China Deception: A Novel Part 1

By LeRoy Field

China Deception is a fictional tale regarding the genesis of COVID 19, and the relationship between China, North Korea, Russia, and the United States with all parties intertwined by the events leading up to the release of COVID 19. The characters are fictional, although there will be some unintentional similarities between several characters in the book with current international characters.

Many in the World are still struggling to understand how such a devastating virus could somehow be created, and then unleashed on the World. After all, there are those who will argue the virus was naturally created, and others who believe it was created in a lab. For the reader, I hope this book offers an alternative chain of thought to enlighten those not understanding the ongoing crisis between the US and China, current political challenges in the US, and the battle for supremacy on the World stage. There are alliances and lines being drawn everyday, and the chessboard continually has new players trying to step in. In the end though, it will be only the US and China standing, and it will be up to each Country's leaders to determine their survival. If you take away nothing more from this book, understand this: The battle for the World's soul is currently ongoing, and the lead participants are the US and China.

By writing such a book, my hope is to offer alternative fictional tale to the current situation the World is facing.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Gatekeeper Press
• Release date: Jul 6, 2021
• ISBN: 9781662909054

Book preview

CHAPTER

1

Reflection

Wuhan, China

October 1st, 2021

DR. BOLIN WEN, HEAD OF THE WUHAN INSTITUTE of Virology (WIV) and the Chinese Academy of Sciences, sits staring at a picture in his office located in the lower level of what he believes is the top Bio Safety Laboratory in the world. The picture staring back at him represented four generations of Wen’s, including his grandparents, mother, father, aunts and uncles, four brothers, and all their families. In 2017, Wen, now 54, went with his wife and two children to a reunion with his entire family, consisting of seventy-four people across the Asian peninsula. He could remember how proud he was at the time of the picture and how proud he had been of his accomplishments. But as he filled his green teacup once more, all Wen could think about was the past twenty-four months, his role in a mass genocide, and what will happen to his proud family’s legacy.

Wen had studied at Peking University and then at Johns Hopkins in the United States before being appointed at the WIV. Moreover, Wen was considered one of his generations most brilliant minds and is widely considered one of the top five immunologists in the world. He had other opportunities before taking the General Director position at WIV, including the Head of Virology at the Galveston National Laboratory in the United States, one of the top positions in the world. But even though Wen had met his wife in the US, and she truly wanted to stay in America even though she too was from China, it was Wen who had pushed for a return to China.

In 2014, Wen came home and was put in charge as General Director of the Wuhan Institute of Virology, which came shortly after completing the new WIV’s National Bio-Safety Laboratory. The total cost of the new lab had been 300 million Yuan ($44 million), and the facility was built with monies not just from China, but from France and the United States as well. The new WIV was impressive, and after ten years to complete, was the first level four Bio Lab ever built in mainland China. It was a true honor for Wen to be a part of such a special project.

The WIV had already been an active research center for the study of coronaviruses since an international team along with two scientists from WIV successfully published research on whether a bat coronavirus could infect a human cell in the early 2000s. However, in 2016 the team from the institute found that coronavirus in horseshoe bats at a cave in Yunnan contained all the genetic mapping of the SARS (severe acute respiratory syndrome) virus. This meant they had found the origin of the SARS virus. It was a proud moment for everyone at WIV, and Wen felt justified in the steps he had taken to that point in his career. Wen’s satisfaction, however, would be short-lived.

After the 2016 SARS findings, Wen was approached by members of the Ministry of State Security (MSS)—the intelligence, security, and secret police agency of the People’s Republic of China, responsible for counterintelligence, foreign intelligence, and political security. The MSS is headquartered in Beijing, and it is said they have never had an agent, spy, or anyone associated with the MSS defect.

Wen had been approached by General Zhan, Head of the MSS, to develop a top-secret project only for China within the WIV. Up until this point, the WIV had been a joint effort with other countries to oversee the development of viruses in hopes it would lead to other medical advancements. Wen found the work satisfying, and he felt he was making a difference. However, the work Zhan was now asking of Wen was entirely different, solely for the benefit of China. Wen wanted to refuse, but a refusal of a request from the MSS was a refusal of the General Secretary himself. Wen must comply or his family would suffer.

The first step the MSS required of Wen was to form a team of a select few scientists, individuals who had no previous contact with the other International Scientists working in the building or at any other major labs. This would protect all parties from potential information leaks. The MSS would take over the old WIV labs adjacent to the new WIV building to house the project. At first, Wen didn’t believe he could maintain such a project in secrecy, but the MSS implemented the very best security around the older building, stating only that major renovations would be occurring over the next two years to avoid suspicion.

Wen’s new team consisted of four of the best minds in China; two from China’s Beijing School of Medicine, and two from Lanzhou Medical University. The scientists were young, full of energy, with no previous affiliations with any ongoing studies. These were individuals the MSS had recruited. All four members of the team were relocated in May 2017 and housed in WIV’s old facility. No one, with the exception of Wen who was still required to make public appearances for the WIV, would be allowed to leave unsupervised.

The five-person team was tireless in their efforts to develop a new strain of the virus as requested by Wen and the MSS. Working around the clock, the team, within 12 months, had developed what they believed to be a virus that had not been matched in the human era. A virus with a long incubation period, would mutate over time, had a high mortality rate for those who developed symptoms, and could be transferred from host to host without showing any symptoms. Even better, the team had what they believed was a vaccine in development, albeit untested.

As Wen took one last sip from his teacup, he felt himself slowly drifting to sleep. His final thoughts were of the 7.5 million deaths over the past year, with many more still sick and dying. Instead of a lasting legacy to better humankind, he would be known as the architect of the largest bio-mass murder in history.

CHAPTER

2

America

Washington D.C.

June 15th, 2020

AS PRESIDENT WILLIAM THOMSON ENTERED THE Oval Office, he was proud of his team and the Country’s accomplishments. Under his guidance over the past three years, America had regained itself as the most powerful country in the world. Thomson had done everything he promised during the election process three years ealier including returning manufacturing jobs to America, reforming the American tax system and justice system, reigning in North Korea and their desire to develop a nuclear program, dismantling poorly written trade agreements from the past, and reopening American natural resources, specifically oil. Thomson, to his credit was a businessman who had never been in politics before taking over the White House with a vengeance, turning the American political machine on its head.

Now, Thomson sits in the Oval Office with his Chief of Staff, Warren Martin; Domestic Advisor and son-in-law, Jeffrey Tate; Secretary of State, Matt Sinclair; and the Secretary of Treasury, Michael Smithson. All four men had been instrumental in getting Thomson’s policy initiatives across America and worldwide. Each member of the team had represented the president and been loyal to his agenda. It hadn’t been easy, though, as the president was not a traditional politician. He tended to speak his mind, which at times created additional issues. His non-political speak ruffled feathers and caused many in Washington to question his ability to lead the country. However, despite his shortcomings, the president’s policies were strikingly effective and truly inventive on handling both foreign and domestic issues.

Thomson had settled at the Resolute desk in the Oval Office.

The president paused for a moment, and as has become tradition for these meetings, looked over at Martin and asked for the meeting to get started.

Martin cleared his throat and began the meeting. Mr. President, we would like to review our current programs, discuss ideas on how to expand, and update our exit strategies. Let’s begin with Treasury.

Michael Smithson, a longtime executive on Wall Street and well respected in the industry, had been Thomson’s first choice for Secretary of Treasury. He had turned out to be a bright star of the administration. Smithson’s calm demeanor and straight talk complemented the presidents approach.

Mr. President, stated Smithson. The Federal Reserve is continuing with the Quantitative Easing strategy, which is creating the capital necessary to continue growth in the capital markets.

Quantitative Easing (QE) is a form of monetary policy in which the Federal Reserve purchases longer-term securities from the open market in order to increase the money supply and encourage lending and investment. Buying these securities adds new money to the economy and serves to lower interest rates by bidding up fixed-income securities. It also greatly expands the Federal Reserves balance sheet, a practice frowned upon by the previous Federal Reserve Chairman, but not President Thomson.

What should we expect from the upcoming Federal Reserve meeting? asked Thomson.

Smithson was used to the interruptions, but he had learned to address the questions as they were posed. Mr. President, says a calm Smithson, the Federal Reserve Chairman has been stern in his belief that we are well overdue for a recession. He would like to maintain the current Federal Fund rates as is so that he has some ammunition ready for any downturn. Smithson knew this was a serious issue for the president, who had prodded the Federal Reserve Chairman for months to ease rates and further stimulate the economy.

Why does that man continue to fight me on growing this great economy? said a questioning Thomson. It was a rhetorical question and one Smithson knew not to take head-on.

Instead, Smithson continued. In addition to the Quantitative Easing by the Federal Reserve, we are seeing our national unemployment rate continue to decline, due mainly to the new tax plan initiative. At last glance, we sat at 3.8%, a level not seen since the 1960s.

Smithson paused so that Thomson could revel in his last words. We are also seeing tremendous lending capacity being used by our larger banks with new-home and first-time buyer programs continuing to grow. These were all the high points of the Thomson Administration, so Smithson knew to drive these points home.

Now came the difficult topics. Mr. President, due to our tax cuts, we are now starting to see a noticeable increase in the National Debt, which is being slightly offset by the recent China tariffs. Thomson seemed pleased with the last part of the message, ignoring the potential increase in the National Debt.

Smithson continued. With the China tariffs now bringing in over $250 billion each month, this is offsetting the $260 billion shortfall we created with the recent tax reform. We are seeing reinvestment by corporations, as expected. What is more impressive is middle class spending, which has increased 3% over the past 12 months.

Thomson found this particularly interesting since the middle-class tax reform was supposed to be short lived. The president firmly believed the tax credits provided to the corporations would be a top-down approach, benefiting the corporations, which would lead to corporate reinvestment into their business, which would lead to additional hiring in the long-term. This approach was brilliant in that it achieved the employment goal. It also benefited the nation’s 401k’s and Wall Street.

So, you believe the $1,000 in tax credits we created for the middle class truly stimulated confidence? asked Thomson.

Smithson, not missing a beat, remained his stoic self. It is my assertion that the tax plan has been doing exactly what we thought for the American people. By adding some monies to their pocketbook, they have become more confident, which is apparent in the discretionary spending patterns. This has been a positive side effect of the tax reform. We assumed, and rightfully so, the tax credits provided to large and small businesses would encourage additional spending and employment opportunities. This is reflective in the unemployment figure. Smithson paused for a moment, letting the positive news have a lasting impact before delivering the message he wanted to drive home.

Smithson surveyed the room, quietly inhaled, and proceeded to circle back to the deficit.

Mr. President, Smithson said sternly. Now that we have positively impacted the lives of most Americans with our tax reform, we need to address the budget deficit. America’s debt levels have soared in the past 20 years, with the last tally at $21 trillion and growing. Smithson had wanted to address the issue, but the president always dismissed him, saying they needed to get the economy going with the rebuilding of America’s armed forces before starting to focus on the deficit.

Smithson continued, I firmly believe we now have the ability to put forth a small increase in the corporate tax, combined with lesser spending on the Armed Forces. This combined effort would have a $500 billion draw down on the National debt in one year. This could also be supplemented by additional Chinese tariffs if they were to continue.

The president, absorbing this information, paused for a moment, then looked over at his son-in-law. With a quick nod, the son-in-law approved the plan. The president rotated his chair, peering outside the Oval Office. Pausing again, the president looked over at Smithson and said, ‘Let’s put something on paper with 12- to 18-month projections with best- and worst-case scenarios for review. I like the idea and I’m hoping we can get Congress to work with us.

The four men paused for a moment before realizing Smithson was finished. To his credit, Smithson was not sure he would get presidential buy-in but was pleased the president was willing to look at the deficit reduction. Warren Martin stated that he would work with Smithson on the pro-forma report to the president, but they would have to work on Congressional buy-in.

Martin added, Mr. President, we have completed our discussion regarding domestic issues with the Secretary of Treasury, but I believe we should hear from the Secretary of State.

Secretary of State Sinclair, a large man in stature at 6’7’’ and approaching 300 pounds, had never been shy to voice his opinion. He had attended West Point, risen in the ranks as Commander of the US Armed Forces, and had also served as the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. He played major roles in the Persian Gulf War against Iraq in 1990-1991 before moving to the Pentagon roughly 10 years ago. Once at the Pentagon, he served in advisory roles for various intelligence committees. More recently, he worked under the former Secretary of State. The latter role was viewed by many as the steppingstone for Sinclair to his current position.

After spending 10 years in Washington, Sinclair had learned the political speak and understood the lay of the land. More importantly, Sinclair understood foreign relations. His relationships with American allies were as strong as any Secretary of State in the past 25 years. His candor and trustworthiness were the drawing factors for all of his relationships, including his relationship with the President. Coming from a business background, the President did not like conversations that didn’t heed results or wasted his time, so Sinclair was perfectly suited for this president.

Mr. President, Sinclair stated with authority, we have several topics that need to be discussed regarding Russia, China, and North Korea. I believe these three topics are the most pressing for our discussion today.

The president jumped in. I’m sorry, but where is Iran and Syria in this conversation?

Mr. President, said Sinclair, although Iran and Syria are critical components of this administration’s foreign policy, I would like to focus today’s conversations on the three foreign entities that have moved to the forefront and demand our immediate attention.

The president nodded his head and, with a gesture of his hand, asked Sinclair to continue.

Let’s start with North Korea, stated Sinclair. As we suspected, our efforts in North Korea appear to be taking hold. Although the original sanctions were focused on trade bans on weapons-related materials and goods, they later expanded to luxury goods to target the elites. The latest sanctions have expanded to cover financial assets including banking transactions in general travel and trade, appearing to have a significant impact. Combine this with the ongoing United Nations’ imposed sanctions, and North Korea is facing a great deal of economic pressure.

The United States originally imposed sanctions against North Korea in the 1950s and tightened them further after they attacked South Korea in the 1980s, including the Rangoon bombing and the bombing of Korean flight 858. In 1988, the United States added North Korea to its list of state-sponsored terrorists. The long-term sanctions started to ease in the 1990s when a new South Korean regime asked for more liberal policies with the North, allowing them to open trade and create larger economies for both sides. However, in late 2003, North Korea reinstated its nuclear program testing, violating the nuclear non-proliferation treaty earlier in the year. This action caused the United Nations and America to reinstate all sanctions, which have never been completely removed.

Over the past 11 years, North Korea has conducted five nuclear tests from 2006 to 2017. Adding insult to injury, the North Korean Dictator, son of the former dictator, was actively conducting missile tests over the region, including launching missiles that would travel over Japan, an American ally.

Sinclair continued, With the agreement you reached with the North Korean leader roughly 60 days ago, we have not seen any evidence of continued weapons, missiles, or armed forces development. Also, we have seen no evidence of continued missile launching or testing during this same time period.

Sinclair paused for a moment, as this had been a big win for the president. Thomson’s predecessors had all failed to reign in the North Korean dictator. It was President Thomson who had succeeded in developing a relationship with the North Korean Dictator. So much so, they were now writing letters to each other. Sinclair found the letters distasteful, but never mentioned as much to the president.

Sinclair continued, We have also found our continued sanctions on North Korea are placing a great deal of pressure on the regime, as is evident by the two top-level executions this past week.

As he has done in the past, the North Korean leader executed two of his top advisors for disagreeing with his stance on weapons development. What was even more disturbing was that one of the advisors had been his uncle, which ran the count to four family members this dictator has executed.

President Thomson interjected, Do we know what caused the issues with the advisors?

Sinclair responded quickly. Our intelligence suggests they wanted to discontinue all nuclear testing completely and continue trade negotiations with the West. Apparently, the suffering of the North Korean people is becoming too much for some of the hierarchy in North Korea.

President Thomson seemed dismayed with this response even though this was what they had been hoping to hear. The executions showed that the North Korean dictator was not ready to take the next steps.

Sinclair, having paused for a moment for additional comments from Thomson, continued, We have also added a much greater Naval presence in the region, which has discouraged Chinese shipments from reaching North Korea. The United Nations has requested we add additional presence to help reinforce their trade sanctions as well, so this was a measure that most expected from America. Some Chinese vessels have been able to get through, but we estimate an 85% attrition in the shipments actually reaching North Korea from China.

Sinclair liked to finalize any topic with closing remarks, so he said, Mr. President, I truly believe the trade pressure combined with the internal strife indicates our approach is working with North Korea and I believe it will only strengthen our stance with respects to upcoming negotiations.

Thomson jumped in, But is there anything further we should be doing or looking at to expand our efforts?

Sinclair knew this was coming. The President needed results as the National Media was relentless on this issue even though his predecessor seemed to get a pass. It is the Intelligence Committee’s belief that the only ally truly left for North Korea is China. Now that we are pressing China on a number of fronts, China is in no position to extend itself to a position of weakness in its negotiations with the United States. The other potential ally for North Korea is Russia, but Russia does not have the ability to directly transfer goods or services with our Navy blockade. However, our intelligence reports have heard rumors of Russia supplying North Korea with needed fuel in recent months by transferring cargoes at sea. This is difficult to prove, unless we inspect every North Korean cargo vessel. I do not believe that is necessary at this time.

No question, we have made progress, but do you or the Intelligence Committee have any further suggestions? How about you, Jeffrey?

Jeffrey Tate responded quickly. I believe this is a great opportunity for you to reach out to North Korea and express your continued desire to work with them. You can also reduce sanctions and find a way to reinvigorate the North Korean economy.

This is not what Sinclair wanted to hear, and he gave a steely glance towards Tate. His team had worked so hard to create this opportunity for the President. He needed to make sure the President understood the opportunity in front of him.

Mr. President, it is the firm belief of not only myself but the Intelligence Committee that we maintain the course with North Korea. We truly do not believe the North Korean dictator has any intent to limit his nuclear testing or his missile launch capabilities. If we reach out now and start a dialogue, which would lead to relief in sanctions based on empty promises from North Korea, we would be falling for the same traps of previous administrations, stated Sinclair.

Let me give this some thought, said Thomson.

This comment worried Sinclair, since the President tended to go against his advisors. It is Sinclair’s job to present the facts and recommendations, which he had done. Sinclair knew he would have to reign in Tate’s suggestions prior to these meetings to make sure they were on the same page moving forward.

I am assuming we will now hear about China? stated the President.

As you wish, Mr. President, said Sinclair. "China continues to work on several fronts to offset our working relationships and finalize a satisfactory trade agreement. With the implementation of the initial tariffs, the American Government is taking in an additional $250 billion per month. We were hoping the fear of additional tariffs would bring them to the table. What we are learning, however, is that China still believes they can sustain the same level of productivity to