MTLNOVEL Chapter 546: Compromise
Beautiful Country, Black Palace.
A Black Palace press conference is underway, with President Jesmin answering questions from reporters about the Mediterranean incident.
"Regarding the Florida Nuclear Submarine being maliciously attacked by the Jieke Group in the Mediterranean, our Navy soldiers fought bravely, but were outnumbered. To avoid worsening international relations, the Florida Nuclear Submarine ultimately chose to cease fire and surfaced."
Jesmin spoke these words without expression, which was already sugarcoating the situation for himself.
In fact, he didn't want to attend this press conference since it was such an embarrassing situation.
But the issue was so significant—a nuclear submarine weighing 18,000 tons was captured—he had no choice but to personally explain to the entire society.
Just as Jesmin finished speaking, reporters from all over the world raised their hands eagerly.
"According to the details released by Jieke Group, it was the Beautiful Country secretly deploying a nuclear submarine into the Mediterranean to transport special forces, intending to engage in covert operations against Jieke Group, while showcasing the capture of Seal Assault Team soldiers to the media. Mr. President, are you saying that the Beautiful Country does not admit the captives held by Jieke Group are from the Seal Assault Team?"
A reporter stood up, a reporter from the Beautiful Country itself, directly challenging President Jesmin.
This might be unusual in other countries, but in the Beautiful Country, such journalists are quite common. Otherwise, former Beautiful Country presidents would not have frequently accused some media of 'fake news.'
Jesmin twitched slightly at the corner of his eye, immediately recognizing the journalist as belonging to a Republican faction, suppressing his anger and saying, "This is slander. Our Seal Assault Team soldiers only went to You Tai Country for some special tasks, and did not target Jieke Group, nor did they participate in any war. This is beyond doubt."
Although it was obvious to all that the Beautiful Country intended to stir up trouble with Jieke Group, as the President of the Beautiful Country, Jesmin naturally wouldn't admit a single bit of it. Even if everyone knew he was lying, his stance would not change.
"The Florida Nuclear Submarine is currently captured by Jieke Group at the Te Wei City port. According to photos taken by war correspondents, this strategic missile nuclear submarine is severely damaged, almost scrapped. This is a significant asset built with the taxpayers' money of our nation. The Black Palace authorities must be held accountable."
The reporter had no intention of letting Jesmin off the hook. He was a journalist under the Republican faction, and Jesmin was a president elected by the Democratic Party; seeing the opponent making such a significant mistake, he naturally wanted to take advantage of it.
"Indeed, I did not handle this matter well. We will immediately negotiate with Jieke Group. Now, on to the next reporter."
Jesmin did not continue to argue, as there was indeed no way to shift the responsibility for this one.
"Mr. Jesmin, the warship being captured is the first such treatment the Beautiful Country has received since World War II. Jieke Group has attacked the Beautiful Country so severely, wantonly slaughtering our soldiers. Will the Beautiful Country officially go to war with Jieke Group and strike this instigator of conflict all over?"
A reporter from Japan stood up, directly addressing the crux of the matter.
The question was whether the Beautiful Country would formally go to war with Jieke Group because of the Florida Nuclear Submarine incident.
Upon hearing this question, the entire audience of reporters focused their attention, as this could very well affect the future course of the world.
Even though You Tai Country has considerable influence, it cannot be considered a major power by territory or national strength.
Conversely, if the Beautiful Country goes to war with Jieke Group, the implications would be different.
One is a nation rich in resources, almost destined to rule with military bases around the world, possessing the strongest naval and air forces on the globe, also the leader of the Western world, the de facto world dominator.
The other, ruling over 600 million people, holds advanced genetic and mecha technology, and has a satellite network established by the Kunpeng Rocket, being an extremely formidable Southeast Asia dominator.
If these two countries were to go to war, it wouldn't just involve one or two countries; the S3 season might very well kick off.
Faced with this question, Jesmin's face stiffened, gesturing, "Regarding whether to go to war with Jieke Group, we can only say now, if Jieke Group does not return our Florida Nuclear Submarine, then considering war against Jieke Group will be formally brought up in Congress. The dignity of the Beautiful Country must not be insulted."
Many reporters below felt somewhat disappointed on hearing this. Jesmin's statement was clearly not intended for war; otherwise, the attitude and wording would have been much stronger.
Among the reporters, another journalist picked up the microphone excitedly, "Mr. President, Jieke Group just released news that your Florida Nuclear Submarine sank at the Te Wei City port."
Jesmin: "..."
The journalist, while speaking, displayed the news video on his phone, which was officially released by Jieke Group.
The video clearly showed the riddled Florida Nuclear Submarine floating at the Te Wei City port, taking on water everywhere, large bubbles surfacing around it, the submarine uncontrollably sinking to the bottom of the sea.
This submarine was blown to such a state by deep water bombs, and having not been repaired after returning to port, it finally could not hold on.
The reporter stared intently at Jesmin, saying, "Mr. President, it's clear that Jieke Group cannot return your Florida Nuclear Submarine. Can we assume the Beautiful Country is prepared to go to war with Jieke Group?"
Jesmin felt speechless inside, why did it sink now of all times, this is putting him on a hot seat.
"Well... let's put this matter aside for now, we need to study and discuss it thoroughly before making a decision."
Jesmin outright denied what he just said, it's impossible to go to war, what does face count for, politicians don't have such a thing.
For a country like You Tai, Beautiful Country is unwilling to involve itself in a state of war with Jieke Group, it is not worthwhile for Beautiful Country.
"Beautiful Country is the beacon of the free world, is it planning to turn a blind eye to the atrocities of Jieke Group in You Tai Country? You Tai Country is Beautiful Country's closest ally and partner, is Beautiful Country planning to abandon You Tai like it did with those Southeast Asian countries?"
A journalist with You Tai heritage spoke sorrowfully, tears streaming down as if to portray Beautiful Country as a heartless villain watching idly.
"The whole international community is condemning Jieke Group for the situation in You Tai Country, but rash warfare will only escalate the situation, which is not conducive to the establishment and maintenance of international relations, it will only bring more war and death to the world. Our Beautiful Country is the cornerstone of world peace, we won't do things that make the world increasingly dangerous."
Jesmin shamelessly proclaimed, the Beautiful Country that often ignites wars worldwide now becomes the good student facing Jieke Group.
After answering a few more questions, the press conference ended ahead of schedule, and Jesmin fled in haste.
Offstage, Jesmin immediately sought out the Secretary of State, instructing him: "Go negotiate with Jieke Group, get our captives released, and allow us to salvage the Florida nuclear submarine. We can allow them to conduct limited military actions in You Tai Country."
"Are we really going to compromise with Jieke Group?!"
The Secretary of State felt somewhat unwilling upon hearing the words.
"This is a necessary measure given that Jieke Group's military power is currently too strong. We have to wait for them to weaken, then it will be our opportunity to act. Being strong temporarily doesn't count as winning, surviving to the end is what makes a winner. Even the Red Bear was worn down by us in the past, and Jieke Group won't be an exception."
"I understand!"
"Remember, You Tai Country must be preserved, it cannot be allowed to perish."
Jesmin emphasized repeatedly, as long as You Tai Country doesn't fall, he has an account to give to the You Tai people.
In any case, You Tai's current territory was acquired through conquest after several wars, so conceding a bit is rightfully expected.
After all, they poked the hornet's nest with Jieke Group, knowing full well that even our Beautiful Country doesn't wish to mess around with Jieke Group, a financial and military powerhouse.
The Secretary of State nodded, then asked: "But what if Jieke Group ignores us and insists on annihilating You Tai Country?"
"Then... our intentions would have been expressed, what follows is in God's hands."
Jesmin shrugged, regarding arrangements for You Tai Country, one can only do one's best and leave the rest to destiny.
..............
"After the Florida sank during a mission in the Mediterranean and was captured by Jieke Group, it marked the largest military ship loss for Beautiful Country in the new century."
"Latest news, Jesmin issued a statement saying that regarding the Florida incident, they wish to consult mutually with Jieke Group, unwilling to officially go to war with them at this stage."
"You Tai Country faces another change, its greatest backer Beautiful Country is no longer reliable, where does You Tai's future lie?"
"Jesmin is the most cowardly Beautiful Country President in history, he has utterly disgraced Beautiful Country's position as Blue Star Dominator."
In Chan Country, in a garden courtyard, Su Jie sat on a chair, flipping through a newspaper with interest.
"It's really unexpected, even with such a big loss as that submarine, Beautiful Country tolerated. Their Secretary of State contacted us not long ago, expressing their willingness to negotiate, hoping we can allow You Tai Country to retain nationhood and a part of the territory, leaving another part to the Ba people."
Liu Yingying sat nearby, pouring tea for Su Jie, and quietly spoke.
"The You Tai people ultimately cannot decide the true national affairs of Beautiful Country, not worth Beautiful Country to fight desperately for them."
Su Jie drank tea, speaking nonchalantly: "Let the First Mecha Combat Brigade attack, first resolve the armed forces in You Tai Country. As for the future of You Tai, even if our kindness allows them leniency, those ancient rivals the Ba might not accept it. Our Jieke Group must respect the local will and cannot go against it!"
Liu Yingying understood Su Jie's intent, having angered their Jieke Group, thinking they can lightly brush it aside, the world doesn't work so conveniently.