The international press uncovers and exposes the arrangement. China is enraged. It announces its intention to reunify the island within six months. Quid pro quo, the United States bolsters its forces in the region. The President insists that China step down from the proposed reunification and meet to discuss peaceful alternatives.
Talks begin, but go nowhere.
Immediately following the Presidential election, the United States launches an aggressive but unsuccessful diplomatic campaign in the Persian Gulf. The handful of remaining U.S. allies in the region are now under the constant threat of terrorist attack. The struggle culminates in a chemical attack on the U.S. Fifth Fleet headquarters in Bahrain. Within days, U.S. forces are asked to leave the country. China launches an assertive diplomatic campaign as well, hoping to muster world opinion against the Americans.