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Chapter 1056: Chapter 928 Heavy Troops (Please subscribe!)
Lang Cai appreciated Ling.
Perhaps Ling could realize his dream.
Unfortunately,
Dreams do not decide anything.
Because life exists in reality.
...
"That’s the situation. To preserve this hard-won favorable situation in Myanmar, we must strive to avoid war, yet we cannot completely agree to their demands. Otherwise, they will think we are easy to bully.
If we give in to their threats this time, they’ll threaten us again whenever they’re unsatisfied, or short on food or resources. So, the main topic today is how to direct the situation to evolve in our favor."
The following evening,
After concluding the day’s economic work conference, Lang Cai called an emergency meeting.
Since we cannot and should not fight a war, we naturally needed to discuss collectively. He and Lu Song hadn’t come up with a viable plan the night before; they had just set the tone.
After listening to Lang Cai,
Everyone at the conference table fell silent.
Solve it?
Easier said than done.
Currently, the other party is occupying the initiative, even possessing the determination to fight till both you and your foe perish. Negotiating with such people, while still wanting to maintain the initiative to achieve our goals, is extraordinarily difficult.
It should be said it’s extremely difficult.
"Mr. President, what is our bottom line?" Kan Qin was the first to speak up.
Reminded by Kan Qin, Lang Cai suddenly remembered he had forgotten to mention that, so he quickly said, "First, economic and trade exchanges are fine, but importing heavy, large-scale weapons and unconventional ammunition is strictly prohibited.
Second, they must limit the number of soldiers, not exceeding twenty thousand on each side.
Third, we cannot agree to the demands of the Special Zone, but we can allow the preservation of the existing state system. We can grant the title of honorary deputy leader to both parties, which does not require involvement in Myanmar’s internal meetings, big or small.
Fourth, respect Myanmar’s laws, do not provide shelter or escape channels for criminals. If needed, the local area must cooperate with Myanmar’s police in law enforcement on both sides; the enforcement can primarily be done by them.
Fifth, cut all the poppies; no further planting is allowed."
In one breath,
Lang Cai listed five points.
Each one concerned the vital interests of Myanmar and was beneficial to Myanmar or the local populace. However, to the other party, each point was like a fishbone in the throat.
It would be a miracle if the other side fully agreed.
Lang Cai then said, "I know these conditions are hard to negotiate, but it must be done regardless of the difficulty. This is about the national interests and security of Myanmar, and there is no reasonableness to it. Think it over and come up with the best approach to the negotiation."
As soon as he finished speaking,
Kundun was the first to speak up, "I think we need to send an experienced representative to negotiate."
After saying this,
Kundun lowered his head.
"..."
The rest were rendered speechless.
That was obvious to everyone. Aside from the ’hand-raising faction’, what these meetings lacked the least were Kundun-type ’one-liners’, who would touch upon key issues with casual comments, just to show they had spoken.
Nothing more.
Nor could you say what he mentioned was useless.
"Indeed, we should send someone. Kan Qin, among us, you have the most abundant negotiation experience, so prepare after the meeting. You’ll be responsible for the preliminary negotiations with them," declared Lang Cai directly assigning the task.
"All right,"
Kan Qin responded with a nod.
He was Lang Cai’s right-hand man.
This was indeed part of his job, and he was keen to get involved, working for the interests of Myanmar.
Subsequently,
The conference room returned to silence.
Everyone began to rack their brains, thinking about what to say later. Since it was a discussion, everyone had to express their personal views later. It didn’t matter if their words were not the best, but they had to speak.
A few minutes later,
Lang Cai skipped over Kundun and started with Kan Qin.
"Kan Qin, what strategy do you have?"
Kan Qin already had a plan and said, "I think we can start with loans, promising a substantial loan to make them relax some demands. If they really want to develop their industry, they definitely need to build roads.
This is beneficial for us to understand the situation there. Once the transportation becomes convenient, many things will become easier."
Kan Qin’s idea was acknowledged by Lang Cai.
He said contentedly, "That’s right, once they have money, if they want to develop industry, they will definitely build roads, otherwise it will always be just an agricultural area. And with roads, our advantages will become even more apparent."
"Anything else?" Lang Cai asked.
"For now, that’s all I can think of." Kan Qin shook his head.
The situation over there was too complicated. To think on the spot, it was impossible to come up with countermeasures so quickly.
After that.
Lang Cai turned his gaze to Ling.
"At the end of the day, it’s still a matter of bargaining chips. They believe they hold our lifeline, hence their outrageous demands. If we want to achieve our goal, we either need to weaken their chips or increase our own," he said.
Ling’s remark.
Made everyone’s eyes light up.
Chips.
Indeed, a fitting name that could most thoroughly explain the relations of interests.
"Do you have any good suggestions?" Lang Cai asked.
Ling said indifferently, "Deploy a significant troop presence, kill two birds with one stone."
"Hmm,"
Everyone else jumped at Ling’s words.
Significant troop presence.
That was just one step away from war. If it was a deterrent and the other side compromised, it would be fine, but if they refused to give in and insisted on a fight to the death, they would still be put in a passive position, and it might be difficult to wrap things up.
"We must proceed with caution in this matter. Even if it leads to a standoff, it could severely affect Myanmar’s economy. Unless we can ensure they agree in a short time, this method won’t work," Kundun was the first to speak out in criticism.
"Exactly, if the standoff lasts for more than half a month, we might find ourselves in a passive position."
"Right,"
"..."
The others chimed in one after another.
"But what if they agree within a week?" Ling’s words stirred up noise again.
"Within a week?"
"How could that be possible,"
"..."
They were all skeptical.
"Without determination, I estimate this negotiation could take months to conclude. A significant troop presence shows we have the capability to act. Along with Deputy Leader Kan Qin’s loan proposal, we can force them to agree. Before negotiations begin, we must establish our strong position," Ling said resolutely.
His words carried a sense of frustration at their failures to meet expectations.
The others quieted down, thinking ’This is indeed typical of Ling’s assertive style.’ Ling’s method seemed to be the fastest way to achieve their goal now, although it came with risks. If things spiraled out of control, they could end up in an extremely difficult situation with their dignity compromised.
Lang Cai asked seriously, "Deputy Leader Ling, what are the chances of success?"
"Thirty percent," Ling replied.
Lang Cai was taken aback, as he had initially thought there would be a sixty to seventy percent chance.
"That low?" Kundun hissed.
Ling gave a slight smile and said, "Since you lack the courage to fight, there’s only a thirty percent chance. Otherwise, it would be a hundred percent."
"Boom!"
Those words.
Rang in their minds like a thunderclap, causing even Lang Cai’s eyes to widen. It was not just a slight implication but a direct statement that they were too conservative and timid in their actions.
Many felt a twinge of shame internally and found it difficult to maintain face, but since Lang Cai was the last to suggest not to fight, if there was ridicule to be had, Deputy Leader Ling’s words were most pointedly critiquing Lang Cai.
With this thought.
The sense of shame seemed to dissipate.
After a long moment.
Lang Cai looked deep into Ling’s eyes.
"I agree with Deputy Leader Ling’s suggestion. If we’ve lost even the courage to draw our swords, what else do we have left to lose? Deputy Leader Ling, when can the troops of the Myanmar Economic Zone arrive at the border?"
"Anytime," Ling replied.
"Very good."
