"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 Ca.n.a.l" 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 partic.i.p.ate in the ca.n.a.l 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 ca.n.a.l.

However, if the ca.n.a.l 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 partic.i.p.ate in the ca.n.a.l 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 ca.n.a.l 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 ca.n.a.l issue."

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

"Wouldn't our royal family be more favorable to your country if we intervened? We have the ca.n.a.l technology ahead of China. I'm sure you know that we're working on a ca.n.a.l 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 partic.i.p.ate, 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 ca.n.a.l is opened, but everyone seems to be too sensitive."

"From what I know, your home country reviewed the ca.n.a.l 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 partic.i.p.ating in the ca.n.a.l management, too?"

"..."

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

How could Thailand partic.i.p.ate in ca.n.a.l management when China was paying 100 percent of the cost? It would only be getting a small portion of ca.n.a.l revenue.

"It's a good thing to open the ca.n.a.l, but I think we should also consider neighboring countries that are disadvantaged by the ca.n.a.l. Then, if you open a way for Malaysia or Singapore to partic.i.p.ate, 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 ca.n.a.l open if we do that? The ca.n.a.l 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 ca.n.a.l project.

China would have promised economic aid on the condition of ca.n.a.l construction.

"I don`t mean to interrupt your home event, so don`t get me wrong. If countries show interest in the ca.n.a.l 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 ca.n.a.l 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 ca.n.a.l?"

"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 ca.n.a.l 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 s.h.i.+pments. 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 ca.n.a.l, 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 ca.n.a.l."

"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 ca.n.a.l project is bound to start. This is because China invests in Thailand's infrastructure before the ca.n.a.l 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 ca.n.a.l operates well after its construction is complete."

There was still an a.s.signment left to make many s.h.i.+ps use the Strait of Malacca even after the ca.n.a.l was opened.