BooksBarbecue
Back Point of Contact
Chapters (83)
  1. Cover
  2. ALSO BY TOM CLANCY
  3. PRINCIPAL CHARACTERS
  4. 1
  5. 2
  6. 3
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  83. What’s next onyour reading list?

“So as far as you all are concerned, we have no unilateral options available to us to stop the North Korean missile and nuclear programs or effect regime change,” Ryan said.

Again, all heads nodded in agreement.

“The only hope we have of either is China. They hold all the cards,” the secretary of defense said.

“Which is the real reason why we’re here,” Ryan said. He turned to Mary Pat. “Thank you for the summary analysis.” He turned to the others. “Now for the question at hand.” He poured himself another cup of coffee as he said, “Scott, tell us what the Chinese have proposed.”

The secretary of state squared his shoulders. “I have received an unofficial inquiry from my Chinese counterpart regarding our openness to a face-to-face meeting between the heads of state of China, South Korea, Japan, the Philippines, and, of course, the United States. It would be held next month in Beijing.”

“Regarding the North Korean situation?” Burgess asked.

Adler nodded. “President Zhao’s government has expressed concern over recent developments.”

“They always ‘express concern’ after every nuclear and missile test. But it’s all hot air,” the defense secretary said. “The problem is that they’re the ones supplying most of that technology.”

“Zhao’s government is doing that?” Ryan asked.

The SecDef shrugged. “Officially, no. But someone in Zhao’s government is. Whether or not it’s sanctioned by Zhao is still a question mark.”

Mary Pat added, “The South Koreans are convinced the Chinese provided the North Koreans with cold launch capability. It only took them months to perfect it when it should’ve taken years. Same goes for the MIRV tech, we’re certain.”

“So the Chinese provided the MIRV technology and now they want a summit with us because they’re worried about it? That doesn’t make any sense,” the chief of staff said.

The secretary of state shook his head, smiling. “Welcome to Chinese internal politics.”

“If China holds all the cards, and if Zhao is truly concerned, why doesn’t he just take care of the problem?” Ryan asked.

Adler shrugged. “Same answer, I’m afraid. Internal politics. There are factions within the Politburo and within the military that are at odds with Zhao on the issue. Beyond that, we really don’t have a clue. Right now we have to ask ourselves what they have to gain and what we have to lose by turning down President Zhao’s offer.”

“I’m confused. What exactly is he offering?” Burgess asked.

“That was my question to the foreign minister. He was intentionally vague, but he insisted his government is as interested as we are in North Korean regime change. Beyond that, he doesn’t want to show his cards until he has a commitment from us to attend the security summit.”

The chief of staff frowned. “So we don’t know what their specific proposals are for stopping the North Koreans?”