully committed. Shutting down or relocating the factories that were still running well was a bold move.
It was a clear declaration of intent to thoroughly develop Nampo.
As I traveled around with Moon Kyung-duk, we shared development plans.
"I plan to construct accommodations and facilities such as hotels here. And I'm also considering building entertainment facilities like casinos."
Moon Kyung-duk, who had been nodding thoughtfully at my words, reacted to the mention of casinos.
"Casinos?"
"Yes. Most of the crew on cargo ships spend months at sea. We need to create a space where they can unwind when they come ashore. That way, money will circulate in Nampo, which would greatly benefit North Korea's economy."
Sailors who spend more than half the year at sea are always eager for entertainment.
As long as we provide enough activities, they'll spend money without hesitation.
"North Korean residents will be prohibited from accessing it, but we plan to hire North Korean workers. What do you think of my plan?"
A huge entertainment city will be built right near the new Nampo Port.
This will naturally encourage sailors visiting Nampo Port to spend money.
"Gambling is a grave sin in our republic."
"But isn't Nampo a Free Economic Zone? It's like a mini-nation within North Korea. As long as we strictly control North Korean access, it shouldn't be a problem, right?"
"Hmm. Let's push forward with it for now."
Afterward, I continued to share various locations as we walked.
Moon Kyung-duk diligently copied my words into his notebook, constantly asking questions and nodding.
"If development proceeds as you say, there will be no city in our republic that can compare with Nampo."
Moon Kyung-duk muttered as he read my densely written plans.
His previously expressionless face was now full of surprise.
"As Nampo City grows, Pyongyang will also become larger and more splendid. After all, it's the capital of a nation."
"I'm not so sure. If we think of China… I mean, think of Beijing and Shanghai. In terms of economic scale, Beijing can't outdo Shanghai, can it?"
"You can't run a country solely on economics. An administrative capital has significance simply by existing. Even in the U.S., New York is the economic hub, but all important decisions are made in Washington, D.C., aren't they?"
I understood what Moon Kyung-duk was worried about.
"If we continue the policy of openness, even if the political system remains communist, the economy will inevitably shift towards a free market."
Where it would lead is still uncertain for me.
Wealthier North Koreans may demand democracy, or they may choose to follow the government while simply enjoying economic prosperity. The decision lies solely with the North Korean people.
"I'm sure Chairman Jang Seong-taek understands this as well. Yet, the reason behind the policy of openness is that it is seen as the only way to save North Korea."
Eventually, Moon Kyung-duk nodded in agreement.
"That's true. Our republic must change. We can't remain isolated like a frog in a well. I am merely following the path the Chairman is walking."
Moon Kyung-duk spoke earnestly. He seemed like a man who had risen to power solely through loyalty. I checked my wristwatch and said,
"We should head back soon. By the time we arrive, the sun will have set."
Having completed the inspection of Nampo City, we sped back towards Pyongyang.
* * *
Upon arriving in Pyongyang, Medvedev was received by embassy staff and arrived at Jang Seong-taek's office.
"Welcome, Administrative Chief Medvedev."
Jang Seong-taek greeted him warmly.
"It's been a while, Chairman Jang Seong-taek."
The two exchanged glances and shook hands.
Moments later, everyone else left the room, leaving just the two of them in the office.
"Where is President Kim Mu-hyeok?"
This was Medvedev's first question. Jang Seong-taek answered it with a smile.
"He has been inspecting Nampo City since morning. He should be arriving in Pyongyang by dinner time, so I believe you can enjoy dinner together."
From there, Medvedev discussed various diplomatic matters, and Jang Seong-taek shared his thoughts on the topics.
North Korea and Russia had entangled interests.
The country called Russia, which emerged from the Soviet Union, has an inseparable relationship with North Korea.
"There are many in Moscow concerned about your position, Chairman Jang Seong-taek. However, your methods have dispelled that doubt, and even Moscow recognizes you now. Our Russia will always remain a friend to North Korea."
"Thank you. Since the foundation of our republic, Russia has always been our ally."
"At one time, our Russia was closer to China, but the past is the past. Now we must forge ahead towards the future."
Jang Seong-taek nodded in agreement. The small talk had concluded; it was time to address the crucial issues.
"Chief Administrator. When do you plan to commence the development of Nakhodka?"
As Jang Seong-taek cautiously asked, Medvedev responded with a friendly smile.
"A feasibility study team is already on the ground, planning. We intend to transform Nakhodka into a small Russia within North Korea. It will serve as a forwarding base for Russia to reach the Pacific Ocean."
"I'm aware that the feasibility study team is in place. I would like to hear detailed plans."
"Many Russian businesses will also enter Nakhodka. Products will be manufactured there and exported via the Pacific to other countries. Additionally, we plan to station a fleet there."
"You're going to station troops in a Free Economic Zone?"
The mention of troops made Jang Seong-taek's face stiffen.
"Yes. The entirety of the Pacific fleet won't be stationed there. However, we intend to move some ships from Vladivostok to protect Russian cargo ships."
"…That won't do."
"What do you mean it won't do? The agreements between the Russian and North Korean governments clearly state that for fifty years, Nakhodka's usage rights will be leased to our Russia. In return, the North Korean government will repay its debts to Russia. In all honesty, there has been much discussion in Moscow about this. Do you realize how disadvantageous it is for us to forgive debts simply for the sake of using Nakhodka for fifty years?"
North Korea's debt to Russia was around 10 billion Dollars.
For North Korea, with its woeful international credit rating, 10 billion Dollars felt like an astronomical sum.
"That is…"
"No matter the fifty-year lease of the Nakhodka Port and Seonbong Port, forgiving a debt as large as 10 billion Dollars is a gift from our Russia for North Korea's desire for change. Yet you bring up issues about troop stationing. Are we supposed to believe that we would invade North Korea using the Russian fleet? If that had been the plan, we would not be making this so complicated."
I couldn't believe how things were unfolding due to the mistakes of Kim Il-sung and Kim Jong-il.
Jang Seong-taek rubbed his throbbing head.
To open up the economy, we needed to reclaim the bonds issued back then, which ultimately required a staggering amount of money.
Among those, the debt owed to Russia was the most significant issue.
Back then, Russia had offered to forgive all debts if they were granted operational rights over Nakhodka Port and Nakhodka City.
For Jang Seong-taek, this was a condition he couldn't refuse. Both diplomatically and practically, it was an extraordinarily favorable proposal for North Korea.
However, the stationing of the Russian Pacific Fleet was an entirely different matter.
"Will the U.S. stand idly by?"
Lost in thought, Jang Seong-taek had no choice but to mention the United States.
"Hahaha! Chairman, does our Russia seem afraid of the U.S.? Although it's North Korean land, Nakhodka will be equivalent to Russian territory. Protecting it is our rightful duty."
"But the U.S. is likely to turn a blind eye to this. Didn't we reach an agreement during the Six-Party Talks that no military force could set foot on North Korean territory? If we break that promise, what meaning would that agreement hold?"
During the Six-Party Talks held in South Korea, it was determined that China would handle the development of Sinuiju's Free Economic Zone, Russia would manage Nakhodka's development, and South Korea would take charge of Kaesong Industrial Park and Nampo Free Economic Zone.
"We will uphold our promises. It's a fleet meant to protect cargo ships; the U.S. won't have a significant objection, will they?"
Russia had already stationed fleets in other countries' ports.
After the collapse of the Soviet Union and the transfer of the Crimean Peninsula to Ukraine, most of the Black Sea Fleet's infrastructure had moved to Ukraine.
However, unable to abandon the vital passage to the Black Sea that was Crimea, Russia struck an agreement to lease most facilities in Ukraine's Crimea.
This was the same method that the Russian government intended to apply to Nakhodka.
"There is no room for the U.S. to interfere in intergovernmental contracts. That would be interference in domestic affairs."
"Regardless, troops are a no-go."
Jang Seong-taek stated firmly. This was a non-negotiable issue.
He could not simply watch foreign troops enter his country.
"If that's the case, our agreement would be null and void. It means that forgiving 10 billion Dollars in debt was under the condition of leasing Nakhodka."
"…Are you threatening me right now?"
The previously pleasant atmosphere in the office turned tense.
"Threatening? I wouldn't be so rude as to threaten the leader of North Korea."
"If what you say isn't a threat, then what is it?"
"If we merely needed a port for freight ships, we wouldn't have forgiven any debt. We needed the presence of an ice-free harbor where the fleet could be stationed, so we decided to take a considerable loss by forgiving the debt. But if that's not feasible, then there is no reason for us to invest large sums into developing Nakhodka. Is that wrong?"
Developing Nakhodka will also require substantial investment regardless of the debt.
Russia needed an ice-free harbor, and Nakhodka was an exceptionally suitable city for that condition.
"Chairman Jang Seong-taek. We are allies. What meaning is there if we don't trust each other?"
Jang Seong-taek let out a small sigh. He was stuck between a rock and a hard place.
To breach the agreement would mean immediate dealing with the 10 billion Dollars in debt, yet permitting troop stationing would create a negative precedent of foreign military presence in his country.
As Jang Seong-taek weighed his options, there was a knock at the office door.
"Chairman. President Kim Mu-hyeok has arrived."
The appearance of Kim Mu-hyeok was like that of a savior for Jang Seong-taek.
"Please invite him in."
As Jang Seong-taek warmly said this, the office door opened, and Kim Mu-hyeok entered.
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