Stark Industries CEO Tony Stark is called into a special S.H.I.E.L.D. conference. They want his "bodyguard" Iron Man to perform a deep cover reconnaissance mission in China. When he asks why, they tell him that a Chinese warlord has been exerting undue influence over the political climate and they want Iron Man to assess the threat level.
At his castle, the Mandarin has a meeting with a group of Chinese nationals. They want him to use his power and influence for the benefit of the state, but the Mandarin feels that he is beyond such pedestrian matters. They attempt to force him to comply, but the Mandarin responds by destroying them with the power of his rings.
Later, a S.H.I.E.L.D. dropship deposits Iron Man over mainland China. He flies to the Mandarin's castle and navigates through a gauntlet of security devices. The Mandarin secretly monitors the display from his private chambers and decides that this Iron Man represents the antithesis of everything that he stands against. Donning his ceremonial cloak and helmet, the Mandarin readies himself for battle. Upon meeting for the first time, the two combatants charge at one another
