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‘Now that’s a good idea. Limited aid, given on condition they behave themselves.’

‘Yes.’

‘I’ll suggest it to Chen.’

Kai looked into the banqueting hall. A hundred waiters were already bringing in the first course. He said: ‘Enjoy your dinner.’

‘Aren’t you staying?’

‘The government of Zambia does not consider my presence to be essential.’

Wu smiled ruefully. ‘Lucky you,’ he said.

***

They met the following morning at the Foreign Ministry. Kai arrived first, then Ambassador Bak with four aides. They sat around a table where tea was waiting in cups with porcelain lids to keep it hot. Pleasantries were exchanged, but despite the courtesies the atmosphere was tense. Wu began the discussion by saying: ‘I want to talk to you about chemical and biological weapons.’

Bak immediately interrupted, repeating what he had said to Kai last evening. ‘We have no such weapons.’

‘To your knowledge,’ said Wu, giving him a way out.

‘To my certain knowledge,’ Bak insisted.

Wu had a response prepared. ‘In case you should acquire any in the future, and in case the military should in fact have such weapons without your knowledge, President Chen wants you to have a clear understanding of his views.’

‘The president’s views are well known to us. I myself—’

Wu raised his voice and spoke over Bak. ‘He has asked me to make sure!’ he said, letting his anger show.

Bak shut up.

‘North Korea must never use such weapons against South Korea.’ Wu held up a hand to stop Bak interrupting again. ‘If you should defy this ruling, or overlook it, or even break it by accident, the consequences will be immediate and irrevocable. Without further discussion or even warning, China will withdraw all aid of every kind from North Korea, permanently. No more. Nothing.’

Bak looked defiant, but it was evident to Kai that beneath the slight sneer he was shocked. He attempted a sceptical tone as he said: ‘If you were to fatally weaken North Korea, the Americans would try to take over, and I’m sure you don’t want them for neighbours.’

‘I have not called you here for a discussion,’ Wu said firmly. He had now completely dropped his usual urbane manner. ‘I’m giving you the facts. Think what you like, but leave those appalling and uncontrollable weapons wherever they are currently hidden, and don’t even think about deploying them.’

Bak recovered his composure. ‘That’s a very clear message, Foreign Minister, and I thank you.’

‘Good. Now you have a message for me.’

‘Yes. The insurrection that began in Yeongjeo-dong is proving more difficult to deal with than my government has so far admitted publicly.’

‘I appreciate your frankness,’ said Wu, becoming charming again.

‘We believe that the quickest and most effective way to end this would be a joint operation between the North Korean and Chinese armies. Such a show of force would demonstrate, to the traitors, that they face overwhelming opposition.’

‘I see the logic of that,’ said Wu.

‘And it would show their supporters in South Korea and the US that North Korea, too, has powerful friends.’

Not very fucking many, Kai thought.

Wu said: ‘I will certainly pass this message to President Chen, but I can tell you right now that he will not send Chinese troops to North Korea for that purpose.’

‘This is very disappointing,’ Bak said stiffly.

‘But don’t despair,’ said Wu. ‘We may be able to give you arms and ammunition, and such intelligence as we can gather about the rebels.’