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

"Everyone," Chen Tong slowly stood up, his voice calm but with unquestionable power, "let's talk about the real reality."

He walked to the center of the conference room. "England? The so-called 'Empire on which the Sun Never Sets'?" He chuckled. "Less than two months ago, they were forced to return Hong Kong City. The pearl of the Far East that they were once so proud of has now returned to the embrace of China."

There was silence in the conference hall, and everyone listened with bated breath.

"The intense battles in Europe have exhausted England. They are unable to even protect their colonies, let alone protect the Asian Alliance." Chen Tong's eyes swept over everyone present, "Didn't you notice? Their rule in India is already shaky, and their influence in the Middle East is getting worse and worse."

Wen Ang and Ruan Wenming's expressions began to waver.

"And in Asia today," Chen Tong's voice suddenly rose, "who has the most powerful military force? Who is leading Asia's industrial revolution? Who can truly help the South Asian countries achieve independence?"

He paused and said: "China is the real overlord of Asia! It does not rely on colonization and plunder, but on strength and mutual benefit and win-win!"

There was a gleam of admiration in Sukarno's eyes, and Song Yiminde nodded slightly.

"Mr. Rahman's proposal," Chen Tong turned to Rahman, whose face had turned pale, "is nothing more than wanting us to become dependent on a declining empire again. But everyone," he looked around, "times have changed!"

"The future of Asia should be controlled by Asians themselves. China is willing to work hand in hand with all member states of the Asian Union to create a truly independent and prosperous new Asia!"

These words were so powerful that the audience burst into warm applause. Even Wen Ang, who had originally been opposed to the idea, nodded thoughtfully.

Rahman slumped in his chair, cold sweat oozing from his forehead. He knew that his role as a pawn had been exposed in public by Chen Tong.

What frightened him even more was that he suddenly realized that he had bet on the wrong horse - the empire he chose to rely on was a declining empire.

Chen Tong turned to Wen Ang and said calmly but forcefully: "Mr. Wen Ang said he wants to withdraw from the Asian Union. Of course there is no problem with that. The Asian Union will never force any country to stay."

He walked over to a map of South Asia hanging on the wall: “But let’s look at the reality.”

"The railway network is being planned, the port is being expanded, and the industrial park is being built," Chen Tong's finger slid across the map, "These are all projects that the Asian Union is carrying out. If a country chooses to be self-sufficient and complacent, what will be the result?"

There was silence in the venue.

"When other countries get technical support and develop their industries through the Asian Union," Chen Tong continued, "when other countries open up the international market through the Asian Union's trade network, when other countries build modern ports through the Asian Union's investment..."

He looked at Wen Ang meaningfully: "What will happen to the countries that choose to withdraw?"

Wen Ang's expression began to waver.

"This is not a threat," Chen Tong's voice suddenly softened, "This is a simple fact. In this rapidly changing era, it is not a wise choice to stand still."

He looked around and said, "As you all know, China is undergoing large-scale industrialization. We have technology, capital, and experience. And all of this can be shared with other countries through the Asian Alliance."

Sukarno added: "As General Chen said, the purpose of the Asian Alliance is mutual benefit and win-win. We respect the choice of each country, but we also hope that everyone can see the situation clearly."

Ruan Wenming lowered his head in thought, while Wen Ang fell into silence.

"Of course," Chen Tong said at last, "the final choice is in your hands. Whether you choose to join this rising alliance or choose to face this fiercely competitive world alone, I believe you can make a wise decision."

The atmosphere in the meeting room changed subtly. The originally resolute voices of opposition gradually disappeared, replaced by deep thought and consideration.

Even Wen Ang inadvertently relaxed his clenched fists.

Wen Ang stood up slowly, his voice full of deep worry: "General Chen's words are very nice, but please allow me to express my doubts."

He looked around: "Everyone, no one will give for nothing. China promised to give us technology, funds, and experience, but what is the price?"

The atmosphere in the conference hall began to become tense again.

“We have all experienced colonial rule,” Win Aung’s voice became emotional. “At first they came with good intentions, brought advanced technology, built railways, and opened factories. But what happened in the end?”

He clenched his fists: "What have we become in the end? A supplier of raw materials and a dumping ground for goods! Our resources have been plundered, our market has been controlled, and our national dignity has been trampled upon!"

Many representatives began to nod.

"What I'm worried about," Wen Ang looked directly at Chen Tong, "is what will happen to the Asian Alliance, or even the entire South Asia, with the help of China? Will it eventually become a vassal of China? Will it only be able to survive under the oppression of China?"

His voice was filled with grief and indignation. “This is what I am worried about. Are we getting rid of one suzerain country just to throw ourselves into the arms of another suzerain country?”

There was a low murmur of discussion in the meeting room. Wen Ang's words clearly expressed the concerns of many people.

At this moment, Chen Tong revealed a meaningful smile.

Obviously, he had been waiting for this question.

"Mr. Wen Ang is right," Chen Tong's opening remarks stunned everyone. "Indeed, no one will give for no reason."

He walked calmly to the window and said, "But have you ever thought about why China wants to turn South Asia into a vassal?"

Turning around, Chen Tong's eyes became sharp: "What good can a weakened South Asia bring to China? What can a group of poor neighbors bring to China?"

He raised a finger: "First, what China needs is a strong trading partner, not a colony that can be slaughtered at will. What good is this to China if a poor market cannot afford goods and backward industries cannot produce parts?"

He raised his second finger: "Second, what China needs is a stable South Asia. If all the countries in South Asia are struggling in poverty, social unrest, and political instability, will the unrest and refugee crisis affect China?"

The third finger: "Third, and most importantly, China is rising, but what are we facing? The powerful countries that are eyeing us covetously. If South Asia continues to weaken, it will sooner or later fall into the hands of Western powers again. By then, China will have another hostile front in the south."

He looked around and said, "So, what China really needs is a strong South Asia, a prosperous South Asia, a South Asia that can stand shoulder to shoulder with China!"

There was silence in the conference hall.

“That’s why,” Chen Tong’s voice softened, “we are willing to share technology and invest money. Because it’s a win-win choice. A strong neighbor is the best partner.”

He looked at Wen Ang and said, "Mr. Wen Ang, you said we will be the next England. But have you ever thought about it? Why does England oppress its colonies? Because they need to plunder resources to maintain their hegemony. But China is different. We have inexhaustible resources and the world's largest market. What we need are partners, not slaves."

Finally, Chen Tong swept his eyes over everyone present: "Everyone, this is not charity, this is win-win. This is not bribery, this is cooperation. This is not a new colonization, this is working together."

There was applause in the venue and some people even stood up.