A different type of political crisis was playing out in Beijing. Strong representations had been made by both the Australian and Japanese Governments over the terrorist attacks involving the assassination of the Australian Prime Minister and the attempted murder of the Japanese Prime Minister. Both governments were threatening to withdraw their ambassadors to China. The American and British governments had also lodged formal protests.
Zhang Wei, the Minister for Defence, had been summoned to the office of the Committee Secretary of the Politburo, Hi Tang. Wei knew that a summons to the Secretary’s office was usually bad news.
Tang indicated the chair opposite his desk and Wei sat down.
Tang shook his head. “It has been brought to my attention that you instigated the attacks on the lives of the Australian and Japanese Prime Ministers and the bombing of the Jabiru mine. Is that true?”
Wei shook his head in denial. “That is a vicious allegation made by my enemies to place a slur on my reputation.”
“The information comes from General Chen who has been interrogated over the last two days. Unfortunately the General suffered a heart attack and died during his interrogation. Before he died he gave a written confession that he had organised the attack under your direct orders.”
Wei knew instantly he was in deep trouble and tried to hide his mounting fear. “I did this for China. Those Japanese dogs are preparing for war against us and the Politburo indicated action was needed to protect our territories from their encroachment.”
“Your intentions may have been honourable Wei, but you had no authority from the Politburo to undertake such a provocative action. Unfortunately you failed in your mission and we now have the whole world condemning China for this attack.”
“We will be announcing that General Chen was responsible for the terrorist attack and operated on his own initiative. There can be no connection to the Politburo or the Chinese Government. You will be placed under arrest and incarcerated for the rest of your life for your treachery to the Chinese people.”
Tang picked up his phone and barked an order. Two security officers entered the room.
“You will be escorted back to your apartment to pack your things. You will have no communication with anyone from now on.”
The two men took hold of Wei by the arms and manhandled him out the door. They drove him to his apartment and waited in the living room while he packed a bag. He went into the bedroom and took out a leather case from the wardrobe, then walked into the bathroom and withdrew a pistol from the false bottom of the case. He loaded the pistol put it against his head and pulled the trigger. The security men rushed into the bathroom to see Wei slumped on the floor in a pool of blood, his sightless eyes staring up at them.