Empire of the Ring

Black propaganda was often referred to as the “matador,” a strategy that created and propagated groundless information that did not reveal its source or was not based on facts, thus intentionally putting the other person in trouble.

The original meaning came from the Spanish word “matador,” which meant bullfighter.

The matador was a bullfighter who was in charge of killing a bull in the end by putting a knife on the top of its head after several bullfighters took the spirit out of it.

In Germany, the matador referred to the best trump of a card game and the most surface-to-air missile used in modern warfare because the meaning of this was a move that could decide a victory or defeat.

Youngho decided to play the matador against China.

There was nothing better than media play to make China impatient.

He told the world’s leading news agencies that Kazakhstan would enter into Thailand’s “Kra” canal project with its experience and know-hows that led to the expansion of the Russian canal project. He also said that although it was possible to build the project independently, he was willing to form the consortium if Asian countries participate.

Meanwhile, he made a fuss about sending proposals for joint projects to South Korea, Japan, Vietnam, the Philippines, and Taiwan.

It was only natural that the Chinese government was upset.

It questioned why a Central Asian country which had no connection to the project China had proposed first to Thailand was stepping up.

Youngho responded by suggesting competing openly in Southeast Asian waters as it was under a route used by both European and Asian countries.

The Malaysian and Singaporean governments, which felt a sense of crisis, opposed, saying they might sever diplomatic ties with countries participating in the canal project.

Despite that, he made a fuss by sending a team of inspectors to the canal project as if he were to participate in the canal project at any time soon.

The ties of the Central Asian countries and the Southeast Asian countries were only symbolic anyway and there were not much economic exchanges except for occasional travelers between countries.

Kazakhstan, which still did not have diplomatic ties with many countries in the global community, had not even been hit by a brief diplomatic dispute with some Southeast Asian countries. This could be recovered after the work was finished later.

“Your Highness. Shouldn’t we send a diplomatic letter to both countries? If we really cut off our diplomatic ties, our ships could be penalized for passing through the Strait of Malacca.”

Min-seok had a serious look on his face as he delivered Singapore’s diplomatic documents from the foreign ministry.

“Is there a law against merchant ships from countries that had no diplomatic relations? According to international maritime law, it is not allowed to refuse entry unless prohibited items are transported.”

“Our ships can be disadvantaged if they want.”

“There’s nothing to worry about, as they’re supposed to give humanitarian relief for vessels that want water, oil, and food. And it is also a diplomatic discourtesy for the royal family to step up to protest against our government. Just staying still is a way to help.”

If a diplomatic letter was sent to the Kazakh royal family, Youngho would have to give a proper answer, but he was relaxed because those letters were sent to the Kazakh government.

The Kazakh royal family mentioned the “Kra Canal” case, but protesting against the Kazakh government without protesting against the royal family was a diplomatic gesture.

“This will be over soon. We do not participate in the canal construction in any case. It’s just a counterattack.”

“Can’t you let them know about it?”

“You don’t think any Malaysian or Singaporean politician or bureaucrat has a line with the Chinese government? As soon as we tell them what we’re up to, the plan will go useless.”

“Even so, it won’t be easy to restore diplomatic relations back to the way they were…”

“In the worst case, I don’t care if we can’t recover them. You have to be prepared for that kind of loss to trick China.”

Singapore or Malaysia had no choice but to react aggressively because it was a matter of national destiny.

Maybe they sent a diplomatic letter not only to Kazakhstan but also to all countries interested in the canal.

However, if the canal project was pushed ahead, they would not make such a fool of themselves by disconnecting their diplomatic ties with those countries. It would find an alternative to cope with the situation.

It was impossible for a country that earned a living through trade to sever diplomatic relations with other countries.

If China showed its willingness to participate in the canal project regardless of a diplomatic break, it would rush to sign the contract without fail.

That was what Youngho was after.

***

At a time when Asia was dealing with the issue of the canal project, the Thai foreign minister secretly visited the royal territory.

He was frustrated as a Thai minister and wondered why Kazakhstan was causing a disturbance when it was not even a Southeast Asian country.

“It’s an honor to meet you, Your Highness.”

Minister Prayut, a short, dark-skinned man greeted Youngho politely.

“Thank you for coming all the way.”

The purpose was already told in advance, so they went straight to the point after a handshake.

“Your Highness, I have come to ask that the Kazakh royal family no longer intervene in the canal issue.”

Youngho already predicted what he was going to say, but he was slightly embarrassed because he was so direct.

“Wouldn’t our royal family be more favorable to your country if we intervened? We have the canal technology ahead of China. I’m sure you know that we’re working on a canal project in Russia.”

“We are not questioning the technical skills of the Kazakh royal family, but it’s because of our neighboring countries. As the Kazakh royal family stepped forward, neighboring countries are pressuring us. It’s been a secret project with China for years, and now it’s a fait accompli.”

The Malaysian and Singaporean governments were pressuring Thailand with a break in diplomatic relations.

“The Strait of Malacca is not just a route for a specific country, but for East and West to manage together. I thought any of the interested parties in the Strait of Malacca could participate, but I’m very disappointed that you’ve already made an agreement with China.”

“The Strait of Malacca won’t shut down even if the canal is opened, but everyone seems to be too sensitive.”

“From what I know, your home country reviewed the canal project in 2004 and did not proceed with it. But I suspect that the re-emergence at this point reflects China’s position to seek exclusive status. So, are you also participating in the canal management, too?”

“…”

The foreign minister was not able to answer questions from Youngho.

How could Thailand participate in canal management when China was paying 100 percent of the cost? It would only be getting a small portion of canal revenue.

“It’s a good thing to open the canal, but I think we should also consider neighboring countries that are disadvantaged by the canal. Then, if you open a way for Malaysia or Singapore to participate, I think there would be less opposition.”

“We want many countries to make an investment rather than China’s sole investment. But when will the canal open if we do that? The canal project must be implemented as soon as possible, to ease our country’s economic difficulties.”

Youngho could see why Thailand was trying to give China the canal project.

China would have promised economic aid on the condition of canal construction.

“I don`t mean to interrupt your home event, so don`t get me wrong. If countries show interest in the canal project, you will be in a more advantageous position.”

“It’s too late to discuss now. I’m here to tell you about our country’s stance.”

“I understand. If Chinese investment is delayed, please let me know. I’m thinking of investing right away. It’s an attractive business that Singapore or Malaysia can endure even if they play out their diplomatic cards.”

Youngho acted as if he was going to invest immediately if China was lukewarm.

When the foreign minister returned home, Thailand would surely deliver this fact to the Chinese government.

China would have no choice but to hurry to stop the Kazakh royal family from jumping into the canal project while being readily willing to break diplomatic ties with Southeast Asian countries.

***

“I don’t think Thailand will budge no matter what conditions we offer.”

“No, it won’t. Domestic political strife has been a drag on Thailand’s economy, which once recorded negative growth. China’s aid will be vital because Thailand’s manufacturing and infrastructure are so weak. Recently, the economy has been reeling from flood damage. I think China has cleverly penetrated the gap. How urgent would it have been that the foreign minister came after you and asked you not to intervene in the canal?”

“I heard the royal authority of Thailand is great, but I don’t know why it’s still before the military coup.”

“Although the royal family is absolutely respected and followed by the people, it is not enough to fundamentally adjust the friction between political forces. The problem is that it doesn’t have any money like our royal family. Politics also requires money. In that case, I’m proud of our powerful royal family.”

“Well, is that a compliment? I’m flattered. By the way, since we’ve smoked this smokescreen, China must be anxious, too.”

“Your Highness, why don’t we make a last move? Why don’t we spread the rumor that China’s technological prowess is questionable whether it could afford to do complex canal construction.”

“How are we going to do so?”

“We need to use the Asian countries that are concerned.”

“Asian countries will not come forward easily because they are afraid of China.”

“The Strait of Malacca accounts for 20 percent of the world’s shipments. They are the countries most troubled when China takes control of the Strait of Malacca. We need to use the media to shake China one more time. I’ll take care of it myself.”

If Eriksson stepped up, he would probably mobilize the Information Agency. The use of consulting branches of the agency in all countries could make a global temporary issue.

“I’m curious about the method.”

“Since Singapore and Malaysia are most sensitive about the canal, shouldn’t they add a hand? They have to take the lead in wiping out pirates, the danger of the Malacca Strait. We should encourage them to create an environment where they don’t need a canal.”

“How can the two countries wipe out pirates?”

“It’s impossible, so we’re going to encourage it. And even if the pirates temporarily disappear, the canal project is bound to start. This is because China invests in Thailand’s infrastructure before the canal project. It won’t be able to pull out so easily.”

Eriksson said that China would not be able to pull out because of the money it spent on Thailand.

“Then we can delay the construction in another way so that we can drain China’s strength. Let’s see if the canal operates well after its construction is complete.”

There was still an assignment left to make many ships use the Strait of Malacca even after the canal was opened.