Eagle Sauce: The 055 destroyer was launched into the sea just after the founding of the country?

The argument between Bronson and Wilkins grew louder and louder, and the entire West Wing conference room was filled with a tense atmosphere.

Other officials joined the debate, some supporting Brunson's strategy of "sitting on the mountain and watching the tigers fight," while others agreed with Wilkins's concerns about the rise of the Dragon Kingdom. The sound of the debate almost blew the roof off the White House.

President Howell listened silently, tapping his fingers on the table and his eyes slightly narrowed, as if he was pondering a complicated chess situation.

When the argument reached a fever pitch, he suddenly raised his hand and signaled everyone to be quiet.

The room fell silent. Such was the power of presidential authority—a simple gesture could instantly silence the most powerful people in the room.

"Gentlemen," Howell's voice was calm but firm, "I understand the concerns of both sides. Bronson believes we should let the two Red Front countries weaken each other, while Wilkins worries that the rise of the Dragon Country will change the global landscape. Both views have their merits."

He looked around to make sure everyone was listening attentively. "Therefore, I have decided to take a middle path - not to directly assist the Russians for the time being, but we cannot do nothing about the Dragon Kingdom either."

Secretary of Defense Thompson frowned slightly: "Mr. President, what exactly does this 'middle way' refer to?"

Howell did not answer directly, but turned his gaze to Secretary of State Wilkins: "Wilkins, how is the food plan you designed earlier going?"

These words were like a stone thrown into a calm lake, causing ripples.

The atmosphere in the conference room changed instantly, and several senior officials exchanged knowing glances.

Wilkins smiled faintly. “Yes, Mr. President, the ‘bread basket’ plan is ready and can be implemented at any time.”

He pulled a document from his briefcase and handed it to the president: "According to the agricultural trade agreement we signed with Longguo, the food that the United States currently exports to Longguo accounts for about 40% of its total domestic consumption. Mainly wheat, corn and soybeans."

Howell quickly scanned the documents, frowning slightly. "That's a higher percentage than I thought. Why are they so dependent on us for food?"

Wilkins explained: "This stems from their industrialization strategy in recent years. In order to rapidly develop military industry and heavy industry, Longguo transferred a large number of agricultural laborers to factories."

“At the same time, they also carried out large-scale land reforms, which led to a temporary decline in agricultural productivity.”

He turned to the second page of the document and pointed to a table. “To fill the food gap, they signed a five-year long-term supply contract with us. The contract stipulates a fixed price and quantity and is binding on both parties.”

CIA Director Horton interrupted at this time: "According to our intelligence, Longguo's strategic food reserves are only enough to support two to three months. If we interrupt the supply, they will face a serious food crisis."

National Security Advisor Brunson's original opposition to intervention changed subtly at this moment. His eyes flickered with interest. "What specific measures does this 'bread basket' plan include?"

Wilkins signaled his assistant to distribute a folder marked "Top Secret."

“The plan will be implemented in three phases. In the first phase, we will delay the shipment of already contracted grain, citing technical issues, to create a short-term supply shortage.”

He turned to the second page and continued: "In the second phase, we will use 'market volatility' as an excuse to increase grain prices from the current $1.85 per bushel to $2.75, an increase of nearly 50%."

Smith, an economist at the State Department, added: "This price increase will put enormous pressure on China's foreign exchange reserves. According to our calculations, if prices remain at this level for three months, they will deplete about 35% of their foreign exchange reserves."

Wilkins nodded and continued, “The third phase is the most critical – we will unilaterally reduce supply from 450 million tons per month to 200 million tons on the grounds of ‘violation of contract terms.’”

"What is the direct consequence of this?" Howell asked bluntly.

CIA Deputy Director White answered the question, his voice calm and almost cold.

"According to our model analysis, about 1.5 million people in China will face varying degrees of food shortages."

A brief silence fell in the meeting room. Even these veterans of political turmoil needed a moment to digest the meaning of this number.

“What is the legal basis for this plan?” Howell asked. “After all, we have a contract with Dragon Nation.”

State Department Legal Advisor Roberts responded: "There is a 'national security exception' clause in the contract that allows us to adjust supply conditions when national security is threatened. Given the conflict between China and Russia and the new weapons they have displayed, we can fully invoke this clause."

Howell nodded thoughtfully. "What about the political consequences?"

Wilkins replied: "In the short term, the leadership of the Dragon Kingdom will face tremendous pressure. They must choose between continuing the military conflict with the Russian Bear and meeting the basic needs of the domestic people. This will greatly reduce their strategic flexibility."

He closed the folder and spoke in a low, confident voice: "In the medium term, this will effectively curb Dragon Country's military expansion. The research and development and production of advanced weapon systems require huge amounts of money, and responding to the food crisis will consume most of their financial resources."

Bronson knocked on the table. "I see. This is actually a form of undeclared economic warfare. It can avoid the risk of direct military intervention while effectively weakening the Dragon Nation's strength."

"But will it backfire?" Secretary of Defense Thompson questioned. "If China realizes our intentions, they may accelerate their reconciliation with Russia and even trigger a broader anti-Eagle Sauce alliance."

Wilkins shook his head: "We've taken that into account."

“The execution of the plan will be spread across multiple departments, appearing to be a series of independent business decisions and technical issues. It will be difficult for Longguo to prove that this is a coordinated strategic move.”

"Furthermore," added CIA Director Horton, "we have prepared a series of cover-up operations. This includes spreading reports about global food production cuts and a 'spontaneous' campaign by American farmers demanding higher export prices."

Harrison, the president’s political adviser, interjected: “We also need to consider the domestic reaction. If the media finds out we are using food as a weapon, it could cause a moral controversy.”

Bronson scoffed: “So we don’t call it a ‘weapon,’ but an ‘economic adjustment measure’ or a ‘market response mechanism.’ The power of words, gentlemen.”

Howell considered the options before him.

Using food as a geopolitical tool is not unprecedented, but the scale and potential impact of this plan are.

“How reversible is this plan?” he asked. “If things go differently than we expected, can we adjust quickly?”

Wilkins nodded. "Yes, Mr. President. The plan has multiple 'exit points' designed in to allow us to resume normal supply at any stage. We can always adjust the policy on the grounds of 'resolving technical problems' or 'market stability'."

Howell stood up, walked to the window and looked in the direction of the Washington Monument.

After a moment of contemplation, he turned to face the powerful elites in the conference room, his voice firm and calm:

"Implement the 'bread basket' plan!"

"Phase one begins tomorrow. Report to me weekly on progress and effectiveness."