Currently, relations were at the simmering but nonbelligerent level. The Spratly Islands question, long a point of contention, was at an impasse, with China having the definite edge. Vietnam had countered with its full membership in ASEAN, and with improving its relations with the Soviet Union, the United States, and many other countries. The brief but violent war over the Spratly Islands in the late 1980s was all but forgotten, border skirmishes were rare, and things were tense but bloodless for a few years now. Why would China feel the need to advise Vietnam on its current conflict in the Philippines?
“On behalf of my government, I accept your gracious offer, Comrade Premier,” Leing replied warily. “The incidents of the past few days in the Philippines have caused much concern in my country.”
“Allow me to assure you, Comrade Ambassador,” the interpreter said, “that the People’s Republic of China harbors no ill feeling toward Vietnam. Our forces will not threaten any Vietnamese facilities or vessels in the region. You have the word of the Premier.”
“I thank you for your assurances, Comrade Premier,” Leing said. Leing risked a full glance at General Chin, to perhaps see if Chin, the
It was General Chin’s turn to speak now, and he did so without waiting for permission. “I give you my assurance that no Chinese vessel will approach any Vietnamese- claimed islands or interfere with Vietnamese naval operations in any way,” he said through the interpreter. Leing’s own interpreter gave a slightly different version of Chin’s statement — he said that no Chinese vessel will
“So I am to assume, Comrade General, that Chinese warships will continue to patrol north of the neutral zone, in violation of international treaty?”
“We were invited by the government of the Philippines to assist in national self-defense matters,” Chin said. “The request included patrolling their islands for signs of rebel activity. We are protecting their interests as well as yours, since as we have seen the rebel military’s actions are a threat to all nations.”
Lies, Leing thought, struggling to keep his face as impassive as possible. The whole world knows it was a
“The terms of the treaty between us have been altered by recent events,” the Chinese Foreign Minister, Zhou Ti Yan- bing, said. “Because of the nuclear explosion, we felt our forces were at substantial risk in the South China Sea and that an escalation of our naval presence was necessary. At the same time, we were invited by the government of the Philippines to assist them in putting down a suspected coup and a violent military attack by well-armed forces. Those are the facts, and we speak the truth.” Not the
“However, the situation has become even more unstable. for us and for all nations involved in this incident,” Zhou continued. “We realize that new priorities must be established and new ties formed between the affected nations — especially between China and Vietnam.”
“What sort of ties are you referring to, Comrade Foreign Minister?”
There was a pause, an uneasy silence notably between General Chin and Premier Cheung — although no words or glances were exchanged, the two men were on edge. Then Cheung spoke, and the interpreter said, “We wish to issue a ninety-nine-year irrevocable lease to the Republic of Vietnam to occupy, develop, patrol, and regulate affairs in the entire Nansha Island archipelago.”
Leing was stunned. “I… Please, Comrade Premier, if you would be so good to repeat your last statement…” General Chin made a sudden outburst, and Cheung replied hotly without turning toward him. “The General said, This is nonsense,’ and the Premier ordered him to keep quiet,” Leing’s interpreter whispered into the ambassador’s ear. "
