Technology invades the modern world

Chapter 310 Mathematical Diplomacy
"China?"

Lyndon Johnson's retelling caught McNamara's attention.

McNamara murmured, “China? Yes, why didn’t any of us think of talking to China? If the Chinese hadn’t drawn that line, we wouldn’t have been able to have our attacks succeed, and the Baiyue people would have just been able to hide behind that line, recuperate, and then come out again.”

If it weren't for that clue, Operation Cedar Falls wouldn't have failed.

McNamara had a sudden realization. He felt that not only he, but the entire White House had been caught in a misconception in the past: why not talk to China?
Here's the thing: the White House doesn't really want a ceasefire. The conditions it's offering are absolutely unacceptable to the Baiyue. The White House just wants a temporary truce until after Johnson's election next year, and then the fighting will resume.

In short, the White House hopes to gain about a year of breathing room before restarting the campaign after the election. This way, Lyndon Johnson's position will be secured, the interests of the military-industrial complex will be guaranteed, and if Lyndon Johnson wins the election, he can continue to fight for another four years.

After hearing Lyndon Johnson's reply, Lin Ran thought that such a statement was very much in line with the style of China in this era. He said, "President Johnson, what I mean is, how do we know it's not feasible if we don't try?"

From my observation, Yenching was clearly a more pragmatic negotiating partner than Moscow. They did not have the political baggage of Leonid, nor the obligations of Soviet Russia.

Their bottom line has always been 17° North latitude. I think negotiating with Yanjing and then using Yanjing to put pressure on Hanoi would be more effective.

If Moscow can negotiate with London, why can't Washington negotiate with Yenching?

This last sentence was key to persuading Lyndon Johnson.

Although Kosygin visited Yenching twice in early 1965 due to the escalation of the Vietnam War, and held five talks with Kosygin on February 4, 5 and 10, and also met with Kosygin on the 11th.

Yan Jing resolutely rejected Kosygin's proposal that the two countries should have a meeting and talks at the highest level, believing that the time was not yet ripe, but in essence, it was because the development of relations between the two sides had already undergone a substantial reversal.

This trend is unavoidable and irreversible.

Open the bow without turning back the arrow.

Beijing and Moscow were well aware of this, as were Washington.

"I understand."

Here's some additional context: at this time, the White House, led by Lyndon Johnson, was very keen on negotiating.

In the original timeline, Johnson's proposal for a ceasefire was handed over to Hanoi by Kosygin after the Gettysburg talks. Before Hanoi could make a decision, Lyndon Johnson announced a suspension of bombing.

Even before the suspension deadline, Lyndon Johnson announced another extension of the suspension of bombing until the mediation efforts were completely declared a failure.

Therefore, in this historical context, Lyndon Johnson was willing to negotiate even with China.

That morning, after learning from McNamara that Lyndon Johnson was willing to talk to China, Lin Ran rushed to Washington by private jet before dinner.

"Professor, what brings you here all of a sudden?" Lyndon Johnson asked, somewhat surprised, after seeing Lin Ran in the Oval Office.

Lin Ran said, "Mr. President, if you are willing to talk to China, I think I can offer you a little help."

He took a letter from his suit jacket pocket, placed it on the table, and then slowly pushed it toward Lyndon Johnson:
“Mr. President, I think we can start by breaking the ice with mathematical diplomacy.”

Johnson immediately became interested because he had spoken with Rusk, who suggested that we could first talk to China in Geneva, and if the talks in Geneva went well, he would then consider going to Beijing.

Now, Lin Ran has provided a new solution.

“Professor, please explain in detail.” Lyndon Johnson frowned, pondering the meaning of mathematical diplomacy.

Lin Ran said, "It's not so easy for China's diplomacy to change course. It's best to have a groundbreaking diplomacy in advance, breaking the ice first."

In my opinion, exchanges within the field of pure mathematics would be a good approach.

Lin Ran pointed to the letter on the table, "Mr. President, you can take a look first."

Johnson picked up the envelope, opened it, and found that the letterhead wasn't NASA's, but Columbia University's. Inside, it read:

March 30, 1967

Dear Professor Hua,

Hello! I hope this letter can bring you a moment of joy amidst your busy work. As a colleague who shares a passion for mathematics and a scholar with a deep affection for Chinese culture, I am writing to you with great enthusiasm and expectation to propose an initiative that could have profound implications for the mathematical communities of both our countries.

Although I did not receive higher mathematics education in China, I often interacted with Chinese scholars during my time abroad, including many from China, such as Professor Shiing-Shen Chern. These experiences have given me a deep affection for China's mathematical tradition.

Now, as a mathematics professor at Columbia University, I deeply understand the importance of international academic collaboration in advancing scientific progress. Therefore, I would like to take this opportunity to discuss the possibility of a collaboration with you.

I propose that we jointly organize a conference for mathematicians from both countries, inviting scholars from both nations to gather and share their latest research findings in number theory, algebra, topology, or other areas of common interest. This conference would not only promote academic exchange but also build bridges of mutual understanding and friendship between the people of our two countries.

I firmly believe that mathematics, as a universal language, can overcome current obstacles and pave the way for cooperation and peace.

I have discussed this idea with my colleagues in the American academic community, and it has received widespread support and enthusiastic responses. We are willing to work closely with the Chinese Mathematical Society to plan this historic event.

If you think this proposal is feasible, I would be honored to discuss the details further and contribute to realizing this vision.

With my sincerest respect and greetings,
Randolph Lin
Mathematics Professor
Columbia University

The letter only mentions academic positions, not White House positions, the implication of which is clear.

After reading it, Lyndon Johnson understood. "Professor, you mean academics first, politics second?"

Lin Ran corrected, "No, it's about breaking the ice first, then politics."

Breaking the ice is key; it would be too abrupt for either Rusk or other senior White House officials to travel to Beijing so abruptly.

My suggestion is to first organize a team of mathematicians to travel to Yenching (Beijing) to hold a conference for mathematicians from both countries. This team could include officials with Chinese roots, such as James Thomson, to conduct preliminary communication.

James Thompson is the Special Assistant for East Asian Affairs and is of Chinese descent.

Lyndon Johnson is still hesitating.

Lin Ran said, "Mr. President, believe me, this is the most efficient way to create a harmonious negotiation atmosphere."

Lyndon Johnson hesitated and said, "But Professor, given your status, it might not be convenient for you to go in person."

This is what he is worried about.

Damn, you're showing so much affection for China. What if you go to Yenching to attend a conference of mathematicians from both countries and just stay there and never come back?
Don't even mention how badly the Vietnam War turned out. If you really run off to Beijing and never come back, even if we won the Vietnam War, I'll have to step down and apologize.

This is not something that five divisions can solve.

Lin Ran suddenly realized, "You mean this? I definitely won't go myself. I have a ton of work at NASA, I don't have time. But from a position of authority, it's most appropriate for me to write this letter."

"Then Columbia University will host the event. I'll write a speech, and a professor from Columbia will relay it to me."

Lyndon Johnson nodded. "Okay, Professor, I understand. I'll discuss it with the others."

After having dinner with Lyndon Johnson at the White House, Lin Ran received a reply from Johnson the day before he was about to leave Washington and return to Huntsville. The letter had been taken to Geneva by White House staff and delivered to the Chinese representative there.

The letter never reached Hua Luogeng's hands.

Hua Luogeng wasn't in Yenching either; he was working in Area 51.

Area 51 has evolved into a manufacturing complex similar to Samsung, which is definitely high-end in this era.

It covers semiconductors, electronics, aerospace, military industry and more, with production bases spread throughout the entire southwest region.

Pressure from the north led to a further shift of China's heavy industry and industrial sectors to the southwest.

Area 51, as the only industrial group capable of generating substantial foreign exchange, also possesses a sense of isolation due to its extremely high level of secrecy.

"A letter was forwarded from Geneva by Lin Ran from America. He proposed holding a joint conference of Chinese and American mathematicians, saying it would promote scientific exchange and enhance understanding between the two countries."

Lin Ran, this name is very familiar to everyone here. He is not just a famous Chinese in the mathematics community, nor is he just a high-ranking official in the White House. His contributions to China are beyond doubt.

In the past, when he was discussed here, he was called Bai Ma, but now he is being discussed by everyone under his real name.

"Lin Ran? What is the motive behind this letter?"

The letter stated that mathematics is a universal language that can transcend political differences, and he hoped to build bridges between the people of the two countries through academic exchanges.

The message, sent through official channels, suggests that America's side is attempting to negotiate and ease tensions.

Hua Luogeng received the letter three days later, and he began to draft a reply in accordance with the requirements of the authorities in Yenching.

His pen paused on the paper for a moment as he imagined his student Chen Jingrun in America, a scene he had never witnessed.

After all, Hua Luogeng witnessed his student winning the Fields Medal at the Moscow Mathematical Congress award ceremony, and even chatted with the young and promising American-Chinese scholar afterwards.

Just like in the Goldbach Conjecture class at the Chinese Academy of Sciences, he was simple and pure, a pure mathematician who did not change because of his experiences.

"I wonder if Chen Jingrun will come back this time," Hua Luogeng thought. "Since it's an exchange between mathematicians from two countries, he and Chen Xingshen should both come. As for Bai Ma, it's unlikely that Bai Ma will be able to come back."

Hua Luogeng shook his head, clearing his mind of all distractions, and picked up his pen to begin drafting his reply.

(End of this chapter)