The Mandarin Code by Steve Lewis Page A

dismissive wave of his hand.
    â€˜I believe Comrade Jiang’s proposal shows a wisdom well beyond his years.’ Meng’s words had been a deliberate rebuke to Wu, and acted as a warning to any committee member swayed by his argument.
    â€˜We did not provoke this confrontation, the Americans did. This new President is determined to humiliate us, to contain our growth. If we step back, America and its lap-dog Japan will step forward. Wavering will be seen as weakness: by our enemies and, as importantly, by our people. The question is are we, are you, strong enough to seize this opportunity. I propose we vote on Comrade Jiang’s proposal. Right now. And I support it.’
    The President had raised his hand and searched the room for compliance. Jiang’s hand had joined his leader’s, and had been followed by the Party Secretary’s. And, as the tension in the room had risen, slowly, so had a fourth hand. The chair of the central committee for Discipline Inspection had completed the majority.
    Jiang had smiled, the long hours of preparation had not been wasted. Wu’s voice would mean nothing on the new all-powerful National Security Committee, as he and the President were of one mind. This committee’s plans would be settled before it met.
    And when it acted, the world would shudder.
    In the early evening, Jiang met President Meng. Alone.
    â€˜Have you organised the next steps as we discussed?’ Meng asked.
    â€˜Yes, sir.’ Jiang pushed a piece of paper across the desk. ‘This is a map of our proposed expanded air defence identification zone. As you can see it covers the Diaoyu Islands. We will demand that any commercial or military planes that intend to fly through it lodge their flight plans with us.’
    â€˜The Americans will have to test it.’
    â€˜I believe they will. We will be ready.’
    â€˜But there will also be other steps, on the water?’
    â€˜Yes, sir, as we discussed. But, of course, not by us.’
    â€˜We must be careful. We cannot afford a full-scale confrontation with our more powerful enemy. Instead, my friend, the assassin’s mace is our weapon. We do not need to defeat the giant in battle but to wound and neutralise it.’
    Jiang nodded. The President continued.
    â€˜And call the North Korean Ambassador. I am sure Korea can be a useful partner in this enterprise.’
    â€˜Of course, sir. Anything else?’
    The President searched his younger comrade’s face. He had been expecting some news on another project and took the fact that the information had not been forthcoming as a bad sign.
    â€˜Zero Day. How is it progressing?’
    Jiang looked down at his papers, as if seeking a file note. He’d expected the question but had hoped for better news before briefing his leader.
    â€˜It is proceeding, sir,’ he eventually said. ‘But you know better than anyone that it is our most sensitive program. We have an operational issue that has yet to be resolved. We are moving more slowly than we’d hoped, but I am confident Zero Day will proceed. As planned.’
    The President sensed some hesitancy, but decided against pressing further.
    â€˜Very well, Mr Jiang. Remember, a tiger moves with stealth-like steps. We must leave no trace. No trace.’

CHAPTER FOURTEEN
    Canberra
    His eyes were piercing and black; his face, flanked by a crop of luxurious grey hair, bore a hint of a smile and a poise that carried across more than two hundred years. Joseph Banks was a man of wealth and influence, a child of the Enlightenment, whose innate intelligence was evident in this masterful portrait.
    â€˜What do you think of him, Harry?’ Charles Dancer spoke with soft appreciation, not turning to face the journalist but keeping his gaze on the painting on the National Portrait Gallery wall. ‘He was one of the true fathers of this nation. He invested his wealth without rancour and was a man of intellect and