21st century Goguryeo

November 6, 2020, 12:10 (CST 18:10), Chinese Central Military Commission Integrated Command Post Bunker Conference Room in Beijing, China

The conference room was roaring with laughter for a change. This was because they stole an opportunity to successfully retaliate with their nuclear bomb attack. Their attack and relentless advancement caused the Korean army to retreat to the rear after taking over Shenyang.

"Hahaha, well done, Vice President Kan Kuichou. You didn't let me down."

Xi Jinping's laughter, the first in eight days, brightened the mood in the conference room.

"So all that is left now is the Shenyang advancement."

"Yes, currently the 20th Army Group and the 54th Army Group have passed through Lingyuan and are quickly advancing toward Chaoyang like a mechanized group. The 21st Army Group has passed Qinhuangdao and is advancing to Huludao."

As soon as Vice President Kan Kuichou finished talking, the Minister of Foreign Affairs Lu Jenhui joined the conversation.

"Mr. President," said Minister Lu Jenhui.

"Yes, Minister Lu Jenhui," replied the President.

"Due to today's nuclear bomb deployment, there will be a statement of criticism later from the permanent members of the UN, as well as from the member countries of the Non-Proliferation Treaty."

"What? Why are other countries meddling in using a bomb in our own land?" exclaimed the President.

"That is—" started Minister Lu Jenhui.

"I don't care! Minister Lu Jenhui, present a rebuttal immediately," said the President.

"Yes, understood," replied the Minister.

"Vice President Kan Kuichou."

"Yes, Mr. President."

"The Politburo Committee has unanimously passed the request for using tactical nuclear weapons from now on. So I will approve the use of tactical nuclear weapons anytime when it is needed tactically."

"Thank you, Mr. President."

"With this opportunity, there is a need to not only recover our country but also teach those arrogant South Koreans and North Koreans the terror of the powerful People's Republic of China."

"Yes, I will certainly teach them," agreed Vice President Kan Kuichou.

* * *

November 6, 2020, 19:30, Prime Minister Cabinet Conference Room in Tokyo, Japan

Prime Minister Abe, after receiving news that the Chinese Army used nuclear bombs to attack the Korean army intruding the western front, gathered Director of Defense Equipment Watanabe Hideaki and a few government officials to a secret meeting in his office.

"Director Watanabe," said Prime Minister Abe.

"Yes, Mr. Prime Minister," replied Director Watanabe.

"Director, you saw earlier today that China used a nuclear bomb against Korea."

"I heard about it through the news," replied the Director.

"This is a counterexample that the Korea–China war has become so intense to warrant the use a tactical nuclear weapon. This means that our security, being in proximity to this, is also threatened," said Prime Minister Abe.

"I think so as well."

"So then . . ."

Pausing briefly, Prime Minister Shizo Abe continued while looking at Director Watanabe.

"I think that in this situation, Japan also needs to possess nuclear missiles. What is your opinion, Director Watanabe?"

Director Watanabe, a devoted right-wing Japanese politician, answered immediately without hesitation.

"I, of course, have the same thoughts as you, Mr. Prime Minister. It would be illogical to think of our security while walking on eggshells around countries with nuclear weapons."

Upon hearing the expected reply, Prime Minister Abe's lips curled up, reaching his eyes.

"Hahaha. You are straightforward. Yes, through a constitutional amendment, Japan has obtained a formal right of defense as a common country. In this situation, China's use of nuclear bombs is a large threat to our security. For this reason, I see this as a golden opportunity to exercise our right of collective self-defense. However, mindlessly interfering with a country that possesses nuclear capabilities would be like a moth jumping into flames. So I believe it would do us neither harm nor good."

*right of collective self-defense: the law that states that if a country in close relations with Japan is under military attack and there is an obvious threat to Japan's existence, the lives of their citizens, freedom, and the right to pursue happiness, then the free army may interfere in the war.

After beating around the bush, Prime Minister Abe shot a wicked look and got to the point.

"Director Watanabe, how long will it take?"

"If we remove the unstable factor, two months will be plenty of time to launch an attack."

Director Watanabe answered without hesitation even when Prime Minister Abe's question did not state the subject.

"Well, well, two months?"

"Yes, sir. It is possible not only for a nuclear warhead but also for ballistic missiles," confirmed Director Watanabe.

"It's possible to have it that quickly?" asked Prime Minister Abe.

"Currently, Japan possesses six projectiles such as the satellite projectile M-V rocket and the Epsilon rocket. If we load these projectiles with nuclear warheads, they become ballistic missiles. But first, if the restriction of the nuclear agreement with each country and the America–Japan nuclear agreement under the Non-Proliferation Treaty is not lifted . . ."

*Plutonium is a substance typically used in nuclear weapons, and Japan possessed 40 tons of plutonium imported from Europe. However, it is strictly managed due to the nuclear agreement among America, France, and the IAEA. Japan has a uranium enrichment factory and must have prior consent from America to enrich over 20% of uranium due to the America–Japan nuclear agreement.

* M-V Rocket: 3 part solid rocket, weight 140 ton, payload 1,800 kg

* Epsilon Rocket: 3 part solid rocket, weight 90 ton, payload 1,200 kg

"Don't worry about that," the Prime Minister interjected.

Putting up one hand and showing his palm as if to say not to worry, Prime Minister Abe looked at Minister of Defense Shibasaki, who was quietly listening next to him.

"Minister Shibasaki," said the Prime Minister.

"Yes, sir."

"Who was the person who took care of things neatly and efficiently last time?"

"It was Negotiator Yagumachi Genzo," replied Minister Shibasaki.

"Ah! Yes. Has Negotiator Yagumachi Genzo left yet?"

"He left on the 5-p.m. flight."

"That's good, he's fast. Good. Can I expect good results like the last time?"

"We prepared a bait that can't be ignored this time too, so the results should be good."

After hearing Minister Shibasaki's response, Prime Minister Abe looked again at Director Watanabe and spoke.

"Director Watanabe, assemble a TF team by tomorrow. Furthermore, accelerate the nuclear warhead research development. I will provide ample support in terms of finance and resource, so show me six ballistic missiles within the estimated two months," ordered the President

"Yes, sir! I will do my best," said Director Watanabe.

Prime Minister Abe tried to gain anything he could by using finances, the military, or any means necessary by using the Korea–China war as an excuse. China's use of nuclear weapons was a good excuse, and with this opportunity, he showed his ambition to be part of an array of countries with nuclear weapons by grilling the United States.

* * *

November 7, 2020, 14:00, Ministry of Foreign Affairs reception room in Seoul Jong-ro ku

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reception room was welcoming a guest from the US State Department who just arrived from Washington. Also present in the room were Korean government officials from not only the Ministry of Foreign Affairs but also from the Ministry of National Defense and the National Security Office.

After entering the reception room, the US officials shook hands with the Korean government officials, who were seated on the other side of the conference table, waiting for the US State Department guests.

"It's more peaceful than expected considering the country is at war," a US official remarked.

"There is no need for the entire country to be tumultuous with a war involving only Red China."

The American government officials showed a slight surprise at what Korea's Second Vice-Minister of Defense Park Hyung-oh just said. First, the Second Vice-Minister referred to China as Red China, and second, he spoke lightly of Korea's war against China, a country growing in power that even the United States couldn't ignore. From the United States' perspective, this manner of speaking came across as very arrogant.

"Is that so?"

Robert Yulian, the Assistant Secretary of the Department of State and Director of the Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs, laughed without emotion. As the Director of the Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs, he has visited Korea several times, and his last visit was in April of 2019. Korea, in one year and six months since he revisited, has developed remarkably and its government officials also seemed full of confidence. Clearly, the general atmosphere in Korea has improved drastically from before.

"Director Yulian, may we know what is the purpose of your visit?"

Second Vice-Minister Park pointedly asked. In reply, Director Yulian gave a sign to an employee who came in with him; the employee took out a stack of documents from his bag and handed it to Director Yulian.

"It's because of this."

Director Yulian said as he gave the documents to Second Vice-Minister Park.

"What is this?" asked the Second Vice-Minister.

Second Vice-Minister Park began checking the pages of the document handed to him. The document contained pictures of the ongoing Korea–China war and much information relating to it. After skimming through the pages, Second Vice-Minister Park spoke while handing back the document to the Secretary of National Security Strategy of the Blue House Office of National Security.

"Aren't these photos of the current Korea–China war?" asked Second Vice-Minister Park.

"Yes, that is correct," replied Director Yulian.

"What's the problem? Is it because China used a tactical nuclear bomb yesterday?"

After being attacked with a nuclear bomb from the Chinese Army and receiving a call that the US State Department will be visiting, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs thought that the reason for the visit was to discuss China's nuclear bomb attack, as America was under the promise of a nuclear umbrella.

"No. If you look at the photos closely, it is because of the K3 White Tiger tank recently deployed for practical use by the Korean Army."

"Excuse me? The White Tiger tank?"

Director Yulian continued speaking to Second Vice-Minister Park, who has a bewildered expression at the unexpected reason for the visit.

"The White Tiger tank's tank gun is confirmed to be a particle gun, which is perceived to be a current scientific technology that even the United States could not develop. We came here to confirm and inspect how you acquired this technology and how much technology you have currently secured."

"Hahaha! An inspection?"

Second Vice-Minister Park burst out into laughter. The Secretary of National Security Strategy of the Blue House Office of National Security, Kim Soo-jong, spoke instead.

"Director Yulian, Korea is an independent state. By what authority do you confront us in this manner—talking about an inspection and saying such high-handed words about a country's military intelligence that pertains to national security? This is not the courtesy we expect from an allied nation."

Noting that the response of the Korean government officials was now different from that in the past, Director Yulian, spoke in a slightly more submissive tone.

"Ah! I apologize if I offended you. It's just that I wanted to inform you that the American government is very worried about this, but I went too far. I apologize again."

"Isn't this the treatment Koreans have always received from America? I am the Director of Force and Resources Management Office Kang Byung-woo from the Ministry of National Defense. All information of the White Tiger tank that you Director Yulian is asking for is an S-class military secret. Hence, we cannot share any information pertinent to this."

"Of course it's confidential since it's a new technology that even America doesn't have. But is this confidential too? That the American government has caught you using a satellite as a launch vehicle to attack China with missiles aside from the White Tiger tank. This is a grave offense that violates the International Outer Space Treaty."

The Secretary of National Security Strategy, Kim Soo-jong, after thoroughly checking the document as soon as Director Yulian finished speaking, posed a counter-question while handing the documents back to Director Yulian.

"Director Yulian, if you check the documents you gave, there is no photo or content about an attack satellite. Are you considering our country as a criminal country with only your words to support this nonsense allegation?"

Director Yulian did a double-take. Truthfully, they had a suspicion about the attack satellite, but they had not found evidence to prove it. It was a mistake to hastily talk about it and turn the current atmosphere around. He, therefore, backtracked immediately as he spoke.

"That is an information of great concern, so it is not contained in this document. However, please keep in mind that the American government, as I have stated, has various pieces of evidence to prove this circumstance."

The Secretary of National Security Strategy Kim Soo-jong did not back down and spoke albeit defensively.

"Yes, I see. Director Yulian, if you have sufficient evidence, then why don't you report it to the UN Security Council? That Korea has violated the International Outer Space Treaty? Isn't that what you're supposed to do?"

"Ho-ho! Aren't the United States and Korea allied countries? Even if an ally like Korea were to commit a violation, how can I report it immediately to the UN so heartlessly? That wouldn't be good for the security of Northeast Asia," replied Director Yulian.

King Snake.

Robert Yulian earned this moniker "King Snake" when he worked as the Director of the Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs. He was a shameless and low-grade King Snake who talked big without evidence while pretending to care for Korea.

"It would be good to actually have an attack satellite in our country like you said, Director Yulian."

On this day, the conference in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs reception room concluded with dinner by 9 p.m.. With not much to gain from the long duration of the conference, Director Yulian headed back to the hotel with heavy steps after agreeing to have another meeting tomorrow.