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

Chapter 1268 Step 1

In the reception room of the Presidential Palace, the simple teak furniture shone with a warm luster under the light. Sukarno took out two high-quality Havanas from the cigar box and lit them for Chen Tong.

"Finally, we can talk alone," Sukarno took a deep puff of his cigar, and the sharpness in his eyes disappeared, replaced by a trace of fatigue. "General Chen, you have also seen that these people..."

He shook his head and walked to the window. Jakarta at night was bleak with only a few lights on.

"On the surface, they all say they support the Asian Union and unification," Sukarno said with a wry smile, "but what about the reality? Basong, that old fox, took our aid while secretly flirting with Yingli. Alim was even more direct, threatening that if we crossed Pakistan's sphere of influence, he would use the army."

He turned around, a hint of helplessness flashed in his eyes: "As for Rahman, he only knows how to ask for money and supplies all day long. But we in Indonesia are still rebuilding ourselves, where can we get so many resources to give to them?"

Chen Tong listened quietly, taking a puff of his cigar from time to time.

"Do you know?" Sukarno walked up to Chen Tong and lowered his voice, "When the Japanese retreated, they not only blew up our factories and ports, but also sprayed poison on the farmland. Now one-third of Indonesia's fertile land cannot be cultivated. But those people are still fighting for power and profit..."

He sat down heavily on the sofa, his eyes full of pain: "I really want to unify South Asia and let our people live a good life. But these people only care about their own interests. General Chen, what do you think I should do?"

Cigar smoke lingered in the air, and Sukarno's voice was filled with a deep sense of powerlessness: "Ingrid is secretly supporting separatist forces. Although Fuso has withdrawn, their agents are still active. Without China's support, I really..."

He didn't finish, but the meaning was clear.

Chen Tong looked at this ambitious but struggling leader and weighed the pros and cons in his heart. What Sukarno said was part true and part false, part hardship and part calculation. But one thing was certain: he really needed China's support.

And this is exactly what China needs most - a Sukarno who needs help but cannot fully control South Asia.

"Chairman," Chen Tong said slowly, "Do you know what the most important lesson I learned on the Fuso battlefield is?"

Sukarno looked up: "What?"

"Patience," Chen Tong blew out a smoke ring, "The most difficult battles are often not won by a single charge. Instead, you have to take it step by step, steadily and steadily."

Sukarno seemed to be thinking about something.

"Huaguo will support you," Chen Tong continued, "but the premise is that we must jointly maintain the stability of this region. Overly radical unification can sometimes backfire."

These words both gave a promise and drew a line. Sukarno was silent for a long time, and finally showed a relieved smile: "General Chen is right, I was too impatient."

Chairman," Chen Tong flicked the ash off his cigar, "Let's talk about the current situation of the Asian Alliance."

Sukarno was slightly startled.

"You have 34 troops, which is indeed a considerable asset," Chen Tong said in a calm and deep voice, "but I noticed at the banquet today that the way General Alim looked at you was not like he was looking at a leader of an alliance."

Sukarno's expression changed: "General Chen has good eyesight."

"Paki has 34 troops, Siam has 34, and even Malaysia has 34 troops." Chen Tong said slowly, "These troops may not obey your orders. The current Asian Alliance may seem like a grand event, but it is actually a castle in the air."

"You are right," Sukarno said with a wry smile, "At every military meeting, everyone has their own opinions and there is no coordination at all."

Chen Tong stood up and walked to the South Asia map hanging on the wall: "Do you know why? Because they are all watching and waiting. Waiting to see who can truly lead this alliance."

&34;So what do you think...&34;

"The first step," Chen Tong turned around, his eyes burning, "is to establish your authority within the Asian Alliance. It's not about the number of troops, but about making them convinced."

Sukarno became interested: "Please continue."

"For example, General Alim," Chen Tong said, "what does he care about most? Military power. Then, we can let him be the commander-in-chief in the next military exercise. But the exercise plan must be formulated by you."

&34;This...&34;

"For example, Prince Prasong," Chen Tong continued, "He is worried that Siam's independence will be damaged. Then, we can take the initiative to propose to set up the economic headquarters of the Asian Union in Bangkok. Let him feel that he is participating in decision-making, rather than being decided by it."

Sukarno's eyes lit up.

"As for Rahman," Chen Tong smiled, "instead of asking him to ask for money everywhere, it is better to give him a position to coordinate the economy. Let him be responsible for the economic development of the entire Asian Union. With responsibility, he will cherish this position more."

"Brilliant!" Sukarno exclaimed, "This way, they will all feel that they are important members of the Asian Union."

"That's right," Chen Tong nodded, "The current Asian Alliance is like a pile of loose sand. Everyone is calculating their own interests. What you need to do is to let them see the common interests. Let them understand that only under your leadership can the Asian Alliance become truly powerful."

Sukarno thought thoughtfully: "But this will take time..."

"So we need to be patient," Chen Tong said, "A true leader does not make people submit by force, but makes them submit sincerely. Your problem now is not that you don't have enough troops, but that you don't have enough prestige."

&34;The Chinese garrison...&34;

"We will demonstrate our strength at the right time," Chen Tong said, "but we will not steal the show. We exist to increase your leverage, not to replace you."

Sukarno let out a sigh of relief: "General Chen, I finally understand why President Su sent you here. You are not only a military commander, but also a strategist."

"Chairman," Chen Tong smiled, "Regarding the economic and arms assistance you mentioned, China is already prepared."

Sukarno's eyes flashed with anticipation: "Oh?"

"The first batch of aid will arrive in ten days," Chen Tong continued, "including food, medicine, and a batch of light weapons and ammunition."

"That's great!" Sukarno said with delight, "This is a timely help for us."

However, Chen Tong's next words froze Sukarno's smile: "However, Chairman, you should understand that China will not invest in a project that does not have any return."

Sukarno was slightly startled, then regained his composure: "Of course, General Chen. We will ensure that China's interests are protected."

"I believe you will do it," Chen Tong said meaningfully, "China's assistance is not only material support, but also an investment in the future of the Asian Alliance."

He paused and continued: "We hope to see a stable and prosperous South Asia, a partner that can work hand in hand with China."

Sukarno nodded, but he knew in his heart that China's support was not unconditional. He had to quickly establish his prestige within the Asian Union to ensure that this aid would continue.

"I will implement General Chen's suggestion as soon as possible," Sukarno said solemnly, "so that the Asian Alliance will become a truly united alliance."

"That's good," Chen Tong smiled, "We look forward to seeing a strong Asian Union."