“Hello, President Tsao. I hope you’re well. And I appreciate your scheduling this conversation on short notice. As you can imagine, I’m deeply concerned about the cable-laying vessel that went missing near the Spratly Islands.”
“I certainly understand, Madam President. On behalf of the Chinese people, I want to extend our sincere best wishes for those aboard the ship.”
“That’s very kind of you. Learning what happened is my focus right now.”
“Of course. And I am confident your country will have answers.”
“Hopefully. Though, I do have to say some troubling reports have reached my desk.”
“Oh? How so?”
“If I may be direct, they relate directly to the presence and activities of your maritime militia in the vicinity of the Stalwart’s last known position.”
“Madam, my government has emphatically stated that there is no such entity.”
“I’m aware of that. But we have information that over two hundred of your distant-water fishing boats were observed massing around Yongshu Jiau—we call it Fiery Cross Reef—prior to Stalwart’s falling out of communication. That seems a large number, wouldn’t you say?”
“Only taken out of context. Some fishing boats have sheltered near the reef due to maritime wind conditions. This is typical. I would again emphasize a patient and rational examination of the facts.”
“Agreed. But I won’t mince words. Those vessels were moored in the area for over three weeks. That’s a great deal longer than ordinary fishing boats generally stay in one spot. Particularly when there’s excellent fishing somewhere else.”
“I know nothing about that. But I can look into it.”
“Thank you, Mr. President. There are also reliable findings that these boats have reinforced hulls and top speeds of eighteen to twenty-two knots. Which far exceeds the speed of an average trawler. Finally, I’ve heard reports about men with automatic weapons aboard them.”
“In waters infested with pirates, our civilian fishers are wise to arm themselves. I should, moreover, remind you these are designated Chinese territorial waters. We have the right to dictate the rules of safe passage.”
“That claim is disputed by most of your international neighbors. But to reiterate, my pressing concern is the Stalwart.”
“Madam, I’m sure you don’t mean to imply that my country is involved with the loss of your ship.”
“Possible loss. We’re optimistic about a positive outcome.”
“As are we. Naturally.”
“And to your point, we’re just trying to figure things out. So I would ask that you share whatever information you might receive about the Stalwart. It would be a step in advancing accountability and transparency between our countries.”
“Of course.”
“Then, you’ll keep us updated?”
“We will do our best.”
“Thank you.”
“And Madam?”
“Yes?”
“One final word. If I may. On the subject of transparency.”
“Certainly.”
“I would caution your nation about exploiting undersea cable networks in latitude fifteen-five, longitude one-hundred-fourteen-five for future intelligence operations.”
“Excuse me?”