“The planets aligned the moment the Russians failed to take Ukraine quickly in 2022. The surprising resistance by the Ukrainians has caused Russia to become wholly dependent on China for nearly everything. Chairman Xi has been wrestling with how to deal with the ‘Let It Rot’ generation, as well as the men without women resulting from the One Child Policy. My predecessor, Wang Yi, is the true architect of the Outer Manchurian Project, having proposed the concept in the early years of Chairman Xi’s term. We have been quietly incentivizing people in general, and particularly members of these two demographics,to relocate to Siberia for work. Millions have taken advantage of the opportunity, and now the Chinese in Siberia outnumber the Russians and indigenous peoples combined. Minister Yi was a great man.”
Chen dutifully brought her hands together as if in prayer, closed her eyes, and tilted her head forward slightly as Li paused to honor the memory of Wang Yi. A small price to pay for access.
After a moment, Li continued, “Yi’s plan is beyond audacious. We’ve been salting the temporary workers and migrants with deeply trained intelligence officers who have prepared themselves, and the Chinese in Siberia, for this moment.”
Li placed the star-shaped speaker on the table, equidistant from each. Pressing the button, he said, “Get me Lei Dong.”