Warlords: Rising from the Northwest Border and Sweeping Across the Powers

Chapter 1273 Asian Alliance Meeting

At the Jakarta Convention Center, flags of the Asian Development Bank member countries flutter in the wind.

In the spacious conference hall, representatives from various countries have already taken their seats. Chen Tong looked around and saw many familiar faces as well as new ones:

Win Aung, the representative of Cotton Country, a seasoned diplomat in his fifties, was talking in a low voice with his assistant.

Laotian representative Song Sa, dressed in traditional costume, had a humble smile on his face, but his eyes were shrewd.

The green representative Ramos was dressed in a neat suit and behaved in a capable manner. He exchanged views with other representatives from time to time.

Nguyen Van Minh, the representative of South Vietnam, was dressed in a suit and had elegant manners, but his brows could not hide his anxiety - it was obvious that the situation in their country was not peaceful.

Sukarno sat in the chairman's seat with a serious look on his face. On his right was Somni, the Indonesian business tycoon whose appearance obviously surprised many people.

Rahman sat near the door, seemingly casually, but in fact convenient for private conversations at any time. His eyes occasionally glanced at Chen Tong, then quickly looked away.

"Ladies and gentlemen," Sukarno stood up, "Today we are holding this emergency meeting mainly to discuss the military cooperation framework of the Asian Union..."

Chen Tong leaned back in his chair, seemingly listening attentively, but in fact he was secretly observing everyone's reactions. He noticed that when Sukarno mentioned "military cooperation", Wen Aung and Song Sa exchanged a meaningful look, while Nguyen Van Minh subconsciously clenched his fists.

Everyone present had their own plans. This meeting was destined not to be peaceful.

"Ladies and gentlemen," Sukarno looked around, "I would like to make a statement about the Chinese troops' stationing. This will not destroy the original pattern in South Asia. On the contrary, it will bring stronger protection to our Asian Alliance."

He paused and continued: "China is our most important ally. Their military presence will help us build a more stable and secure South Asia. This will benefit all member states."

There was a low murmur of discussion in the meeting room. Wen Ang and Ramos exchanged glances, while Song Sha nodded thoughtfully.

At this time, Chen Tong stood up.

The eyes of the whole audience immediately focused on this Chinese general, who was dressed in a neat military uniform and looked calm.

"Everyone," Chen Tong said in a steady and powerful voice, "What I want to say is that the existence of the Chinese army is not to change anything, but to maintain. To maintain the peace of this land, to maintain the sovereignty of various countries, and to maintain the unity of the Asian Union."

He looked around and said: "We will not interfere in the internal affairs of any member state, nor will we impose any unequal treaties. China's military will be the backing of the Asian Union, not a tool of control."

Chen Tong said this and looked at Rahman meaningfully: "Our goal is simple - to help the Asian Union become a truly independent alliance, rather than a pawn of any external forces."

These words were flawless, not only stating the position, but also implying a warning. Many representatives nodded thoughtfully.

Sukarno showed a satisfied smile on his face, while Song Yiminde looked at Chen Tong meaningfully.

Only Rahman looked a little unnatural, his fingers tapping the table unconsciously.

"I object!" Wen Ang suddenly stood up and said in a loud voice, "South Asia does not need China's intervention! We have our own development path and our own plans!"

He looked around excitedly and said, "For hundreds of years, we have been living under the interference of foreign forces. Now that we have finally gotten rid of England's colonization, are we going to throw ourselves into the arms of another big country?"

There was an uproar in the venue.

"Cotton's position is very clear," Wenang continued, his voice becoming more and more tough, "We do not welcome the Chinese army. If Chairman Sukarno insists on supporting the Chinese military presence, then I'm sorry, Cotton will have to withdraw from the Asian Union!"

These words were like a bombshell, exploding in the conference hall. Representatives from various countries began to whisper to each other.

"I completely agree with Mr. Wen'ang's point of view," Nguyen Van Minh immediately stood up and responded, "South Vietnam also holds the same position. What we need is independent development, not being controlled by another big country!"

Rahman sat in his seat, seemingly calm, but actually secretly relieved. He secretly glanced at Chen Tong, and found that the Chinese general was still calm, and even had a faint smile on the corner of his mouth.

Sukarno's face turned ugly. He was about to speak, but Chen Tong shook his head slightly.

The atmosphere in the meeting hall became increasingly tense. Win Aung's statement was obviously recognized by some representatives. But some, such as Song Sa of Laos, remained cautiously silent.

This meeting seemed to be developing in the direction that some people had preset.

"Chairman, representatives," Rahman stood up, with a hint of deliberate hesitation in his voice, "Since we are talking about this issue, I have a proposal for your reference."

He took out a document from his briefcase: "Taking into account the concerns of all parties, I suggest that the Asian Union can adopt a more balanced solution."

Sukarno motioned for him to continue.

"We can invite England to be a strategic partner of the Asian Alliance," Rahman's voice gradually became firm, "They have hundreds of years of experience in South Asia and have maintained good economic and trade relations with all countries. More importantly, they can support us militarily without excessive intervention."

There was silence in the conference hall.

"Specifically," Rahman continued, "England can station troops at important strategic points such as the Strait of Malacca and Singapore to provide maritime security for the Asian Alliance. At the same time, we can sign a preferential trade agreement with England..."

"This proposal," Wen Ang suddenly said, "sounds very constructive."

Nguyen Van Minh also immediately expressed his position: "South Vietnam supports this plan."

Rahman looked around and said, "Of course, this is just a preliminary idea. Please consider it, Chairman and other representatives."

As he spoke, his eyes swept over Chen Tong intentionally or unintentionally. But what made him uneasy was that the Chinese general's expression remained calm, as if he had expected all this.

Sukarno's face turned livid. He was about to speak when he saw Chen Tong gently raise his hand.

"I have a small question," Chen Tong's voice was still gentle, "I wonder if Mr. Rahman would mind telling everyone when this proposal was prepared? And who did you discuss it with?"

Rahman's hands trembled slightly: "This... This is my personal opinion."

"Really?" Chen Tong smiled meaningfully, "Then why is there a watermark of the British Ministry of Foreign Affairs on the margin of this proposal?"

There was an uproar in the venue.

Rahman's face turned pale instantly.