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

After saying this, Molotov relaxed a little.

This proposal went beyond what Joseph had originally authorized, but after witnessing the power of the Dragon Nation firsthand, he judged it necessary to increase the stakes.

Despite this, he still deliberately avoided the issue of nuclear technology, which the Dragon Country is most likely to be interested in - that is the bottom line of the Russian Bear, and at least in the first round of negotiations, he did not want to mention it proactively.

"Finally," Molotov concluded his statement in a more emotional tone, "I want to emphasize that the Russians and the Chinese have always been comrades and brothers in the Red Front camp."

"This conflict between us was actually caused by the provocation of the Eagle Sauce. Comrade Joseph deeply regrets this and hopes that we can reconcile and jointly fight the threat of imperialism."

This statement is half true and half false.

The tense relationship between Russia and China has a long history and cannot be simply explained by "Eagle-sauce instigation."

But in the current critical situation, reiterating ideological unity may be able to evoke some emotional resonance in jointly resisting the West.

After listening to Molotov's statement, Mr. Lu nodded slightly, his expression still unreadable.

He whispered a few words to several Dragon Country officials beside him, then looked at Molotov again.

“Thank you, Comrade Molotov, for your sincerity.”

Mr. Lu's voice was steady and powerful.

"We will seriously consider proposals regarding border issues and resource extraction rights."

"However, before responding, I would like to clarify one point - the conflict between China and Russia is not entirely due to external instigation, but has more complex historical roots."

"However, these historical grievances should not become an obstacle to our current cooperation."

This response was neither humble nor arrogant, and it directly exposed Molotov's attempt to simplify history.

Mr. Lu was clearly unwilling to compromise on the historical narrative, but he did not refuse to continue the dialogue.

"Taking into account the current international situation and the common challenges facing the Red Front," Mr. Lu continued, his tone becoming more explicit, "the Dragon Government has decided that we can agree to allow the Russians to withdraw safely and to cease the current military standoff."

This statement made Molotov feel relieved.

The first goal of the negotiations - lifting the siege of the Far Eastern Corps - seemed to have been achieved.

But Mr. Lu’s next words surprised him.

"Not only that," Mr. Lu's tone showed a hint of gentleness for the first time, "we also understand the pressure the Russian bear is currently facing on the western front. Longguo is willing to provide certain military assistance, including but not limited to weapons, equipment, strategic materials, etc."

"If necessary, Longguo could even consider sending some troops to assist the Russians in fighting against NATO forces on the western front."

Molotov could hardly believe his ears.

The most optimistic outcome he expected was that Longguo would agree to release the besieged Russian army and maintain a fragile peace.

But now, Longguo not only agreed to this, but also took the initiative to offer military assistance and was even willing to send troops to participate in the war?

This is simply a fantasy!

He subconsciously looked around, trying to find some hint of a joke or a trap in the expressions of the Dragon Nation delegation members, but he only saw serious and determined faces.

However, Molotov quickly calmed down.

As an experienced diplomat, he knows that there is no free lunch in the world.

Behind the Dragon Kingdom's "generosity", there must be some deeper considerations or requirements.

"Mr. Lu," Molotov said carefully, his eyebrows raised slightly, "your proposal is indeed unexpected and very sincere. If Longguo is truly willing to support the Russians on the Western Front, it will greatly change the current military situation."

"The NATO coalition is indeed powerful, but I believe that with the assistance of the Dragon Nation, we are fully capable of driving them out of the territory of the Russian Bear."

He paused and looked directly at Mr. Lu.

“But I have to ask, what does Longguo expect to gain in return? After all, such assistance is no small matter.”

When Mr. Lu heard this question, a faint smile appeared on his face.

It wasn't a mocking or smug smile, but an expression of knowingness, as if he had anticipated Molotov's question.

"Comrade Molotov has spoken directly, so I won't beat around the bush."

Mr. Lu's tone became more friendly, but with a firmness that could not be ignored.

“The word ‘price’ sounds a bit unkind, more like a transaction than comradeship. I prefer to view it as a mutually beneficial cooperation.”

Molotov maintained a diplomatic smile, but his nerves were tense inside.

He knew very well that the real conditions were only coming now.

“Our request is actually very simple.”

Mr. Lu's eyes were bright and his voice was calm but powerful.

"Longguo hopes to obtain authorization to build one or two railway lines across the Eurasian continent on the territory of the Russian Bear, connecting Longguo with Europe."

Hearing this, an indescribable expression crossed Molotov's face.

At first glance, this request does not seem excessive, and can even be said to be quite restrained.

But Molotov instantly realized the strategic implications of this - it meant that Longguo would gain a passage through the entire territory of the Bear, directly connecting to Europe.

From an economic perspective, this will greatly enhance Longguo's trade capabilities; from a military perspective, this may become a bridgehead for Longguo to expand its influence westward.

“Of course, these railways will be used strictly for peaceful purposes, primarily to promote trade and cultural exchange.”

Mr. Lu added, seemingly seeing through Molotov's doubts.

"We can sign a detailed agreement stipulating the scope and conditions of use of the railway to ensure that the sovereignty and security of the bear are not affected."

Molotov maintained the diplomat's unique ability to control his facial expressions, but his heart was already in turmoil.

This proposal seems simple, but it is actually profound.

If this request is agreed to, it would be tantamount to allowing Longguo to have a permanent presence in the heartland of the Russian Bear.

Moreover, once the railway is completed, China will be able to bypass the restrictions of maritime transportation and establish direct connections with Europe, which will be a serious challenge to Russia's long-standing position as a bridge between Europe and Asia.

However, the current military situation leaves the Russians with almost no room for bargaining.

The army on the Western Front was retreating, the Far East troops were besieged, and the domestic economy collapsed - if it were not for the assistance of the Dragon Country, the Russian Empire might really fall apart in this crisis.