Chapter 94 - Book 4 Chapter 4-1 Expedition to North For Unification: Territory Reclamation

October 29, 2020, 23:50 (CST 22:50), Chinese Central Military Commission Integrated Command Presidential Office in Beijing, China

Crash~ Clatter~

The floor of the Presidential Office arranged in the Central Military Commission Integrated Command Post had truly become a bedlam. He just received a phone call from Director Chin in New York, and he could not contain his anger from what he’d heard and violently threw the objects on his desk.

“These American bstards, I knew those bstards would react like this!”

It was a report that the UN Security Council’s permanent members from the U.S., U.K., France, and other western countries, as well as a few nonpermanent members of the Council had voted down his resolution on the China–Korea War. Quite literally, China’s resolution was vetoed by the permanent members of the Security Council.

“There will undoubtedly come a day when they will regret this. I’m not going to just let this slide.”

Still unable to suppress his anger, he ground his teeth, glaring at one point in the world map on the wall and breathing heavily while gripping tightly the corner of his desk.

These past two days had caused China and President Xi, as both head of state and a G2 nation of the world, severe damage to national pride and status. Not only were they ambushed by a small country, Korea, which he assumed could be controlled easily if he wanted to, but the news of successive defeats of the Chinese army and the complete destruction of the 3rd Armored Division in the large-scale battle six hours ago contributed to this. The news was a big shock enough to make him delirious. Now, the news that the resolution they introduced to the UN had been voted down had shamed him beyond shock.

“It’s shameful to think that I am the head of state and be in this situation.'”

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October 30, 2020, 09:30, Presidential Palace in Pyongyang, North Korea

In the Presidential Palace in Pyongyang, there has been a conference every day regarding the North and South federal unification agreement. On that day, the Southern representatives Minister Oh Seung-tae and Head of National Security Oh Jang-soo and their party from the Ministry of Unification Policies punctually arrived at the Presidential Palace. They had gathered in the conference room with Northern representative First Vice-Chairman Kim Yo-jong and other high-ranking bureaucrats, who will be elected as vice-ministers of various departments from the central government after the unification.

“I heard from the Ministry of National Defense that Korea had a large victory even in the armored battle in the Benxi area.” ”

The Head of National Security Oh Jang-soo touched on the topic relating to the current China–Korea war. To this, First Vice-Chairman Kim Yo-jong replied with a hearty laugh.

“The national defense of South Korea must be much more extraordinary than I thought.”

“Could it be that this was all possible because First Vice-Chairman Kim helped them both materially and spiritually?”

“What do you mean ‘helping’ when we’re heading toward unification? I only did what I was supposed to do. From now on, just name anything. I will support it with all sincerity.”

“If you say so, there was a request from the Ministry of National Defense yesterday regarding the Korean air force using the airfield in Sinuiju.”

“Is that so? I understand. Department Head Nah Won-il, contact the person in charge of this and tell them to actively support this.”

“Yes, First Vice-Chairman, ma’am.”

Department Head Nah Won-il, currently elected as the Head of the Ministry of the People’s Armed Forces, replied while bowing his head.

“Did you hear well what they said?”

“Yes, ma’am. I will take action immediately after the conference.”

When the response for the request came back immediately, the Head of National Security Oh with a satisfied expression continued speaking to commence the conference.

“Thank you, First Vice-Chairman Kim. I will then begin the conference by speaking about the major topics on the agenda.”

“Please go ahead.”

The conference about the pending issues of the North–South federal unification agreement had been continued every day since October 2. It was progressing smoothly even amidst the China–Korea War. The first priority, which was the dissolution and reorganization of the People’s Army, was at its concluding stages. The departmental unification was progressing efficiently with various opinions brought forward. Furthermore, the restoration project and infrastructure concerns regarding the North Korean Theater led by the Ministry of Unification Policy had been conducted by several construction companies dispatched by North Korea, which recruited the surplus of manpower from dissolved military troops. All these provided security for the lives of the civilians as well as stable infrastructures.

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October 30, 2020, 11:00, B2 Bunker (Armed Forces Joint Command Control Situation Room), Yongsan-ku, Seoul

After the major victory in the large-armored battle yesterday afternoon against China’s 3rd Armored Division, the Joint Command Control Room’s atmosphere was up by a notch. The 3rd Armored Division was larger in scale than a division size, and winning against the 39th Army Group’s vanguard unit with only the forces of a brigade was highly significant. The winning atmosphere was further upped by a notch at the news of the UN Security Council’s voting down of China’s resolution with sanctions against Korea.

Chairman of the Joint Staffs Kang Yi-sik, seated at the very center of the conference room, put his tablet PC down on the table after staring at it for a while. The tablet PC had the statistical chart of the battle results between the 60th Armored Brigade and China’s 3rd Armored Division yesterday afternoon.

“The Chinese army’s armored units’ formations are slightly different than the formation we thought of.”

“Are you speaking about the formation of Chinese antitank missile armored vehicles?”

Director of Operation Planning Lieutenant General Na Tae-yoon replied to Chairman Kang’s statement.

“Yes, correct. Seeing the statistical chart, seven of the White Tiger tanks had their armor destroyed by the AFT-10 armored vehicle’s ‘HJ-10 (Hong Jian-10) antitank missiles here. I wonder if from now on in armored battles, we should strike the antitank missile armored vehicles first.”

“As a matter of fact, the Department of Operation Planning has set down an order to revise the manual for the Chinese armored units.”

China’s armored division had a slightly different formation of armored units than Korea or western countries. The biggest difference was that the Chinese armored division put a lot of weight on their armored vehicles equipped with antitank missiles. First, the unit formation was the AFT-10 armored vehicle (caterpillar type) battalion equipped with two quad-directional launchers for HJ-10 (Hong Jian-10) antitank missiles and the armored vehicle (wheel type) company equipped with two bi-directional launchers for HJ-9 antitank missiles. Although excluded from this 3rd Armored Division formation, they operated Type 99 multiple-launcher vehicle units equipped with two nine-directional launchers for CM-501G antitank missiles that had a range of 40 km. With a scale this size of antitank missile armored vehicles even excluding the armored tanks, it was an extremely strong force that could go against almost any enemy armored unit.

“Although I was aware of this, I didn’t know that it would be a formation beyond common knowledge. From now on, we need to put more focus on China’s antitank missile armored vehicles in armored battles. Send the revised manual immediately to not only the VII Maneuver Corps but also to all units.”

“Yes, sir. Understood.”

“Good. How are the situations regarding the current ‘Rise of Goguryeo’s fourth stage of the plan, the Territory Reclamation?”

“As of 6:00 a.m. on Friday, we have entered the fourth stage of the plan, and currently the VII Maneuver Corps advanced 20 km northwest from the battlefield yesterday and have begun construction for an advanced base.”

“Although VII Maneuver Corps Commander Yang Min-choon will do well on his own, tell him to be especially attentive to ballistic missiles or air attacks after the advanced base construction is completed.”

“Yes, sir. Understood.”

“Good, since things are going well according to plan so far, begin the invasion plan at 2:00 p.m. of Dandong by the 30th Division and of Yanji by the 1st Marine Division.”

“Yes, sir. I will disseminate the orders.”

The Joint Armed Forces began the Shenyang invasion plan in earnest by assigning the sector 15 km south of Benxi as the VII Maneuver Corps advanced base. Furthermore, the VII Maneuver Corps’ direct unit 17th Aviation Group, the final blow tactic not yet utilized, was ordered to move to the advanced base.

Finally, the VII Maneuver Corps’ 30th Mechanized Infantry Division (Certain Victory) waiting at Sinuiju was recruited and given the order for street battle and Dandong invasion to invade Dandong located close to Sinuiju. Simultaneously, the Joint Attack Fighter Wing, established by combining six aviation battalions from each Attack Fighter Division of the Korean Air Force, was ordered to mobilize from the Sinuiju airfield to earnestly begin securing air superiority in Liaoning and to carry out the bombing order in accordance with the invasion.

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“Rise of Goguryeo” Plan

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Stage 4 (Territory Reclamation): Occupation of various Chinese cities

VII Maneuver Corps to solidify an advanced base in the Benxi area and begin Shenyang occupation

VII Maneuver Corps’ 30th Mechanized Infantry Division to begin occupation of Dandong

1st Marine Division to begin occupation of Yanji

Six Automatic Sentry Division to move to current 2nd Corps and 5th Corps sectors and trade duties

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October 30, 2020, 13:00, National Crisis Management Center basement bunker in Seoul, Jongro-ku Blue House

“Mr. President, how about a brief rest? You will faint from going on like this and not sleeping for two days.”

Chief Secretary Na Sung-tae spoke carefully with a concerned voice while looking at the President sitting on the Center’s conference room chair.

“Please don’t worry. I will rest if I feel tired enough.”

President Suh Hyun-woo’s face was full of exhaustion after only sleeping in short intervals for two days.

“More importantly, are you taking special care of the deceased troops from the two-day battle and their families?”

“Yes, Mr. President. The bodies of the deceased are currently being transferred to the Armed Forces Capital Hospital, and their families have been contacted to explain the governmental consolation, reparation, and procedures.”

“Precious sons are dying in the war because of me. I have done their families wrong. It’s only just begun. How many more from now . . .”

“Mr. President, death during a war is an uncontrollable force. It will be difficult if you focus your mind on that.”

“Didn’t I provide the uncontrollable force?”

“Even so, for now, as the head of this country, it would be better to focus on the victory of the China–Korea war rather than be emotion about this.”

“I know, I know. Hahaha. I think I put a burden in your heart again, Chief Secretary. I won’t say such things again, so let’s stop here.”

To change the heavy atmosphere, President Suh forced a laugh to feign calmness and walked toward the Situation Room after giving a pat on Chief Secretary Na’s shoulder.

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October 30, 2020, 14:00 (CST 13:00), Yalu River region in Dandong, China

The White Tiger tanks and Hyunmoo armored vehicles of the 30th Mechanized Infantry Division’s 90th Mechanized Infantry Brigade and 91st Mechanized Infantry Brigade headed toward Dandong, stretched along the Yalu River, by crossing the Yalu River which had low water level due to the cold weather. In the sky, 36 AH-64 Longbow Apache introduced by the U.S, was maintaining a line formation. They hovered on alert and protective in case of an unexpected situation. Furthermore, normal specialized vehicles followed the lead tanks and armored vehicles in crossing the bridge that connected Dandong and Sinuiju.

Although the Chinese people were being evacuated in the downtown area of Dandong, many people have stayed and did not want to leave. A few looked out of their windows at the sound of tanks fast approaching and the resounding sound of helicopters in the sky. Also, there were the White Tiger tanks and Hyunmoo armored vehicles which took the main road to move to the target location while carefully checking their surroundings.

After reaching their target location about 20 minutes later, infantrymen spilled out of the company-sized Hyunmoo armored vehicle. The infantrymen, all equipped with specialized bulletproof vests and various advanced devices, were in sizes of squads and took up all-around security while moving to the buildings assigned to them beforehand with efficient movement.

“Squad 1, begin search operation starting with Target 1.”

Squad Commander Sergeant Lee Kyung-chul, who gave his order through the headset embedded in his helmet to the squad communication network, gave various signals with his hands to the assistant squad group as he approached the first building to be searched. When he entered, it was dark inside due to a lack of lighting, so he pressed a button on the inside at the right side of his helmet. Then, a protective goggle came down from the inside front of the helmet. He then ordered all the members of the squad.

“Inverter and infrared ray vitalization vision mode on.”

On the goggle screen that protected the eyes of the combat soldiers, as well as various vision mode functions, the reaction to living organisms was displayed as various heat colors of the civilians and pets living in the building past the wall, and materials potentially harmful to friendly forces such as personal weapons, components of gunpowder, or flammable materials, were monitored and seen.

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Scorched rice, 1st floor is clear, move to 2nd floor. Over.

Rice cooker, confirmed. Rice cooker is moving to the third floor. Over.

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The squad group and assistant squad group continued the search operation of the five-story building by communicating using the squad communication network. As the squad group was on the third-floor stairs going up, a small warning signal rang in the helmet’s headset.

Beebeep Beebeep Beebeep~

Simultaneously with that warning sound, the small screen equipped on the left wrist had two red dots marked. When the location had become visible through the goggles, the goggle screen displayed two figures in red heat colors in the hallway that was connected to the third-floor stairwell across the wall. In their hands, the figures held weapons that seemed like an AK-47. To this, Squad Commander Lee turned to 1st class Private Oh Nak-hyun and gestured two fingers, then a closed fist with his thumbs up. He then slightly bent his thumb before putting it back up. To this, 1st class Private Oh took out a stun grenade from the left pocket of his specialized bulletproof vest, removed the safety clip and safety pin, and threw it toward the third-floor hallway.

Boom!

A bright flash of light swept the hallway with an explosion that wasn’t very loud. When the two Chinese soldiers, who were hiding by the wall, squirmed in excruciating pain while covering their eyes, the squad group took this opportunity to go up the stairs. They pulled the trigger of their KS2 laser rifles upon entering the hallway.

ZapZapZap~

The two Chinese soldiers, who were hit by laser beams and had holes all over their bodies, fell backward without being able to scream a word.

<ul>

Rice cooker, two Chinese soldiers shot dead on the third-floor hallway. Scorched rice, take caution in searching. Over.

Scorched rice, confirmed. Over.

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Although China’s Central Military Commission gave a rapid evacuation order to civilians and the People’s Liberation Army, it detailed battalion-scale forces in several cities with orders for urban combat and guerrilla tactics.

And so the Korean army officially began their city invasion plan, known to be the toughest plan in the war, at two in the afternoon. The 30th Mechanized Infantry Division’s two Mechanized Infantry Brigades split up in Dandong to search and scout the buildings in order. Due to the Chinese army’s guerrilla tactics, sounds of gunshots and explosions continued incessantly throughout the city. However as time went on, due to the high-tech equipment of the armed forces, the Chinese soldiers were either killed helplessly or arrested.