Hong Kong Island: From a small stall to a global supplier

These days, nothing is easy, let alone at sea.

Don't be fooled by our smuggling, piracy, murder, and robbery; we still lack a sense of security!

While we were eating hotpot and singing on the boat, we were suddenly bombarded by cannons...

Where can I go to reason with you!

There are no good people at sea, you never know when you'll be unlucky enough to get slaughtered as soon as you step out the door.

The situation at Phuket Port is unusual; two warships are blocking both sides of the port, preventing any boat from getting out!

(As shown in the picture:)

These bastards were initially worried about how much they would have to bleed to leave, but a series of messages brought by the leaders of Phuket Island from the yacht shocked them so much that they didn't want to leave anymore.

First: The local tyrants Qiu and Chen gave away 51% of the port's shares for free.

Secondly: This Chinese tycoon surnamed Wang disliked Australians and beat him to death on the spot.

Another time: Boss Wang had a good relationship with a gang in Marseille, France, and liked the French. As a result, he was killed by his subordinates because he spoke a little too slowly.

Finally: The big boss ordered Phuket to be a safe haven, and a separate area will be designated as a black market. Anyone who dares to make a move outside the black market is doomed.

"If he says it's a safe harbor, then it's a safe harbor!"

As the saying goes, "A large forest has all kinds of birds," and naturally some people were unconvinced. "So what if the Qiu family or the Chen family? They've been like local tyrants in Phuket for a hundred years, but their words still have no effect. The government says it's going to crack down on corruption and bribery, but look at who isn't corrupt! It's impossible; it's just for show."

"Why should we listen to him?!"

"Because others have warships!" A bearded man slammed his wine glass down on the table next to him.

"So what if it's a warship? Can it stay here forever, as if Siam doesn't exist? It's still gone now, isn't it?"

"Okay, then you stay here and don't move. I'll call the police and see what's going on, okay?"

"Go and report it!"

"Don't move!" The bearded man stood up and walked directly to the front desk.

Seeing him make a phone call, the person on the other end was so nervous that his heart was about to jump out of his chest. His face turned pale and then red. Suddenly, he stood up and shouted, "You, you're just a puppy that hasn't been weaned. All you do is look for your mother."

After saying that, he got up and ran, filling the bar with a joyful atmosphere.

"Who is this Chinese bigwig? I've never heard of him before. When did he become so powerful?" a man wearing a headscarf asked loudly with curiosity.

“Sheng Yi, a powerful Chinese organization, haven’t you heard of it?” said a Chinese man who was involved in the underworld at a nearby table.

When China gained independence in 57, Chinese people made up more than 40% of the population in the Malay Peninsula, and as much as 60% in cities and more than 90% in rural areas.

Later, the poor Malays had more and more children, while the wealthy Chinese had a declining birth rate. By the 80 census, they accounted for only 32% of the population, and by 2020, they accounted for only 22%.

The uterine tactic is always effective!

“I’ve only ever heard of the Hung Society,” said the Indonesian militant from Aceh.

Seeing that most people didn't know, the Chinese man continued, "Hongmen is a general term, like the Peace Church, but the branches are different in different places. Sheng Yi is the newly emerging largest Chinese force in Southeast Asia. Just how powerful is it? Let me tell you, last time they mobilized more than 200 people to kill all the group members in Pattaya. Afterwards, they chased them to Australia and killed more than 100 people. They even killed more than a dozen police officers. The Australian government has designated it as a terrorist organization!"

Everyone gasped at the smell of alcohol; the terrorist organization was truly inhumane.

The most formidable force here is the rebels, but even rebels have a reason to kill. And think about this big shot's warships; they started bombing without saying a word upon meeting him, without any warning whatsoever. That's exactly the style of a terrorist organization.

“Hey, if the people at Sheng Yi hear you say that, you’re dead.” A Chinese man at another table grinned. “Sheng Yi never does illegal business.”

These words caused an instant silence in the bar, and then, for some unknown reason, someone burst into laughter, followed by everyone in the bar joining in the laughter.

They came and bombarded the ships, and because they were Australians, they shot and killed them. This is what they call not doing illegal business.

"What are you laughing at?" The man stood up, somewhat embarrassed and annoyed. "Shengyi never touches drugs, gambling, or prostitution. Isn't that legal enough?"

A loud shout silenced the bar once more, and everyone's faces were filled with astonishment.

Are there any powerful groups in this world that don't get involved in gambling, prostitution, and drugs?
Arabian Nights!

Seeing that the crowd still didn't believe him, the man sneered, "Otherwise, do you bunch of bastards think that the Qiu and Chen families are so easy to talk to, that they would send a single penny to the port and the municipal government would just obey and do as they say?"

Yes, everyone found it unbelievable. Qiu and Chen Zhen were so weak; they would have been devoured by the rebels from the surrounding countries long ago, leaving not even bones behind.

"Boss Wang runs a legitimate business, and he owns his own navy, army, and air force. He can make a fortune wherever he invests. Otherwise, why would he give away port shares to Wang Sheng for free? It's because he can make even more money!"

"If Phuket's economy improves, the mayor will get promoted, and everyone in the government will benefit. Why not listen to them!"

"Why didn't you leave after the warships left? Isn't it because you think there's something to gain? You all understand this, but what big shots wouldn't? Are you crazy?!"

After this explanation, everyone immediately agreed that it made sense, and they started talking even more enthusiastically.

Even though I commit murder and arson, I still prefer to stay in the safest cities...

Seeing that everyone's attention was gradually shifting away from the two of them, they put down their glasses and quietly slipped out to another nightclub.

That night, the Qiu and Chen families sent out many people to spread rumors. Their semi-legal, semi-criminal family influence absolutely could not be allowed to falter. For the sake of their own prestige, they had to elevate Wang Yaotang; these days, things weren't easy…

Everyone is trying their best to live...

The news of the impending major changes on Phuket Island quickly spread to Langkawi in Malaysia.

The Phuket and Langkawi area, guarding the Malacca Strait's golden waterway and the Indian Ocean's exit, was a hub for pirates. Stolen goods were sold in Phuket, which was crucial to everyone's pirate business.

(As shown in the picture:)

Pirates also appreciate a safe harbor...

Sigh, everyone's trying their best to live...

……

After leaving Phuket, Yangon is only 1000 kilometers away, and Myanmar has already arranged for its fleet to patrol the waterway.

Upon hearing that a mere wealthy businessman surnamed Wang actually possessed a modern warship, Burmese Navy Commander Shanta Nan was quite indignant. He personally boarded the naval flagship, a 'Castle-class frigate' built by Britain in the 40s, intending to give Wang Yaotang a severe beating.

Castle-class frigate:

Displacement: 1500 tons

武器配置：3门 102毫米单管舰炮，4门 40毫米博福斯机关炮，2具深水炸弹投掷器
(Note: This type of ship was built during World War II and sold to Burma after the war for use as a command ship. By the 80s, it was severely outdated and lacked modern equipment such as radar, and mainly performed symbolic tasks.)
The main combat force of the Myanmar Navy consists of two PF-class patrol frigates that were decommissioned by the United States after World War II.

Type: PF-103 class anti-submarine frigate
Displacement: 1450 tons

Armament configuration: 3 x 76mm single-barrel naval guns, 4 x 20mm autocannons, 1 x Hedgehog anti-submarine rocket launcher

(Note: After being transferred to Myanmar in the 50s, it was mainly used for coastal patrols, and by 1980 only the basic artillery system was retained.)

Myanmar is building three light frigates.
Model: Unknown
Displacement: 600 tons

Armament configuration: 2 x 57mm twin-barreled naval guns, 2 x 25mm autocannons

(Note: Built in the 60s by the Yangon Naval Shipyard, it has rough workmanship and poor seaworthiness, and mainly operates in inland waters such as the Irrawaddy River estuary.)
The fleet also includes 41 river and coastal patrol boats, as well as 36 gunboats ranging from 49 to 100 tons for patrol missions in inland and near-shore waters.

In an effort to thoroughly intimidate Wang Yaotang, the entire Myanmar Navy was mobilized, which looked quite impressive.

"A wealthy businessman actually dared to support the rebels like Luo and Peng, while those idiots in the army were utterly humiliated by the rebels, wasting so many years of the country's military spending!" Navy Commander Shandanan said with some dissatisfaction in the flagship's observation room.

During the Nyan military junta era, Myanmar primarily focused on developing its army. Of course, the navy was also something the poor couldn't afford.

"Now they're even inviting them to invest? Bah! The army's idiots have completely disgraced the Burmese people!"

"Yes, yes."

"Their army is shameless, but our navy is. Some damn Chinese tycoon can threaten the security of Yangon. They are simply ignorant of their own limitations."

"Otherwise, if those idiots in the Foreign Affairs Department were truly capable, they wouldn't have been sanctioned and blocked by so many countries!"

"They just picked up some tabloid and brought it back to report, what a bunch of idiots who only know how to loaf around and wait to die!"

"I think it's just bragging about warships. Even the country has difficulty maintaining them, let alone a rich man like him. What would be the point of maintaining them if they don't make money? They're most likely converted civilian ships," the Myanmar Navy Rear Admiral said with a smile.

That's quite an insightful point; even a large organization like Rio Tinto can only maintain a small-scale deterrent force.

The Navy is a high-tech military branch. Wang Yaotang paid a monthly salary of $2000. With 300 people, that's $7.2 million a year. The two 037 ships also need training, maintenance, fuel, etc., so the annual cost will exceed $10 million!
The state can provide a small salary for soldiers due to their special status, but private employment is definitely not an option.

Therefore, the Myanmar Navy personnel believed that the gunboats were converted from civilian ships, just like their 41 patrol vessels for inland and coastal waters.

Myanmar has a richer geographical location, population, mineral resources, and marine resources than neighboring Siam, and theoretically its system is also more advanced... but the people have made a complete mess of its development. In order to avoid being brought down by the people, it has now had to close its borders and its external information channels are very lagging behind. Wang Yaotang's information is still obtained from newspapers and magazines, which is not comprehensive at all.

They invited Wang Yaotang over because they thought the Chinese were giving them a warning. As for Wang Yaotang himself, they weren't really afraid.

It's absurd that such a large country would be afraid of a wealthy businessman!

Before long, the observer on the watchtower reported that a ship was approaching; without radar, they could only observe it visually…

"Send a communication to confirm," the adjutant ordered.

A moment later, "the other party identified himself as Wang Yaotang."

“Let’s go see this audacious fellow.” Sandan stood up.

Everyone here is Burmese, and they don't like Chinese people in the first place. They are even more annoyed by Wang Yaotang, who is stirring up trouble.

As they picked up binoculars and the two sides drew closer, the group of people gradually frowned. This shape... it really was a warship.

The designs of military and civilian vessels are vastly different.

"Ha, it's just a small patrol boat!" the rear admiral scoffed. "Ours is a real frigate with a displacement of 1500 tons!"

Another ten minutes or so passed, and the two sides were even closer, able to see the weapons on the ship.

On the left, a warship has two twin-mounted shipborne guns of unknown caliber at the bow and fore and aft, and there also appears to be an anti-submarine rocket launcher at the bow.

The warship on the right, of similar size, looks rather intimidating. Its aft deck is clearly equipped with missile launchers, and it appears to be a Russian-made Styx.

"No..." the major general said, getting a little agitated. "Are the Chinese just trying to play games? Giving us gunboats is one thing, but why are they even bringing out missile ships? This is going too far!"

"Nonsense!" Shandanan put down his binoculars and glared at him. "This is being sold to Somalia. Watch your words!"

Everyone: Commander, didn't you surrender too quickly?
This is to avoid giving others a reason to criticize.

However, no one refuted this. They knew their own warships better than anyone else. The flagship's three 102mm single-barreled naval guns were just for show. If they dared to fire, the guns would explode immediately.

Those two American-made ships are still usable, but they only have three 76mm single-barreled naval guns, and their fire control systems are severely outdated. They're even worse than manual aiming.

The truly combat-ready vessels are the domestically produced corvettes. Although they also have twin 57mm naval guns, the barrels are shorter, the rate of fire is slower, the assembly precision is far inferior to that of the Chinese, and the fire control system is outdated. In a real fight, four of them might not be able to defeat one of the Chinese.

The navy is not like the army. In the navy, gaps in equipment can be made up for by manpower. The navy is a truly high-tech branch of the military. If the equipment is inferior, it will be impossible to win, no matter how much training is done.

What's more, the other side also has a damn missile boat equipped with Styx missiles, the same kind that sank Israel's destroyer "Eilat" during the Third Arab-Israeli War.

The Eilat: Standard displacement 1700 tons, full load displacement 2500 tons, bigger and more advanced than the one under their butts!

If a conflict were to actually occur, the consequences would be unimaginable.

As for whether the other side dares to open fire, they have no doubt at all. They even used transport planes loaded with explosives to charge before. What else is there that the Wang family wouldn't dare to do!
This guy is now a Hong Kong citizen, or rather, a British citizen, so no one in China has to take responsibility for what he does.

Little Britain: Yes, I did it. We attacked Argentina in the south and Myanmar in the north. That's how awesome we are!
Given Myanmar's international environment, it's not a big deal if they take on the responsibility; it will allow Little Britain to regain its presence in Southeast Asia.

"Ahem, our guests have arrived. As the hosts, we should start our ships to greet them. That would be the proper etiquette," said Navy Commander Sandanan with a light cough.

"Yes, yes, we should welcome them!" the crowd echoed.

The two sides quickly approached each other, and after exchanging a few pleasantries, Shandanan invited Wang Yaotang over. In return, Wang Yaotang invited them to visit his newly purchased luxury yacht.

Only then did the Myanmar Navy notice the blue and white luxury yacht following a few hundred meters behind the two warships. Looking at the old, dilapidated World War II vessel beneath them, a group of people blushed.

Before long, two 6-meter-long speedboats were seen being launched from the luxury yacht and rapidly approaching, cutting through the waves. Shandanan and his group boarded the speedboats with smiles.

The speedboat has an aluminum alloy structure, the deck is clearly made of teak, the sofas are made of sharkskin, and the handrails are all gold-plated, highlighting its luxury.

There is a dedicated speedboat docking station at the rear of the luxury yacht. Once it approaches, it automatically inserts itself into the dock, and then the small boat slowly rises and finally inserts itself into the first deck. Wang Yaotang is already waiting here.

"General Shandanan, it's a pleasure to meet you." Wang Yaotang smiled and extended his hand.

“Mr. Wang, welcome, welcome! It’s such a pleasant surprise that you can speak Burmese.” Shandanan stretched out his hands, his face full of astonishment.

"It's alright. How can you survive in this world if you can't communicate with the locals? Besides, it's not difficult. You'll get it after listening a few times." Wang Yaotang laughed.

Shandanan's expression stiffened slightly. What do you mean by "you'll get it after listening a few times"?

That sounds so pretentious!

“Mr. Wang is so intelligent. I couldn’t do it. I really couldn’t learn it,” Shandanan said with a smile, offering his compliment.

After introducing themselves, Wang Yaotang smiled and showed them around his luxury yacht, leaving the group of Burmese idiots speechless with shock.

Measuring 67 meters in length and displacing 1500 tons, it's comparable to their flagships. The luxurious décor goes without saying—after all, yachts are meant to be luxurious, something warships can't match—but its high-tech equipment is impressive. The Dahan is equipped with a Furuno 24-inch radar with a detection range of 64 nautical miles, a Simrad autopilot system with wave compensation, and a quantum zero-speed stabilizing fin that reduces roll by 90% even when anchored…

The Burmese warships have even damaged their basic radar functions, which means Wang Yaotang can evade their search and approach Yangon at any time. This is extremely dangerous.

Upon hearing that the yacht cost a staggering $2500 million, the group suddenly felt they should take off their shoes... lest someone step on them and damage them.

This yacht is worth more than the entire Myanmar Navy's total value.

After touring the luxury yachts, Shandanan expressed his desire to visit the warships.

"Sure, but once we're in port, there's not much to see. They're all old models, the old Chinese 0. Their main features are speed and fierce firepower. Their only combat record is sinking the South Vietnamese frigate 'Nu Tao'." Wang Yaotang laughed and pointed at the 0, saying, "Oh, by the way, I heard recently, I heard, that there was a commercial conflict in the South China Sea."

Wang Yaotang emphasized the commercial aspect, stating, "A Patimula-class frigate, a warship with a standard displacement of 1050 tons, was sunk, and everyone on board died."

Shandanan stared wide-eyed at Wang Yaotang. "Are you threatening me?"
You're definitely threatening me!
Do you think I, a dignified naval commander, would be threatened by you?
Shandanan roared, "Mr. Wang, you are mighty!"

Wang Yaotang smiled reservedly, "By the way, before I came here, I heard from some friends that your country is very dissatisfied with some of my business practices, and many people are saying that they want to punish me?"

"Really? I've never heard of it." Shandanan looked blankly at the others behind him. "Have you guys heard of it?"

"No!" Everyone shook their heads.

"See, no, Mr. Wang, don't believe the rumors. Myanmar welcomes foreign businessmen to invest, which is why we invited you here."

"Ah, it's just a rumor. I'm relieved then." Wang Yaotang laughed. "I came to Myanmar to invest. After all, I'm a businessman."

"Welcome, very welcome!" (End of Chapter)