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

Chapter 1173 Full of gunpowder

Moscow, Winter Palace.

Tsar Nicholas III issued a final order at the Imperial Court Meeting: "Since those so-called allies are unwilling to help us, let China see the determination of the Russian Empire!"

A few hours later, the Russian Ministry of Defense.

Defense Minister Ivanov stood at the podium of the press conference, facing reporters from various countries. His tall stature and serious expression revealed an unquestionable majesty.

"According to the instructions of His Majesty the Tsar," Ivanov said in a deep and powerful voice, "I am issuing a formal warning to China on behalf of the Russian Empire."

Flashbulbs flashed constantly and reporters quickly recorded every word.

"The Chinese military must immediately stop its military exercises on the Far East border," he continued, "such provocative actions seriously threaten regional peace."

He paused, and glanced at every reporter present: "If China continues this dangerous military action, the Russian Empire will have to take corresponding military measures to safeguard our territorial integrity."

A reporter raised his hand and asked: "General Ivanov, does this mean that Tsarist Russia is preparing to go to war with China?"

"We don't want to see war," Ivanov replied, "but if China insists on challenging the sovereignty of the Russian Empire, we will defend our territory at all costs."

"So, how did Tsarist Russia respond to China's claim that the Far East was its inherent territory?" another reporter asked.

Ivanov's face became even more serious: "The Far East is an integral part of the Russian Empire. Any attempt to change this status quo will be met with our resolute counterattack."

After the press conference, Ivanov's warning quickly spread around the world via telegram. This explosive press conference foreshadowed that the situation in the Far East was about to enter a new dangerous stage.

Beilongcheng, Ministry of Foreign Affairs Press Conference Hall.

At 3:00 p.m., Foreign Minister Fang Daigo strode onto the stage. He was dressed in a dark Mao suit and looked serious and determined. The stage was filled with reporters from all over the world, and flash cameras were flashing one after another.

"Ladies and gentlemen," Fang Dihu said straight to the point, "Today's emergency press conference is held to respond to the unreasonable warnings from Tsarist Russia."

His voice was steady and powerful, and his eyes swept across every reporter present: "First of all, I want to emphasize that the East Siberia region has been China's inherent territory since ancient times. This land was forcibly occupied by Tsarist Russia through an unequal treaty during the reign of the Qing Empire due to the weakness of the imperial court."

Fang Dihu picked up a historical document on the table: "According to the records of the Far East Treaty and the Beijing Treaty, the Russian Empire used the threat of force to force the corrupt Shuiqing government to cede this vast land. This is a serious violation of China's sovereignty and the greatest injustice in history."

"Now, it is completely reasonable for China to take back this plundered territory. This is not only to safeguard national sovereignty, but also to correct historical mistakes."

A foreign reporter raised his hand and asked: "Minister Fang, the Russian side warned that it would take military action. Is China ready to face a possible war?"

Fang Dihu's face was grim: "China has always been a peace-loving country. We hope to resolve the territorial dispute through peaceful negotiations. But," his tone suddenly became firm, "if anyone attempts to use force to obstruct our efforts to recover the lost territory, China will fight back without hesitation."

"I want to remind the Russian side," he continued, "China today is no longer the Qing Empire of a hundred years ago. We have the ability and determination to defend our territorial sovereignty."

Another reporter asked: "Minister Fang, what do you think of the Tsarist Russia's claim that the Far East is its integral territory?"

"This statement is completely a distortion of the truth," Fang Dihu said firmly, "We have sufficient historical and legal evidence to prove that the East Siberia region is Chinese territory. The Tsarist Russia should face up to history and acknowledge this fact."

He paused, and his tone became more severe: "We have noticed that some countries have recently realized their historical mistakes. England and Portugal have returned Hong Kong and Macau to China, which reflects their foresight and wisdom. Tsarist Russia should also learn from this."

"Finally, I want to reiterate," Fang Dihu's voice echoed in the press conference hall, "China is a responsible major country, and we always advocate resolving international disputes through peaceful means. However, on issues involving territorial sovereignty, our position is clear and firm. Any attempt to obstruct the reunification of China will be met with our resolute counterattack."

By the end of the press conference, Fang Dihu's speech had been telegraphed around the world. Every word he said revealed China's firm determination to take back the Far East, and also demonstrated the confidence and courage of a rising power.

This press conference filled with gunpowder made it clear to the world that China would never give in even a single step on the Far East issue.

Presidential Palace, Su Zhengyang's office.

It was late at night, but the office was still brightly lit. Intelligence Director Yan Shuangying stood in front of the large desk, holding a thick intelligence summary in his hand.

"Mr. President," Yan Shuangying said, "According to our latest intelligence, the Russian military has made large-scale mobilizations in the past 34 hours."

Su Zhengyang put down the document in his hand, his eyes sharp: "Be specific."

"Yes." Yan Shuangying flipped through the documents, "The Russian Empire has begun to send more troops to the Far East. The 34rd Armored Division and the 34th Infantry Division have been transferred from the Urals to Vladivostok and are expected to arrive within three days."

&34;What about the Air Force?&34;

"Their air force bases in the Far East are also stepping up deployment," Yan Shuangying continued to report, "According to our information, at least two fighter squadrons have been transferred from Moscow to the Far East. At the same time, their airport in Khabarovsk is undergoing emergency expansion."

Su Zhengyang nodded: "The navy?"

"The Pacific Fleet has entered a full combat readiness state," Yan Shuangying said. "Two cruisers and four destroyers have been transferred from the Baltic Fleet and are moving toward the Far East on the Arctic route."

&34;Where are the logistical supplies?&34;

"This is the most critical part," Yan Shuangying's tone became serious, "The Tsarist Russia is concentrating its transportation capacity on the Trans-Siberian Railway, and a large amount of military supplies are being transported to the Far East. According to the information sent back by our intelligence personnel lurking in the local area, the military warehouses in Vladivostok and Khabarovsk are being expanded at a rapid pace."

Su Zhengyang stood up and walked to the map of the Far East hanging on the wall: "What is their specific deployment on the border?"

"Currently," Yan Shuangying walked to the map and pointed to several key points, "Russia has deployed about 34 conventional troops, more than 34 fighter jets, and a large number of armored vehicles on the border. They are still increasing their troops, and it is expected that the total force will reach 34 within a week."

"They are really ready to fight," Su Zhengyang said softly.

"Yes, President." Yan Shuangying nodded, "But according to our assessment, these mobilizations by the Tsarist Russia are more of a deterrent. Their logistics supply chain in the Far East is quite fragile, and if a war really breaks out, it won't last long."

Su Zhengyang turned around and said, "Continue to closely monitor their every move, especially their command system and communication network. If there is any abnormality, report it to me immediately."

"Understood, President." Yan Shuangying nodded solemnly.