Chapter 93: Diplomatic Rifts and Escalating Tensions
Chapter 93: Diplomatic Rifts and Escalating Tensions
Japan’s political situation plunged into chaos after Prime Minister Ozawa resigned.
Normally, the Minister of Defense would take over as the Prime Minister, but the New Japan Restoration Party, which had a majority in the House of Councillors, issued a warning.
—If the Minister of Defense steps up, we will initiate a vote of no confidence in the cabinet.
This happened even before the Prime Minister signed the documents.
However, Prime Minister Ozawa declared the dissolution of the parliament after hearing the news.
Some members of the Restoration Party who obtained the information vehemently protested.
—How can a Prime Minister who announced his resignation dissolve the parliament? This is invalid.
Strictly speaking, the condition was met because he declared it when he had the qualifications of the Prime Minister.
As a result, Japan had to hold another election for the House of Representatives.
As politics became so chaotic, the 3rd Fleet of the Maritime Self-Defense Force, which had occupied Dokdo, had no choice but to struggle against the sudden offensive of the South Korean Navy.
“Admiral! Railgun projectiles are raining down on us! Give us the order to counterattack!”
“Hmm, is there any news from the headquarters?”
“All they instructed us was to prevent escalation!”
Admiral Izuchi Haejangbo, who commanded the 3rd Fleet, ordered his fleet to scatter while pondering.
It was crazy to fight against the South Korean Navy alone without any decisive action from the headquarters.
It would be different if South Korea was in chaos, but now President Yu Ji-ha had returned and was exerting his leadership.
In such a situation, Japan’s political situation was so messed up that it was no longer bearable.
“If we keep holding on, we will be blamed for everything! Withdraw the fleet! Disperse from this area!”
The fleet that had been holding on in the East Sea withdrew with the withdrawal ship. Japan hoped that the United Human Federation forces would also withdraw from Tsushima.
However, instead of withdrawing their forces from Yu Ji-ha, they brought in South Korean Marines.
The Marines who boarded Dokdo and Marado landed on Dae Ma Island one after another and the Korean media reported this as a special feature.
The United Human Federation fleet withdrew their androids and drones, but they did not leave Dae Ma Island and guarded around it.
As the situation turned out like this, Japan’s escort fleet and even local forces flocked to Tsushima’s waters.
Their number reached as many as 40 ships, which worried the South Korean fleet that was waiting in the west strait of Dae Ma Island.
“This could turn into a war if we make a mistake…”
“Even if we fight, can’t we win easily? We have two railgun ships and support from Busan.”
Dokdo had an iron beam installed on it, so it would be difficult for Japan’s fighters to approach now.
They could fire missiles and retreat, but the iron beam had already proven its performance in such situations in the Yang’an War.
Unless they fired hundreds of shots at once, they could intercept them.
“That’s not what I mean. The US won’t stay still. Dae Ma Island is not much different from Dokdo in size. And there are US-Japan forces there too.”
“They attacked Dokdo first, so they have to take responsibility.”
“I don’t think the US will think that way…”
As a tense situation unfolded, the US stepped in after being silent.
The White House sent envoys to both countries and proposed a mediation plan to return all measures to before Dokdo’s occupation.
“Resolving this conflict is our priority. Let’s talk about the details later.”
However, both countries’ reactions were unexpected.
South Korea rejected the US’s request and Japan delayed their response by shifting blame.
It was because the Prime Minister resigned and even dissolved parliament.
There were many bureaucrats in the cabinet, but there was no one who could represent Japan and answer to the US because the Restoration Party openly opposed them.
Also, there was a fight within the Restoration Party over who was responsible for this incident.
The house of representatives, the leader of the largest faction in the Restoration Party, coincidentally caught fire and burned down.
As both countries confronted each other sharply without any concessions, President McKinley tried to negotiate directly with Yu Ji-ha.
“I understand that you are angry that Japan occupied that island while you were absent. But Tsushima Island is Japan’s territory. There are more than 20 thousand people living there.”
“Dokdo also had civilians living there. But Japan attacked without hesitation.”
“I know, I know… But please release the soldiers you are holding first.”
“Sure.”
He then pushed several conditions to appease him, but his attitude did not change.
His claim was consistent.
“Japan attacked and occupied Korea’s territory. We just took corresponding measures. What’s wrong with that? Now Japan has to mobilize its power to push out our forces from Dae Ma Island. I hope they do that.”
His attitude of not fearing war made President McKinley snap at his innocent aides.
“What the hell does he want? Does he really intend to swallow Japan’s island? Is that even possible in the 21st century?”
He had already received land from North Korea, China, and Russia, three countries that he had allied with.
It was not unusual for Japan to be added to that list.
Now the White House aides started calling Yu Ji-ha a crazy man.
“We can’t concede any more. We have to mobilize the US-Japan forces and push out the Korean troops.”
“Korea is crossing the line. It would be better to go back to before this happened.”
“…US-Japan forces? They won’t accept them now.”
“We have to make them accept. Korea currently looks united, but it has a very vulnerable economic structure. If we touch the North Korean region, President Yu Ji-ha will have no choice.”
President McKinley decided to visit Korea after pondering.
“Let’s go and talk. Prepare for it.”
…
Originally, the US wanted a tripartite meeting with Japan’s participation, but it did not materialize.
It was because politics was paralyzed after parliament was dissolved and the leader of the Representatives faction in the New Japan Restoration Party died.
The US intelligence agency suspected terrorism, but could not find any evidence.
‘Coincidentally, everything is going in favor of President Yu.’
Looking back at his actions so far, it was strange that his enemies who blocked his way either resigned or died.
The intelligence agency reported that at least some of them were directly intervened by Yu Ji-ha.
In that case, it meant that he planned this situation since he woke up from a vegetative state three years ago.
‘There’s something behind this.’
Even if it wasn’t a spaceship as some conspiracy theorists claimed, there was definitely something that the US didn’t know.
It was also true for Terra Island. If left alone, he could become a very dangerous person.
He seemed to accept the US’s control for now, but…
President McKinley entered the meeting with Yu Ji-ha with such a conviction.
“There is only one condition. Withdraw your troops from Tsushima Island and accept Japan’s apology. We will take responsibility and submit a compensation plan.”
“…”
“You don’t seem to like it.”
“Japan attacked Dokdo first.”
“Isn’t it a backlash of President Yu’s interference with the nuclear test? Let me revise the condition. On this occasion, let’s make that island, Dokdo, a definite territory of Korea and eliminate the median line. Is this still not enough?”
It was a radical proposal, but not to Yu Jiha.
He insisted on his position, and President McKinley decided to use his last resort.
“If Korea insists on this, we will have no choice but to resort to some coercive measures.”
“So the US-Japan forces will finally step in.”
“…”
President McKinley stared at Yu Jiha for a long time and said.
“You like being straightforward, so let me ask you. What do you want? Whenever you are stubborn, something outrageous comes out.”
“What I want is for the US to get out of East Asia.”
“Do you want to swallow Manchuria and even eye Japan? You seem to be delusional, but the US is not afraid of the United Human Federation.”
At this point, if they went into a head-on confrontation, the US forces were estimated to have the capacity to securely occupy Terra Island.
Of course, based on the information that the US had.
“I have no plans to eye Japan. We have enough trouble defending our land, and Japan is too big. And populous.”
Yu Jiha was not greedy.
If he added the land that Russia would give him, the basic foundation of the United Human Federation was almost established.
“Then what?”
“I want Jeju Island. I’ll handle the negotiations with Japan myself, so please back off.”
“You’re saying that now…”
President McKinley was about to lean forward when it happened.
There was a commotion outside, followed by a knock on the door.
No ordinary news could interrupt a summit meeting.
Then what?
President Yu nodded his head, and President McKinley declared a recess and went outside.
Humphrey, the security adviser, whispered in his ear.
“Ukraine has been attacked. Russian tank units have broken through the border.”
“…”
He was speechless with disbelief.
It was true that Russia had an eye on Ukraine, but why at this time?
The photos and videos shown by the adviser captured clear evidence.
They had mobilized their army to swallow up their homeland after annexing Crimea.
Ukraine would now prepare by issuing a reserve call-up order, but it seemed to have little significance in front of the Russian army.
Moreover, the Russian army that broke through the border had Korean-made drones.
The damn drones equipped with ion thrusters instead of propellers.
Furious, President McKinley took the photo and threw it on the table as he entered the meeting room.
“I heard you were a merchant of death, but you went all the way in that direction? Why did you export such weapons?”
“Russia paid well. They offered a generous price.”
“That’s not what I mean! You coveted Manchuria and then occupied Japanese territory, but that wasn’t enough? Now you’re starting a war in Eastern Europe. What are you thinking?”
“You should ask President Putin about that. I just supplied what they wanted. And I plan to do so in the future.”
“Are you really saying that Korea has nothing to do with it? You promised to support the war behind the scenes in exchange for land from Russia. Can you say that in front of me?”
“I did.”
He was so confident that he was speechless for a moment.
He could assert that no one could say that in front of the US president.
But Yu Ji-ha didn’t seem to think so, leaning back in his chair.
“As you know, we promised extensive economic cooperation with Russia. So providing drones is not a difficult thing.”
He wanted to call him Hitler, but he barely held back.
The important thing now was not Japan.
As long as China collapsed and Russia had little interest in the Pacific, the US had nothing to worry about.
But Europe was different.
If Russia’s advance was not stopped, NATO would be endangered.
President Putin would never be satisfied with merging the former Soviet satellites.
The US was a satiated lion, but Russia was a starving bear.
President McKinley stood up and calmed his excitement.
“Let me warn you one thing. Korea is testing our patience. Remember the blood we shed for Korea decades ago.”
“I’ll be careful from now on.”
That sounded like he wouldn’t give up Jeju Island.
Air Force One hurriedly returned home, and Japan, which had hoped for mediation, was greatly disappointed.
—Now we have no choice but to retake Tsushima Island by force.
—If we mobilize the escort fleet and the air force, it will be enough. We will activate the island defense system.
But there was no one who could decide to go to war in a situation where the leadership was paralyzed.
The Representatives Party, which had blamed everything on the Ozawa regime, did not like having all eyes on them.
It didn’t matter if they won, but if they lost, the aftermath would be extraordinary.
While they were hesitating, President Yu Ji-ha of Korea held a press conference.
“As of this time, we declare the severance of diplomatic relations with Japan. The Korean ambassadors in Japan will return within 48 hours. The same goes for the Japanese embassy in Korea.”
The severance that Japan’s right-wing forces had long hoped for came true.
But no one was happy.
There was no problem.
In modern society, it is rare for two countries to sever diplomatic relations.
Especially if they are advanced countries, and have been exchanging for hundreds of years or more.
Whether they liked it or not, they had to exchange for the survival of the nation, and trade in the private sector was essential.
So when Korea declared the severance of relations with Japan and notified the embassy, there were few countries that took it seriously.
—Korea’s industry is too dependent on Japan. They can’t completely cut off ties.
—Japan also needs Korea to pursue the fourth industrial revolution. Either way, the two countries are inseparable.
—Considering that President Yu is the subject, it is likely that he planned this to cover up the domestic woes. But it’s too big to have an exit strategy.
Various institutions and analysts generally gave this assessment, but there was also an analysis that this time was different.
—Korea has many industries that rely on Japan, but they can diversify their imports and solve it sufficiently.
—For example, Korea did not suffer a fatal blow even when its exports to China plummeted. This is evidence that Korea’s economy is becoming dependent on the Silla Group.
—Considering that Korea declared it first, Terra Island could be a variable. We don’t know what kind of facility is there.
—President Yu does not make empty words. Even China had to change its name to Zhongmeng and impose all kinds of conditions to barely allow the Black Metal factory. It won’t be easy for Japan to break through.
As various speculations went back and forth, Russia’s military movements became concrete.
They invaded with tank units at the forefront to formally annex Ukraine.
Now the world’s attention was focused on Eastern Europe, not the severance of Korea and Japan.
Russia’s expansion was expected enough, but everyone was surprised that they even mobilized Korean-made drones.
—Now Ukraine has lost the option of fighting street battles with old apartments as shields. Those drones are overwhelmingly superior to the US forces in urban warfare.
—Soon Israel’s drones will be replaced by those. Then Gaza will face more brutal repression.
—Korea is too dangerous to sell such weapons for money. Sanctions are needed.
There was also interest in the black ship that appeared near Tsushima Island, but it was buried because there was too little information.
The EU passed a resolution condemning Russia, and anti-Russian movements erupted within Ukraine.
Thanks to this, Korea was able to quietly advance its work under water.
The Korean embassies in Japan, which had been prepared in advance, destroyed their documents and returned to their home country.
Japan was surprised that Korea would really sever ties, and was in a confused atmosphere.
—They said severance every day, so they really severed it. Do it moderately, Representatives Party.
—Considering President Yu’s personality, he won’t let it go easily, so we have no choice but to fight back. Whoever it is, hurry up and declare severance.
—-Bring back the Zainichi Koreans quickly. Otherwise, there is no meaning to severance.
—-Zainichi Koreans may be called that, but they are Japanese citizens and their livelihoods are in Japan. I don’t know why the net right-wingers are talking nonsense.
—There are no Koreans in Japan because of the aftermath of the Korean War. The number of Korean tourists has also decreased significantly.
—Where is my Lucia? They said they would take reservations in Korea, so I was looking forward to it!
Meanwhile, the otakus were greatly disappointed.
They were men in their 20s and 30s who had little interest in Korea but had a lot of interest in the androids released in Japan.
They would endure anything if they could have that Lucia who debuted successfully at Tokyo Dome.
Of course, they only took reservations in Korea, but they could hope, right?
They didn’t care about the price as long as they had their own maid.
They all waited for the day when Japanese would be added to the website with excitement at night.
But what came to them was not the release news but the severance like a bolt from the blue.
—Are you kidding me, right-wingers? Why did you mess with that island and make a hornet’s nest?
—Die already, you useless bastards who don’t help your life.
—Losing Takeshima and being occupied by Tsushima and Ozawa ran away. Is this the beginning of Japan’s sinking?
On the other hand, signs of an explosion began to appear in Japan’s business community.
They had endured a lot considering the position of the political circles, but they decided that they couldn’t do it anymore and stood up.
Economic groups including Keidanren criticized the Representatives Party and stepped forward.
—The Representatives Party is good at criticizing while hiding behind them, but they have no aspect of doing anything themselves. Stop hiding and negotiate with Korea directly.
—Please think about the nuclear fusion plant that is almost complete. The plan to make the next-generation Shinkansen a levitation type cannot be established without Shlilla Group.
—If severance is established at this point, both sides will lose in the short term, but our losses will increase as time goes by. Korea has reduced its dependence on us considerably, albeit unwillingly.
Various criticisms poured out, but Right wing Representatives Party ignored them.
They were not in a position to put forward a clear leader due to internal conflicts, and their positions were not organized either.
Meanwhile, all procedures for severance proceeded quietly in Korea.
The last thing left was the families of diplomats and residents who wanted to return to Korea.
They were also brought in by transport planes, and the doors of the two countries were tightly closed.
This 𝓬ontent is taken from fre𝒆webnove(l).𝐜𝐨𝗺