nucmednet Chapter 624: Cornett's Sudden Visit
Chapter 624: Cornett's Sudden Visit
Su Zhengyang stood in front of the window, staring into the distance with deep eyes, silently analyzing the attitudes and positions of various countries on the concession issue. He knew that for these Western countries, the concession was not just a geographical area, but also a piece of fat meat that was difficult to give up. The profits they could get from it every year were astonishing astronomical figures.
"These concessions are like an endless gold mine for them." Su Zhengyang said to himself. He clearly remembered the figures shown in the data. For example, the English Empire, the empire far away on the other side of the sea, made more than 500 million oceans in profit every year from their concessions in China.
These profits come from arms, opium, general merchandise, etc. In the past, when China was divided among warlords, their business was booming and they made unimaginable profits.
"It is not easy for any country to give up such huge interests." Su Zhengyang took a deep breath, his eyes flashing with determination. He knew that despite his extremely tough attitude and even hanging a sword over their heads, these countries would still try their best to fight for and mediate, and would not give up easily.
He recalled the confrontations with ambassadors from various countries. They may appear gentle and elegant on the surface, but they all have their own calculations in their hearts. They may put forward some seemingly reasonable suggestions at the meeting, but behind them is the greed and reluctance to give up the interests of the concessions.
This is a war without the smoke of gunpowder, and Su Zhengyang is the winner who has completely taken control of the situation.
As the sun sets, the lights in the office appear particularly bright in the twilight. Su Zhengyang was busy reviewing documents when there was a light knock on the door and the secretary's voice came: "President Su, Ambassador Courtney of the Billy Empire requests an urgent meeting with you."
Su Zhengyang was slightly startled, put down the pen in his hand, and a trace of surprise flashed in his eyes. In the past few days, except for the clear reply given by the Bird Empire, the ambassadors of other countries have indeed been in a state of waiting and silence as he expected. He knew that these Western countries had their own considerations and plans for the issue of concessions in China.
"Please let him in." Su Zhengyang ordered in a deep voice.
Inside the office, the lighting was soft and the atmosphere was solemn. Su Zhengyang sat in the main seat, with the Chinese flag fluttering behind him, looking majestic and solemn. The Ambassador of the Billy Empire, Courtney, walked into the reception room under the guidance of his secretary.
Courtney saw Su Zhengyang sitting there at a glance. He bowed slightly with a warm smile on his face: "President Su, good evening. Thank you for taking the time out of your busy schedule to meet with me."
Su Zhengyang nodded slightly, his tone neither humble nor arrogant: "Ambassador Courtney, good evening. Please take a seat."
After the two sat down, Courtney was the first to break the silence: "President Su, I came here to discuss the issue of the concession with you. Our Billy Empire has always maintained a friendly attitude towards China, and we are well aware that cooperation and exchanges between the two countries are of vital importance to each other."
Su Zhengyang nodded and motioned Courtney to continue.
Courtney continued, "We can make concessions on the concession issue. But while making this decision, we also hope that China can show its sincerity."
Su Zhengyang's heart moved. He knew that Courtney was going to put forward conditions. He frowned slightly and asked, "So, what does Ambassador Courtney mean by 'sincerity'?"
Courtney smiled and replied: "We hope that China can give us some economic assistance and support in military technology. Of course, these are not free, and we will give corresponding preferential conditions in return."
Su Zhengyang sneered in his heart after hearing this. Compared with the decision of the Bird Empire to return the concession unconditionally, the royal family of the Billy Empire was obviously much narrower-minded. He pondered for a moment, then slowly said: "Ambassador Courtney, I understand what you mean. But I want to emphasize that the concession issue is a major issue concerning national sovereignty and dignity. We cannot exchange so-called "sincerity" at the cost of sacrificing national interests."
Courtney seemed to have expected this, and he still kept smiling: "President Su, I fully understand your position. But please allow me to remind you that the current international situation is not favorable to both of us. If we can reach a consensus, it will not only benefit both countries, but also contribute to the peace and stability of the entire world."
Su Zhengyang remained silent. While drinking tea, he recalled the latest intelligence information about the Billy Empire in his mind.
Before the outbreak of the European war, the Belgian Empire, as a country seeking neutrality, had a relatively complete standing army. Belgium had a standing army of about 10 people.
After the outbreak of the war, the total number of its troops reached about 65, mainly composed of 20 divisions, including 18 infantry divisions (6 of which were reserve divisions) and 2 cavalry divisions, as well as 2 Ardennes chasseur divisions and other combat units. In addition, the Belgian Imperial Army Infantry Division was relatively complete, with 3 infantry regiments under its jurisdiction, each regiment under its jurisdiction, and 3 infantry battalions, as well as support units such as mortar companies and machine gun companies.
However, in the past two years of war, Belgium's military defense failed to withstand the rapid offensive of the German army. Although the Belgian Empire army put up a heroic resistance in the early stages of the war, due to strategic and tactical deficiencies and the powerful military strength of the German army, the Belgian Empire fell into a comprehensive disadvantage in a relatively short period of time.
Although the Germans spoke highly of the Belgian Imperial Army, calling it fighting "extremely bravely", Belgium ultimately failed to hold its own territory.
Today, the Billy Empire has lost 60% of its territory, and the dignity of the entire empire has been trampled and rubbed under the feet of the Bird Empire. The only thing left is for the royal family and the government to formally declare surrender.
In terms of economy, as a highly developed country, the service industry and industry of the Belgian Empire reached a high level before World War II. The service industry, especially in finance, transportation, commerce and telecommunications, employed more than 60% of the country's labor force, and the output value of the tertiary industry accounted for a relatively high proportion of the gross domestic product.
In addition, the industrial production and capital of the Belgian Empire were relatively concentrated, most of which were controlled by monopoly groups, and part of which was also in the hands of foreign capital.
However, the war caused great damage to the economy of the Billy Empire. During the war, the economic production of the Billy Empire was severely affected, and a large number of factories, equipment and infrastructure were destroyed. At the same time, the war also caused a large number of casualties and displacement, further aggravating the economic difficulties of the Billy Empire.
In short, the current situation of the Billy Empire is extremely embarrassing. They can hardly protect themselves, and are in danger of facing the military force of the Bird Empire. They are the weakest among the powerful countries that Su Zhengyang faces, and the least qualified to challenge China.
It was obvious that the Billy Empire wanted to make a profit from China while giving up the concession. It simply treated Su Zhengyang and the entire China as suckers to be exploited. Su Zhengyang sneered in his heart, and his eyes turned colder when he looked at Connet, making the latter feel creepy and chilled.