Empire of the Ring - Chapter 729

There had been various interpretations of the Kazakh royal family’s visit to China.

It was a natural reaction of the global community as the Kazakh royal family had been uncooperative to the Chinese government since the beginning.

Some speculated that if the Kazakh Queen, the head of state of the federal kingdom, made a quick visit, it would be a move to resolve complicated issues between the two countries.

Countries around the world were paying keen attention to the Kazakh royal family. They were nervous as depending on the course of the Kazakh royal family, a resource-rich federal kingdom, the world economy could fluctuate.

Since the reason for the royal visit was unknown to the world, the news of the Kazakh royal family’s visit to China was as much of a concern as the trade war between the U.S. and China.

A section chief from China’s foreign ministry was at the Beijing airport to greet the royal family.

It was not a discourtesy in diplomatic practice because it was not an official visit, but it was an apparent neglect to show respect as it was the visit of the heads of the Kazakh federal kingdom.

Although it was a sudden visit, it was a clear disregard for the royal family to invite them and treat them like this.

In addition, the Chinese president greeted the Queen’s group at the Forbidden City, not at the presidential palace, which was said to be an unconventional protocol, but the general view was that the Kazakh royal family was being treated as an inferior state of China.

Although Youngho hoped for such treatment, he could not help but feel upset. He managed to keep it all inside because if this situation was fully disclosed to the media, anti-Chinese sentiment would rise like wildfire across Central Asia.

The Chinese government’s neglect did not end here.

No high-ranking Chinese officials or economic figures attended the dinner at the presidential palace, and not even diplomats from each country were invited.

Only the president couple and the Kazakh royal couple had a simple meal together.

Returning to the guest house, Youngho talked to Eriksson who accompanied the royal family on this trip.

“They’re openly being condescending.”

“I think they’re determined to embarrass our royal family. I think it’s retaliation against Kazakhstan for holding China back so far and to show off China’s status to the world.”

“Huh, they’re very mistaken if they think we’d be compliant to them if they embarrass us like this.”

“We’ve been waiting for this, but the status of the royal family has become ridiculous.”

“We just have to make them regret it in the future.”

“But I thought there would be at least some talk between the leaders, but there’s nothing to this visit.”

Eriksson, who rarely got angry, was also blushing.

In principle, however, the royal family and the Chinese government had no reason to sit face to face at a meeting.

Working-level visits were not special issues, nor was the royal family a place to hold a meeting between the leaders, as they could not be seen as an official window of Kazakhstan.

Although the royal family had the authority to nominate the prime minister, it was only an internal situation in Kazakhstan.

It was Prime Minister Kasim who represented Kazakhstan externally as he was the leader of the Kazakh government.

Even so, it was very upsetting since the whole world knew who the real power of Kazakhstan was, but the Chinese government completely ignored it.

China’s One Belt One Road seemed to go well in the early days, but it was facing problems everywhere.

The countries that agreed to this project complained that they used up their national power in unnecessary construction projects that had little benefit to their interests.

Since they were processed in the form of a joint venture, China lent the construction cost that they could not pay up. in the form of a loan.

As the principal and interest of the non-essential loans could not be paid, countries that participated in the One Belt One Road project even handed over state-owned industries to China.

Anti-Chinese sentiment rose like wildfire as the economy was subjugated to China and became tougher than before.

At a time like this, the Chinese government seemed to have projected that the countries involved in One Belt One Road would cease their complaints if the Kazakh royal family, which had interfered with China’s One Belt One Road, was neglected at its visit to China.

It was to show that if any country was disliked by China, it might be neglected like the Kazakh royal family.

***

Anti-Chinese rallies began to take place across the country when Youngho returned from China.

It was in the form of a behind-the-scenes control demonstration by the Kasim government, but more people attended voluntarily.

The reason for holding anti-Chinese rallies was that the Chinese government had disregarded the entire federal kingdom of Kazakhstan by disrespecting the royal family.

Those who attended the rallies called for the withdrawal of the nation’s Shanghai Cooperation Organization and the closure of the border, even calling for an end to diplomatic relations.

Crowds were held not only in Kazakhstan but also in Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Azerbaijan.

The rallies in Azerbaijan were especially severe as the people protested in front of the Chinese Embassy.

The Chinese government began to panic when the embassy’s work was paralyzed.

As the public opinion was not something that could be resolved politically, the Chinese government was embarrassed by the situation.

Such a reaction from Kazakh federal states was not expected. If the border was closed as the people requested, imports of raw materials such as oil and gas from Kazakhstan would be blocked, as well as immediate disruptions in import and export activities with Europe.

In addition, a boycott of Chinese goods could make China lose its market in Central Asian and the Caucasus, not to mention the businesses of Chinese overseas in such areas would be damaged.

Soon, Chinese traveling to Central Asia and the Caucasus were also suffering from a tricky immigration process.

In response, the Chinese government, which was in a state of confusion, sent a special envoy to take care of the situation, but only antagonized the people.

This was because the special envoy denied the Chinese government’s mistreatment of the Kazakh royal family.

Prime Minister Kasim, who came to report the results after the envoy’s visit, was sitting face to face with Youngho in the royal office to discuss follow-up measures.

“The Chinese government still hasn’t figured it out yet.”

“It was deeply obsessed with its sense of superiority. It assumed that everything would be okay just because it sent a special envoy. The envoy wanted to meet the royal family, but I didn’t allow it.”

“Good job. Even if he came to the palace in person, I wouldn’t have met him.”

Meeting the envoy itself was tantamount to accepting China’s will.

“It seems the Chinese government thought it could get over this easily.”

“It must have thought so because the neighboring countries accept a humiliating relationship with China every time.”

Only countries that would suffer political and economic damage if they went against China endured humiliating diplomacy, but Kazakhstan was not in such a position.

It might affect the supply and demand of daily necessities immediately, but Kazakhstan could withstand that much.

“This is what the people want, so how can we just ignore it?”

Perhaps, it was natural for the royal family and the government to follow the will of the people.

If the government implemented policies that went against the will of the people, its foundation of existence would be shaken.

“Of course. If the royal family or the government doesn’t understand the people’s will, it’s not worth it. It’s time for the government to come up with measures.”

“Prime Minister, if you have a good idea, let me know.”

“You don’t have to do that. Chinese goods have already lost ground due to the boycott of Chinese goods. We are planning to increase the production of domestic companies while importing the insufficient amount from Russia so that there will be no inconvenience in our people’s daily lives, and we’re going to drastically reduce our exports of oil and mineral resources to China in the future. I’m going to start a show to persuade the public by publishing a national statement.”

“Now it’s not a show, but it’s a national sentiment.”

Kasim would make a public statement saying that there would not be a diplomatic rupture because of this as it would result in increased tensions on the border and fluctuation of Kazakhstan’s economy.

If that happened, there would be a public uproar and more severe rallies as the people could not stand the government’s humiliating diplomatic measures.

Then the Kazakh government would have something to say to China that it was forced to close the border because of the public’s resistance.

“The mass rallies will continue after the national statement is released.”

Kasim meant that the government would continue to conduct secret government-controlled demonstrations in the future to avoid political burden over this issue.

“Please also take care of Chinese merchants’ tax evasion investigations and violations of the Foreign Exchange Control Act.”

The exclusion of Chinese capital must be made.

This was because only short-term investment funds, not long-term investment funds, were coming in, distorting the market.

Kazakhstan’s economy had improved enough to withstand without Chinese capital.

“We’ve already begun an investigation. Sooner or later, the results will come out. I plan to take legal action according to the case. If necessary, we’ll even consider expelling them and stripping them of their permanent residency.”

“That would hurt the Central Asian people living in Xinjiang Uyghur…”

Deterioration in relations with China would soon lead to the persecution of ethnic Central Asian people, including the Kazakh people living in Xinjiang Uyghur.

Even now, the lives of the Uyghurs were like those in the cage, but it was clear that it would get worse if relations with Kazakhstan deteriorated.

Until now, the Chinese government had been wary of Kazakhstan’s relations, but if the border was closed, it would suppress the people even more harshly.

Although many Kazakh families living in Xinjiang Uyghur had escaped, there were still more than one million people living there.

The reason why they remained in there was because it was their home in which their ancestors had settled and generations afterward lived.

Youngho was concerned about that.

“Closing the border will bring bloodbath to Xinjiang Uyghur again.”

“What can we do if they don’t want to move even though we pleaded multiple times? If they get more persecuted by the Chinese government, they’ll come by themselves. We cannot afford to take care of the safety of those who will not return to their homeland. We have no choice but to tackle border closures and illegal remittances by Chinese merchants to prevent any immediate outflow of national wealth.”

Prime Minister Kasim seemed determined.

He insisted that the sacrifice of the Uyghurs was inevitable in order to put out the fire immediately.

“I’m worried that if the border is closed, the people won’t be able to come over even if they want to.”

“You don’t have to worry about that. If they request to leave Xinjiang Uyghur, the Chinese government will take them to the border. It’ll be good news to China if anti-Chinese forces want to leave on their own.”

It would be fortunate if the Chinese government did so, but that was doubtful.

If the Chinese handed over enemy-like forces to Kazakhstan, they would become threatening forces to China again, so there would be no point in sending them nicely.

Rather, it would be more convenient for the Chinese government to get rid of them unknowingly.

Sending them was only good for Kazakhstan, so it was undesirable for China.

It was China, which was engaged in some kind of operation to exterminate the Uyghurs.

To date, the Chinese government had been conducting anti-humanitarian physical tests on Uyghurs aged between 12 and 65 forcibly, including DNA samples, iris scans, fingerprint recognition, and blood type tests.

It was said to be a physical examination for the promotion of Uyghurs’ health, but a passing dog would laugh if it showed such kindness to non-Chinese people who were fighting for their freedom from China.

Everyone knew what a secret and compulsory medical checkup meant.

It was no different from Germany’s branding of Jews.

It was clear what kind of ending would be waiting for the Uyghurs being raised like animals.

“That’s very unfortunate. Kazakhstan’s fate is at stake, but they are Central Asians as well. Let’s at least help Uyghur independence organizations live on their own by increasing their arms support.”

“Your Highness, why don’t you support Tibet then?”

“Is there an armed independence organization in Tibet? I heard there’s an exiled government in India.”

The Tibetan government-in-exile was strictly adhering to the nonviolent independence movement despite Chinese oppression.

It would be difficult to change the decades-old nonviolent movement tendency overnight.

Youngho had to be cautious because his involvement in Tibet’s independence could hold him down if it turned out negatively.

“It’s to disperse the pressure on Uyghurs. Tibet’s peace-oriented independence is as good as gone. There’s no way we’re going to get involved deeply in it.”

“I’d agree if it’s a support to just instigate the people. I don’t want to be more involved. Since neither India nor Western countries officially recognized the Tibetan exile government. I don’t want to expose our involvement at all.”

“If we send the Uyghur independence group in Afghanistan to Tibet, we won’t be exposed.”

In Afghanistan, Royal Bodyguards were working with U.S. soldiers on peacekeeping operations.

For that reason, Uyghur independence organizations were being provided with military training and weapons in Afghanistan with the help of the Royal Bodyguards.

If Uyghur independence groups supported Tibet’s independence, the cause would be plausible.

Who would point fingers at the idea of fighting against China together?

“First of all, I’ll check with Uyghur independence groups if they can work in Tibet. If there’s an armed uprising in Tibet, the Chinese government will be flustered.”

If armed protests occurred in Xinjiang Uyghur and Tibet alongside the closure of the Kazakh border, China would be overwhelmed, but it was still doubtful whether the independence forces would be able to fight properly against the Chinese military. Besides, if China found out about Uyghurs’ involvement, the aftermath would be immense.

“Then I’ll have to let the Uyghurs know this could be their last migration opportunity.”

“They’re determined to die in Xinjiang Uyghur. I don’t know how many will decide to move. Only strong-willed people are left, so it would be helpful for us to train them as forces against China. Our job is to supply them with weapons and hope that they will survive on their own.”

***

It was now difficult to get back to the old relationship with China.

This was because anti-China sentiment among the people of the Kazakh Federal Kingdom was uncontrollably prevalent to the point where they were showing signs of a campaign to oust the current administration if it did not take action in any way.

On the outside, the Kazakh royal family and the government showed gestures to calm the people’s furor by consoling the public with a national statement and expressing concerns that this was not an emotional matter. It was to show their efforts to keep relations with China from deteriorating.

Nevertheless, the anti-China sentiment was unabated.

There was an incident that fueled it, where bloodshed broke out in Xinjiang Uyghur, leaving hundreds of Uyghurs injured or killed.

The cause of the incident was due to excessive inspections toward Uyghurs at parks and traditional markets in Urumqi.

In order to prevent Uyghurs from gathering, Uyghurs were searched thoroughly when they entered parks and traditional markets.

If they were traveling, they had to undergo more rigorous inspections. Not only their luggage was searched, they even had to loosen their belts or take off their shoes to scan the soles of their feet.

It was not the case for other Chinese, but only strictly for the Uyghurs in Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region.

Crowds in Kazakhstan and other parts of Central Asia were furious and even became violent as bloodshed broke out in Xinjiang Uyghur.

It was because not only the Chinese government had insulted Central Asia by mistreating the Kazakh royal family but also tried to exterminate the Central Asian people of Xinjiang Uyghur. People wanted to take this opportunity to claim Uyghurs’ independence from China.

In response, the Kazakh government expressed its concern to China over the Uyghur incident.

Although the region was said to be China under international law, the majority of the people in Xinjiang Uyghur were Central Asians.

Kazakhstan, the leading state and federal kingdom of Central Asia, should naturally be involved in such a matter. The Kazakh government said that it would take special measures if the Uyghurs were persecuted any longer.

China, however, did not even snort, saying it was interference in domestic affairs.

As China reacted like that, the Kazakh government immediately countered by shutting down its border against China.

As the border was closed, Chinese land transportation to and from Europe was immediately disrupted.

It was forced to use the Trans-Siberian Railway, but this was not possible.

The Trans-Siberian Railway was currently being modernized by a foreign consortium company led by the Kazakh royal family, as the consortium company controlled the operation of the railway in the Far East Siberian section.

Although Russia would not completely block China’s logistics, there were endless ways to make trouble, such as delaying the containers to and from China for a long time at the logistics base.

If the necessary goods did not come and go in time, trust would collapse.

In the end, the way to transport shipments to and from Europe was by sea, but it was a long way around going through the Suez Canal.

Meanwhile, the closure of the border with China meant Kazakhstan’s raw materials could not be sent to China.

It was a great problem for China which had been stably supplied with oil and gas as well as mineral resources from Central Asia.

The Chinese government tried to pressure Kazakhstan by filing a complaint with the World Trade Organization, saying it violated the contract, but the Kazakh government did not even lift its eyebrows.

Even if the World Trade Organization made a ruling against Kazakhstan, the regrettable party was China, not Kazakhstan because Kazakhstan’s dependence on the outside world was not so high that sanctions would not hurt much.

Even if it was isolated from the world, there were few economic difficulties because there was a sufficient foundation for self-reliance.

Kazakhstan, which was called the world’s mineral exhibition hall, could make anything with its overflowing raw materials.

If there was a country sympathetic to China, it should not consider purchasing raw materials from Kazakhstan in the future.

Perhaps, any sensible member of the World Trade Organization would not dare to go against Kazakhstan.

China has begun to rally troops along its border against Kazakhstan for another round of pressure.

The Kazakh government had also deployed rear-end troops along the border and issued a mobilization order for reserve forces, showing its intention to fight against China if necessary.

As the situation turned urgent, military operations meetings were held frequently in the royal palace’s conference room.

“Your Highness, we have completed the forward deployment of the Unmanned Attack Air Vehicles(UAV).”

The number of unmanned attack aircraft produced by the drone factory was more than 300.

“Thank you all for your hard work. Sooner or later, laser guns will be supplied, so our soldiers will fight more safely.”

Mass production of laser guns allowed for their deployment in the Army.

At present, vessels above the Navy’s frigates were fully equipped with guns, and all of the land laser guns would be deployed within a month.

“Your Highness, Uyghurs’ independence could even be possible with our force.”

Everyone laughed wildly at Prime Minister Kasim’s joke.

It seemed like war would break out immediately, but the atmosphere of military leaders was surprisingly relaxed.

“Prime Minister. I guess there’s not much to worry about on the federal border, but the problem is the safety of the Uyghurs. How’s the support for the Uyghur Independence group you mentioned earlier going?”

Just because troops were deployed along the border did not mean that a war would break out immediately.

Even if there was a small dispute, it would not exceed the level of local warfare as neither Kazakhstan nor China would be able to handle it if it became more intense.

Assuming that, the Kazakh government was an armed uprising in Tibet.

“The Uyghurs independence fighters are being trained in Afghanistan. Some munitions have already been moved. By the end of the year, armed fighting will take place in Tibet.”

As Tibetan exiled government was still lukewarm about the armed struggle, Uyghur independence groups had decided to stage a guerrilla struggle in Tibet thinking that Tibetans would participate if the situation escalated.

It was difficult to operate in Xinjiang Uyghur because the Chinese security authorities were guarding it closely, so tackling them in Tibet was the best option.

If an armed uprising broke out in an unexpected place, the Chinese government would be embarrassed.