“With nuclear weapons?” Chin retorted. “You ordered Yi to launch a thermonuclear attack against the Nationalists?”
“I ordered Admiral Yi to do everything in his power to defend his battle group and carry out his attack orders,” Sun replied. “I did not order him to launch a nuclear attack — but I support his decision to do so. His battle group is intact with only minor losses, the rebels have been severely wounded, and the world is paralyzed with fear. The mission was successful.”
“You are absolutely insane, Sun! ” Chin said, unable to believe what his subordinate was saying. “You actually think this action was proper? Do you think nuclear weapons are just another bullet to take from your belt and load into your pistol? Did you stop to think for one second about the consequences?”
“I have thought of little else, sir! ” Sun responded. “Sun-tzu says that if an incendiary attack can be launched from outside without relying on inside assistance, it should be initiated.”
“So now I suppose you think we should invade?”
“No, sir,” Sun said. “We should desist.”
“What? You approved a nuclear attack on Quemoy — don’t try to deny it, Sun, you gave the order without specifically mentioning nuclear devices — then say we should not continue the invasion?” Chin shook his head in stunned disbelief. “I do not understand you, Sun! You orchestrated a nuclear attack against the Nationalists, an attack that may well isolate China for decades in the eyes of the world, and now you advise us to abandon the mission? Why? Explain yourself! ”
“Because we initiated an incendiary attack against the Nationalist army on Quemoy, and they are quiet,” Sun replied. “Sun-tzu teaches us that if the enemy is quiet after such an attack, wait and do not attack, for it means that the fires did not substantially weaken them.”
“Explain in words other than this ancient drivel, Admiral! ”
“The blast was not directly over Quemoy, and it appears it was not a full yield,” Sun replied. “I think the rebel forces on Quemoy are mostly still intact, protected in underground command centers, garrisons, and marshaling areas. Besides, our fleet was substantially damaged, morale among the naval forces is low because of the ferocity of the stealth bomber attacks, our ground forces are not ready, and the Americans are on the alert. No, we cannot press the attack now. We have no choice but to withdraw.”
Chin shook his head, totally confused. Minister Chi asked, “So what happens now, Admiral? We do not fight, we do not attack. The Paramount Leader’s directive is no more. What are we left with, comrade?”
“Sir, we have proven that the United States committed an act of war upon the People’s Republic of China by firing anti-ship missiles at our ships — this may be our most potent weapon against the influence of the Americans in our region,” Sun said. “We have shown that the Americans are terrorists, that they will stop at nothing, break any law, to advance their agenda. This undeclared war, this illegal attack against our battle group, combined with their illegal overflight of our airspace without permission by an armed combat aircraft during the Iranian conflict, deserves immediate world condemnation! China has long been criticized, even ostracized, in the eyes of the world for our perceived human rights record — tell me, sir, how do you think the United States will be regarded in the eyes of the world when they are proven to be the greatest terrorist nation ever to exist in the history of the planet?”
To General Chin’s surprise, Minister Chi was quiet — which was in effect an endorsement of Sun’s actions. The tide was turning here, Chin thought — it might be best not to complain too loudly. But Sun Ji Guoming had clearly overstepped his authority and usurped the rank and office of the Chief of Staff of the Liberation Army, and he had to be removed from office as soon as possible. “You claim that a B-52 bomber shot down three Su-33 fighters, the best combat aircraft in our air army?” Chin asked derisively. “Impossible.”
“That is the pilot’s report, sir,” Sun said excitedly. “The third pilot radioed details of the attacks just before he began his counterattack. The Sukhoi pilots are the best pilots in the air army; I believe their statement. It is too implausible to be anything but the truth.”
“That is your criterion for judging the validity of this report — that it is too unbelievable to be a false or inaccurate report?” Chin exploded. “Have you gone insane, Sun?”
“Sir, Comrade Minister, we have seen intelligence reports on this aircraft from Russian sources,” Sun said. “It was supposedly used in the conflict between Lithuania and Belarus. Our own analysts claim that these modified planes may have been used against us in our conflict in the Philippines — the planes we assumed to be standard B-52G or — H bombers could have been these planes—”
“Enough,” Chin shouted. “You are too incompetent to wear those stars, Sun. You are a disgrace to the uniform and to your entire lineage.”
“Wait, Comrade General,” Minister of Defense Chi interjected in a low, gravelly voice. “I wish to hear more.” Then, to Chin himself, he added, “And I wish to hear more from you about what you intend to offer as a response to the Central Military Commission.”
“Very well, sir,” Chin said. “Sun, you are dismissed—”
“I said, Sun shall stay!” Chi shouted.
Chin stood at attention and lowered his eyes as a sign of respect and obedience, but he was obviously seething over the fact that Chi Haotian was not giving him free rein in disciplining his subordinates. “Comrade Minister, there should be no discussion here over the fate of this insolent pup,” General Chin said, keeping his voice respectful although he was fighting mad. “Sir, we could very well be facing nuclear war with the West because of this one unauthorized, ill-conceived, suicidal mission. It is only proper that Admiral Sun should not just be stripped of his position and rank and removed from the People’s Liberation Army, but possibly imprisoned for life, for what he has done—”
“You seem to prefer doing battle with your subordinates rather than doing battle with the enemy, Comrade General,” a voice said behind Chin. The chief of staff turned — and saw President Jiang Zemin himself enter the minister of defense’s office, flanked by his bodyguards. General Chin shot to his feet in surprise; Chi and Sun snapped to attention and bowed respectfully. Chin Po Zihong was staring dumbfounded into the Paramount Leader’s eyes. “So. Do you now wish to do battle with me, Comrade General?”
Chin quickly snapped out of his shock, realized what he was doing, and bowed deeply, keeping his eyes averted. “Forgive me, Comrade President,” the general said. “I… I was not informed that you would be attending this meeting.”
“No one appears to be informing you of anything these days, Comrade General,” Jiang said with uncharacteristic sarcasm. He took a seat at Chi’s desk and sat stiffly, regarding General Chin for several long moments. “The People’s Liberation Army has suffered one of its most embarrassing, one of its most humiliating moments in its history today, General Chin Po Zihong. Wire services around the world are already reporting it; the presidents of most of the world’s industrial nations have called me, demanding an explanation. Speak.”
“Comrade President,” Chin began, “my staff has just now informed me that there is evidence that an American stealth warplane was assisting the rebel craft, and that it was the Americans who attacked one of our destroyers and then shot down three of our fighter jets sent to monitor the—”