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

Chapter 657: Mutual Testing and Political Confrontation

In the banquet hall, the guests and Su Zhengyang had a relaxed and pleasant exchange, as if they were really enjoying a relaxed social gathering. Unlike the tense atmosphere at the Prince of Windsor's banquet, which got straight to the point, the atmosphere here seemed more relaxed.

Joachim von Ribbentrop sat opposite Su Zhengyang, his eyes revealing a deep wisdom. He casually asked about the England dinner yesterday: "President Su, I heard that Prince Windsor hosted a banquet yesterday. I wonder what he thinks of China? Has he extended an olive branch to China and invited China to join their anti-aggression alliance?"

Su Zhengyang smiled slightly and answered frankly: "Mr. Ribbentrop, you are really well-informed. Prince Windsor did discuss this issue with me last night. They not only expressed their high recognition of China, but also promised to provide China with considerable economic assistance as a token of their sincerity in joining the anti-aggression alliance."

Joachim was slightly stunned, as if he didn't expect Su Zhengyang to reveal this information so directly. He thought for a moment, then smiled and said, "President Su is really frank. However, I would like to remind you that choosing a partner is not just about the immediate interests, but more importantly, the long-term strategic vision and common values."

Su Zhengyang nodded in agreement: "Mr. Ribbentrop is right. China has always upheld the diplomatic philosophy of peace, cooperation, and win-win. No matter which camp we choose to join, we always take the interests and development of the country as the premise, and will never be swayed by the immediate interests."

Afterwards, the two chatted about the customs and practices of various countries and the current situation in China. Su Zhengyang talked eloquently, sharing China's development achievements in recent years and future plans. Joachim listened with great interest, nodding his head from time to time to show his approval and appreciation.

As the conversation deepened, Joachim gradually realized Su Zhengyang's wisdom and vision. He realized that it was not easy to win over China and that he needed to show more sincerity and benefits. So he began to ask Su Zhengyang indirectly about his views and expectations for the future development of China.

Su Zhengyang did not answer directly, but cleverly changed the subject: "Mr. Ribbentrop, I believe that every country has its own development path and choices. We are willing to maintain friendly and cooperative relations with all countries and jointly promote world peace and development. As for the specific content and methods of cooperation, we can further discuss them in future exchanges."

Joachim nodded slightly, and his admiration for Su Zhengyang increased. He understood that this young leader not only had outstanding political wisdom and strategic vision, but also had great courage and determination.

He believes that in the days to come, China will shine even brighter on the world stage.

Joachim knew that the communication with Su Zhengyang had entered a delicate stage, so he adjusted his tone and expressed the position of the Anti-Aggression Alliance in a more obscure and sincere way.

He gently put down the wine glass in his hand, leaned forward slightly, and looked directly at Su Zhengyang: "President Su, regarding the cooperation conditions with the anti-aggression allies you mentioned, our Bird Empire and its allies can also give China corresponding support. In fact, if possible, we will give more."

He paused, and his tone became more serious: "Our great leader Hitler deeply admires your wisdom and courage, and he sincerely hopes to establish a deep friendship with you."

However, Su Zhengyang did not directly respond to Joachim's topic of cooperation. He gently turned the wine glass in his hand, as if thinking about something. Then, he raised his head and said with a firm look: "Mr. Joachim, I understand your sincerity, but there is one thing that deeply troubles me."

"That is the relationship between us and Fuso." Su Zhengyang continued, "Fuso is one of the Axis Powers of the invasion alliance alongside the Bird Empire, but there are irreconcilable contradictions and hatreds between China and Fuso. I would like to know your opinion on this issue."

Joachim was obviously touched by this question. He pondered for a moment and then slowly said, "President Su, the issue you mentioned is indeed complicated. But please believe that in this world, there are only eternal interests, not long-term allies."

He took a deep breath and continued, "Although Fuso is our ally, we will not blindly stand on Fuso's side in the conflict between China and Fuso. It can even be said that if China can replace Fuso and become our new ally, I believe this will be a better choice for everyone."

Joachim's words made the atmosphere in the banquet hall a little solemn, but his words also clearly expressed his position and intention. After listening, Su Zhengyang nodded slightly, indicating that he was satisfied with Joachim's answer.

Su Zhengyang spoke slowly, his voice steady and powerful: "Mr. Joachim, China's position is an important issue concerning the country's future development. We will not make decisions rashly, nor will we easily make our position clear and join any party."

Su Zhengyang paused for a moment, his eyes deep: "Our decision needs to be carefully considered, taking into account the long-term interests of the country and its relations with countries around the world."

Facing Su Zhengyang's statement, Joachim did not show any impatience or dissatisfaction. Instead, he smiled and nodded, indicating that he fully understood Su Zhengyang's position and considerations.

"President Su, I fully understand your concerns and considerations." Joachim's voice was full of sincerity. "In order to demonstrate the friendly relations between our two countries and considering that China is currently in a stage of rapid development, our Bird Empire and other invading allies are willing to provide China with a 10 billion pounds interest-free loan for a period of 50 years."

He continued: "In addition, we also hope to develop long-term economic, trade, military and technological exchanges with China to jointly promote the prosperity and development of our two countries and the world."

Su Zhengyang was slightly stunned when he heard this. He did not expect that the invading allies would be willing to pay such a huge price to establish friendly relations with China. This proposal was undoubtedly much more favorable than the conditions of the anti-aggression allies he had heard before.

He looked at Joachim deeply, and couldn't help but admire him. He realized that the leaders of the invading Allied countries headed by Hitler were indeed much better in terms of pattern and vision. They not only saw the immediate benefits, but also saw the long-term cooperation and development.

Su Zhengyang was silent for a moment, then slowly said: "Mr. Joachim, your proposal is very attractive. But please allow me to emphasize again that China's decision needs to be carefully considered. We will seriously consider your proposal and further communicate with other relevant countries."

The two people's eyes met in the air, as if conveying each other's beliefs and expectations. At this moment, they both understood that no matter what choice China made in the end, this dialogue would become an important chapter in the history of relations between the two countries.

At the end of the banquet, as the soft music gradually faded away, Joachim stood up, his face filled with unprecedented sincerity and respect. He walked towards Su Zhengyang, his eyes flashing with determination.

"President Su, I am deeply honored to have this exchange tonight." Joachim spoke slowly, his voice full of awe and admiration, "In this era, I find that you and our great leader Hidler are of the same kind."

Su Zhengyang was slightly startled. He stared into Joachim's eyes, trying to read more information from them. Joachim continued, "There are too many misunderstandings and prejudices about our leader Hidler. They only see his side as a warmongerer, but ignore his deep feelings for the country and the nation, his inner passion and courage, and his determination not to back down in the face of any difficulties."

"And in you, I see the shadow of Leader Hidler." Joachim's voice became more and more firm. "You also have firm beliefs, fearless courage, and the wisdom to seek long-term interests for the country and the nation. This makes me deeply believe that you will be the leader of the future world."

Joachim took a deep breath, as if he wanted to pour out all his true thoughts: "I sincerely hope that in the future, the Bird Empire can become comrades-in-arms with China, rather than enemies. I believe that as long as we work together, we can jointly create a more peaceful and prosperous world."