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

Chapter 585 Fang Digo's Tough Attitude

The next afternoon, the sun shone obliquely on the streets and alleys of Beilong City, adding a bit of tranquility and warmth to this historic city. However, in the U.S. Embassy in a corner of Beilong City, the atmosphere was extremely tense. The closed door seemed to separate the two worlds, and inside the door, a fierce quarrel was taking place.

In the embassy's conference room, Tom Johnson, the US ambassador to China, was roaring at Fang Dihu in front of him with a sullen face.

Johnson's eyes were spurting with anger, his fingers almost poked Fang Dihu's nose, and every word seemed to be squeezed out from between his teeth: "No, this is impossible! Our American concessions in Beijing, Hong Kong and Shanghai are part of history and can be traced back half a century ago. Our overseas Chinese and our businesses are deeply rooted in these two cities. There is no way the United States will agree to return the concessions!"

Fang Dihu sat quietly on the sofa opposite. He was wearing a dark Chinese robe and had a barely perceptible sneer on his face. He seemed to have anticipated Johnson's anger and roar. He stood up, his tall figure casting a long shadow in the sun.

He gently straightened his collar, then slowly spoke in fluent American English, "Mr. Johnson, first of all, I want to correct you on one point. The existence of concessions is a humiliating history for China. Both the American and British concessions were forcibly demarcated by you when China was weak. We Chinese people will never forget this history."

Johnson's face turned even uglier when he heard this. He waved his fist and retorted at the top of his lungs: "So what? According to our agreement with the Qing Empire, our rice concession will last until forty years before it officially expires. During this period, you have no right to take back the concession!" His voice echoed in the empty conference room, as if to shatter the air around him.

Fang Dihu was unmoved. He smiled faintly, his eyes revealing a kind of firmness and confidence. He continued: "Mr. Johnson, times have changed. Today's China is no longer a weak country that can be bullied by others. Our people have stood up, and our country has become strong. We have the ability and confidence to protect our territory and sovereignty. The historical legacy of the concession must be resolved. We will not allow any foreign forces to continue to exist on our land."

The conversation between the two echoed in the air, as if it was a war without the smoke of gunpowder. The outcome of this war will determine the future direction of relations between the two countries.

Johnson was furious at Fang Dihu's words. The muscles on his face were tense, as if they would burst at any time. He slammed the table and shouted, "Fang Dihu, you can't be so unreasonable! The original contract was signed between the Shuiqing Empire and our United States. It is part of international law and has legal effect! You can't unilaterally tear up this contract!"

Fang Dihu's mouth curled up into a sneer. He looked at Johnson fearlessly, his voice firm and powerful: "Mr. Johnson, please note that the treaty signed with the Shuiqing Empire was an unequal one, the result of coercion and bullying. Now that the Shuiqing Empire no longer exists, the treaty has naturally lost its legal effect. Our Chinese government does not recognize any unequal treaties based on aggression and oppression!"

Johnson tried to calm himself, but his voice was still filled with strong anger: "But your Northern Xinjiang government once acknowledged the existence of the concession, and the relationship between our two countries has been harmonious for so many years. Why did you suddenly change your attitude?"

A sharp light flashed in Fang Dihu's eyes. He straightened his chest and spoke more firmly: "Mr. Johnson, the current Northern Xinjiang government has become history. The current Chinese government represents the will of all Chinese people. We have the responsibility and obligation to resolve historical issues. The concession issue is a serious territorial sovereignty issue. Our Chinese government will definitely take tough measures to resolve it. If the United States refuses to return the concession, we will not rule out taking military means to safeguard the country's sovereignty and dignity!"

As soon as Fang Dihu finished speaking, the atmosphere in the conference room instantly became extremely tense. Johnson's face turned pale, and he felt an unprecedented pressure coming upon him. Fang Dihu seemed unusually calm and determined, his eyes were as hard as steel, as if no force could shake his determination.

After hearing Fang Dihu's tough response, Johnson's face turned from anger to fear. He widened his eyes and threatened in a trembling voice: "Fang Dihu, you...if you Chinese do this, it will anger all the powerful countries! They will not sit idly by, they will unite and stand on the opposite side of you! At that time, you will face unprecedented international pressure, and such consequences are definitely not something you Chinese can bear!"

Fang Dihu was unmoved, and instead showed a scornful smile on his face. He responded calmly: "Mr. Johnson, China is not afraid of any challenges, let alone any threats. We have gone through a long history and witnessed countless storms and wars. Today's China is no longer a weak country that can be bullied. We have firm beliefs and strong strength, and we will bravely face any threats and challenges."

He paused and continued, "As for the united front of the powers you mentioned, I would like to remind you that the Western powers are now in a mess. The European war has lasted for more than two years, and they are struggling for their own survival and interests. In this context, how much energy and resources do they have to threaten China? I'm afraid they can't even protect themselves."

Johnson was speechless after hearing Fang Dihu's words. His face turned pale and blue, and he was obviously shocked by Fang Dihu's calmness and determination. He realized that his previous threats and intimidation had no effect at all in front of Fang Dihu.

Fang Dihu couldn't help but smile when he saw Johnson's embarrassment. He stood up, straightened his clothes, and then slowly walked to the window. He looked at the sky outside the window and said lightly: "Mr. Johnson, I hope you can understand that China is a great country with a long history and splendid culture. We will not be threatened or intimidated by any external forces. We have firm beliefs and strong strength, and we will strive for the greatest interests for our country and people."

Fang Dihu turned around and looked directly at Johnson. He took a deep breath and said slowly, "Mr. Johnson, there is an old saying in China, 'Be polite before using force.' We have given the United States enough respect and hope to resolve this issue peacefully. However, if the United States still insists on its wrongdoing, then we will have to take other measures. I hope you can inform the country as soon as possible and make a wise response and decision."

His words were like a heavy hammer, hitting Johnson's heart again and again. Johnson's face turned even paler, his hands clenched into fists, veins popping out, and it was obvious that he was filled with frustration and anger.

Fang Dihu said no more and turned to walk to the door. His assistant followed closely behind him. The two of them walked out of the embassy with firm steps and heads held high. Behind them was Johnson, who was furious and furious. He stood in the empty conference room and roared at the top of his lungs, but his voice gradually dissipated in the empty space.