In the Jaws of the Dragon - Michael Wellman

A spellbinding thriller chronicling the build up to a future Sino- Japanese war. The author's dramatic narrative follows the key figures involved in an inexorable power struggle in the Indo Pacific region. In May of 2025, China's naval and air forces are deployed throughout the South ' East China Seas and Indian Ocean, confronting the U.S., Japan and its regional allies. Beijing is in pursuit of area dominance as a prelude to a potential invasion of Taiwan. At the same time, the Chinese leadership is confronted with a major economic crisis and domestic unrest. Only by striking at the ancient enemy can they deflect popular discontent and unite the Chinese people. Plans are developed to seize the Japanese Ryukyu islands. The White House is unsure of the precise timing of the attack. Beijing, however, has little doubt regarding American intentions - a deep cover mole in Washington is providing Chinese military intelligence with continuous updates on U.S. strategy. A ruthless game ensues as the FBI and CIA desperately seek to identify Beijing's agent. By early 2027, Beijing launches its invasion of the Ryukyus. The novel's main political and military characters find themselves moving towards a violent endgame. Their lives intersect, reaching a climax as Japan decides to deploy tactical nuclear weapons in a desperate effort to stop the Chinese.