Mauricio writes...
Story 46 - The Inheritance from Ping-Pong
Mauricio writes...
Story 46 - The Inheritance from Ping-Pong
The 70s. A time of tension. The United States and the Soviet Union jousting in a cold war all set to heat up. Even worse and more worrisome, the Soviets and their Chinese neighbors are not seeing eye to eye. Skirmishes begin to break out along the extensive border separating the two largest Communist countries.
As she runs after nuclear technology, China prepares herself for imminent war. Tunnels are dug and gigantic subterranean galleries are carved out as emergency shelters for the population in case of an atomic attack. But the economy weakens with the expenditures needed for defense and the government of Peking (Beijing) decides to ally itself with the West. Less threatening than the Russians. All things considered, if it achieves some sort of affiliation with the United States, the Soviets will think twice before attacking.
But what can be done to open the "bamboo curtain," installed after the takeover by Mao's troops? Years of isolation have made greater China just as threatening and mysterious to the West as the Soviet Union. At this point, the Chinese leaders decide on some less-than-orthodox actions.
One of them: to pamper members of the American Congress with little gifts, presents, in order to gain their sympathy during future discussions of U.S.-China relations. But what type of gifts? The men in Peking remember how Westerners adore Chinese vases, especially antique ones from the Ming dynasty. And these they have piles of in their hidden fortresses.
They send for the most valuable ones, compile a list of the politicians who are to receive these "gifts," and go in search of trustworthy, neutral men who can create a bridge between China and the West.
It's a peaceful operation, and yet as secret and as delicate as a project of war.
A Japanese entrepreneur receives, we don't know how, a collection of vases for the purpose of helping to re-open relations and a list of probable future recipients. Everything is ready.
But the project is upset by the famous game of ping-pong arranged in Peking between an American delegation and the Chinese champions. The "de-icing" has begun. And the gifts become unnecessary.
They most probably remained with the men who had risked themselves for a project of peace surrounded by danger.
Remember the vase that I didn't accept?* It was one of them.
* Mauricio writes...
"The six-million-dollar vase... that I didn't accept."
Mauricio de Sousa
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