“We removed all warships and submarines from the Quemoy Island area, Mr. President, also in the interest of peace,” Ambassador Hou said. “We do not have any explanation for this so-called torpedo attack. I can of course confirm that some naval air and air force units responded to the alert of an American invasion, and in their zeal overstepped their authority and attacked your frigates. On behalf of my country, I sincerely apologize for that attack. I have been advised that your Megafortress engaged some of our aircraft as well. A very formidable aircraft, I must admit.”
“I trust the People’s Republic of China will not seek any retaliation for this incident or any others that occurred today, and that we can work together to restore peace and stability to the region,” the President said, ignoring the remark about the Megafortress. The amount of information Hou and the Chinese had gathered during the last engagement was incredible, he thought. There was probably no way they could ever keep the Megafortress secret again.
“The People’s Republic of China shares and echoes those thoughts, Mr. President,” Ambassador Hou said warmly. “I must tell you that my country’s reconnaissance planes did make contact with the Megafortress patrol plane, but were under orders not to fire upon it after it withdrew from the area, even though it attacked the civilian ferry, attacked our defensive aircraft, and thereby caused so many deaths.” The President of the United States gave a silent laugh — only the Chinese could call an H- 6 bomber loaded with two huge anti-ship missiles “defensive.” “We will not prevent any other armed patrol planes from entering international airspace anywhere in the region, but we do ask that these modified B-52 bombers be excluded from the region, in the interest of peace. The power of these combat aircraft is a significant threat to the People’s Republic of China.”
The President was again reeling from Hou’s words. They knew about the Megafortress, all right! He was sure that soon the rest of the world would know, despite Hou’s promise to keep all this confidential. “We agree, Ambassador,” the President said. “As long as a state of war does not exist between our two countries, we will refrain from sending any heavy strike aircraft near Chinese airspace.”
“Your words are wise and strong, Mr. President,” Hou said warmly. “On behalf of my country, I thank you. In the search for peace, Mr. President, China still seeks reunification of its territories split apart from her by imperialists and rebels. The United States can play a critical role in that reunification.
“I have been authorized by my government to extend this invitation and request: Would the United States consider mediating talks between my government and the Nationalist government on Formosa, seeking complete reunification of the two Chinas by the year 2005? Like the successful talks between Britain, Portugal, and my country for return of Hong Kong and Macau, the United States could act as honest broker for the glorious reunification of China, while still preserving the economic strength and ideological diversity of the Nationalist movement. Will you do it, Mr. President? Will you consider President Jiang’s request?”
“I’m honored, Mr. Ambassador, but as you know, I have already announced our intention of recognizing the Republic of China as an independent and sovereign nation,” President Martindale said. “In our view, the Republic of China has established a strong and viable democratic government and society, equal to that of any nation in Asia, and therefore has earned the chance to grow and develop as an independent nation. I don’t wish to offend the People’s Republic of China, but I am prepared to support Taiwan’s right to become independent. I hope that your country would recognize the reality of this situation and peacefully come to terms with President Lee. ”
“With the support of the United States, we are prepared to do just that, sir,” Hou said. “We understand that you must still repeal the Taiwan Relations Act of 1979 and seek ratification of the proposal by your senate. The government of the People’s Republic of China humbly asks that you simply attach an addendum to your proposal, agreeing in principle only to the notion of the people of Chinese Taipei seeking autonomy until the laws of the People’s Republic of China can be liberalized, but fully endorsing the goal of reuniting the two Chinas by the year 2005. You would then have no need to expend political capital in repealing an existing law, and you ensure the support of your senate by seeking a worthy and satisfying goal, one that has already been endorsed by most of the world’s national leaders.”
“I will take that idea under advisement, Mr. Ambassador,” the President said. “Thank you for your time and assistance. Good night, Mr. Ambassador.” Hou was still thanking Martindale profusely for his time and patience when the President hung up. The President took a deep breath, then a sip of coffee. “Well, either Hou was a very convincing bullshitter or one sincere Chinese. They admitted they screwed the pooch.”
“They admitted they overreacted, but they didn’t admit they were wrong or not responsible,” Freeman pointed out. “I still think they’re too easy going about all this. Hundreds of Chinese citizens and soldiers were just killed, supposedly by Taiwanese and American sneak attacks, and their ambassador is apologizing? Doesn’t feel right to me.”
“Still think it’s a setup, Phil?” the President asked. “Still think China started it all, hoping to start an invasion?”
“As far as would the PRC risk attacking their own ships just to force a showdown with Taiwan?” He paused for a moment, then said, “I won’t speculate. I suppose it’s possible…”
Admiral Balboa shook his head and gave a sound of disagreement that sounded like an exasperated snort. Balboa was shorter and not as lean or athletic as Freeman, but he compensated for a lack of stature with an animated, expressive, restless demeanor that could not be ignored. He said, “Ex-cuse me, General Freeman, but in my opinion, it’s ridiculous to suggest that the Chinese would shoot four torpedoes at its own warships just to hope to provoke Taiwan into starting a war. I think we can rule that idea out.”
“Fm not ruling anything out, Admiral,” Freeman said, “but Til agree, it’s pretty unlikely. But this incident is only ninety minutes old. It’s just too early to know anything. Everything that Mr. Plank said rings true with me, tells me that perhaps the Chinese set this whole thing up.”
“Like you said, General,” Balboa interjected, “the invasion plans on Matsu were in place and well known for over a year. Taiwan’s been threatening to sink that carrier if it ever entered the Formosa Strait. None of this is a big surprise.”
“Well, the press has latched on to this incident like it’s the beginning of World War Three,” the President said irritably. He glanced at his watch, then looked at Jerrod Hale, his chief of staff. “Jer, have Chuck work up a media point paper for me for tonight. I want it made clear that I view these incidents with great concern, and I make myself available at any time to assist in negotiations for peace. I’m calling for a cessation of all hostilities in the Formosa Strait immediately.”