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

The South China Sea authorities are very interested in undertaking something big like this.

Limited by cold chain technology, the domestic fishing industry is currently in a rather abnormal state...

The southern coastal areas have the richest marine fishery resources and the most developed fishing activities. However, due to preservation issues, they cannot be transported and can only be sold in southern coastal cities.

On the contrary, in the northern regions, the natural temperature after winter arrives can preserve freshness, and various kinds of sea fish can be transported to the village level.

In winter, various organizations distribute boxes of yellow croaker, ribbonfish, crabs, and other seafood as New Year's gifts.

Throughout the 80s, due to the lack of cold chain transportation, marine fish could not be sold to inland areas. In addition, with the current abundance of fishery resources, the price of marine fish is outrageously low, making the profession of fisherman extremely unpopular.

Those in the South China Sea who were quite familiar with the fisheries situation looked at each other blankly when they heard Wang Yaotang say he was going to do something big.

After having tea brought up, the group sat on the deck of 05 and started chatting.

"Where does Comrade Yaotang plan to go fishing?" the governor asked with a smile.

"Xisha." Wang Yaotang pointed south.

"Not the Beibu Gulf?" The governor was somewhat surprised.

There are four major fishing grounds in Laos: the Yellow Sea-Bohai Sea fishing ground, the Zhoushan fishing ground, the South China Sea coastal fishing ground, and the Beibu Gulf fishing ground. The South China Sea coastal fishing ground refers to the Pearl River Delta coast of Guangdong, while the Beibu Gulf refers to the sea area between Hainan, Guangxi, and Annam.

“There are too many conflicts in the Beibu Gulf.” Wang Yaotang shook his head. “In addition, a very important reason why this place can be rated as one of the four major fishing grounds is that it is convenient to fish nearby, there are few typhoons, and the catch volume is large, among other factors. However, the fish species caught are all sold at very low prices.”

"As far as I know, in fishing grounds like Zhoushan and its southern waters, the yield of large yellow croaker is so huge that it simply cannot be stored. A lot of it is left to rot on the docks, it's really..."

"Fishing in the Xisha Islands does have many inconveniences, such as the seabed being rocky, the waves being large, the distance from the mainland being too far for supplies, and the lack of safe harbors. However, most of the fish caught there are high-value fish such as snapper, grouper, tuna, silver pomfret, wrasse, saury, sea cucumber, shellfish, abalone, and dragonfish."

"I'm in the fishing business because I want to sell these fish to places like Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan, Siam, Singapore, and Japan. I want to make money off the rich!"

"It can really be used to earn foreign exchange!" Er Mao, standing next to him, couldn't help but ask in surprise.

Now, everyone in China, from top to bottom, is thinking about earning foreign exchange.

“The seafood markets in Hong Kong and Macau are all controlled by the Big Four. I’m the biggest of the Big Four, so I’ll definitely prioritize buying goods from my own people first,” Wang Yaotang said with a faint smile.

This isn't organized crime... ptooey, it's a local force that can be united!
“In the coastal areas of Siam, my Sheng Yi is still the most powerful. Even the Chinese businessmen in Singapore who are engaged in fishing have to give me special treatment.”

"The situation is similar in Taiwan. Although my influence isn't there, they still have to give me face. I can still speak for the three major organizations in Japan."

"I'm saying this to give everyone confidence. Given the sea conditions in the Xisha Islands, it's already good if we can catch seafood for half a year. In fact, the 6 million people in Hong Kong and Macau alone consume 300,000 tons of seafood a year. Even if we have a large ocean-going fishing fleet, catching 20,000 to 30,000 tons a year would be very impressive."

Hearing this, everyone's morale immediately soared.

Production has always been the simplest thing; the biggest problem is how to sell it.

"What are Comrade Yaotang's plans?" the governor asked with a smile.

"The waters around the Xisha Islands are not suitable for large fishing vessels. Steel-hulled fishing boats with a displacement of 500 tons are just right. We will start with a fleet of 10 vessels to operate nearby, equipped with two professional fish-collecting vessels to transport fresh catches, and a 2000-ton offshore processing vessel to handle the low-value catches. There will be almost no waste."

"If development goes smoothly, we will expand the fleet later."

"This investment..." The governor was not a businessman after all, and he was a little embarrassed to talk about it.

“I’ll provide the money, and we’ll provide the personnel. We’ll split the shares 40/60,” Wang Yaotang said with a smile.

"No, this is absolutely unacceptable." The governor hurriedly waved his hand and said with a serious face, "You have to provide the money, buy the ship, and sell the goods. The resettlement of retired soldiers is our job. Finding them jobs has already solved a major problem for us. It's like we did nothing and still want a 60% cut. This is shameless!"

Wang Yaotang was taken aback. "I meant I get six and you get four..."

"You're giving us 80% and we're giving you 20%, that's already a huge advantage for you. If we weren't in such dire straits, we wouldn't take advantage of you like that!"

"It's not exactly taking advantage," Wang Yaotang said with a smile. "We still need to put in some effort. Long-term operations in the Xisha Islands require a port to shelter from storms."

The governor thought for a moment and said, “What are your considerations? If it’s about a fishing base and you’re considering security, then Yongxing Island is the best option. There are currently 200 people stationed on the island, less than 20 in the working committee and offices, and more than 30 construction workers. In addition, it has been decided that an airport will be built on Yongxing Island, and it will be developed to a certain extent later. It is more suitable as a base for a fishing company.”

"If you have other plans, you can also tell me."

Wang Yaotang smiled broadly, "Fisheries companies are all about making money, so Yongxing Island is definitely the place for them. But, are the ports, docks, and airports there convenient for my private fleet to dock and resupply?"

"In principle, there's definitely no problem; it's just normal commercial berthing," the governor said with a smile.

Wang Yaotang nodded. "It's possible in principle, but it's not possible in practice."

The reason he could roam the martial arts world so freely was that, legally speaking, there was no connection between the Chinese and the old.

If the leader doesn't get involved, and it's the lower-level factions fighting to the death, then the situation can be controlled.

This is a struggle within the rules. If the leader himself gets involved, then he can't play the game and will only make people laugh.

Of course, there's a premise here: you can harm national interests, but you can't harm personal interests. If you harm personal interests, then it's truly a fight to the death...

This is called clearly separating public and private matters...

Wang Yaotang thought for a moment and then asked again, "What is our view on the Spratly Islands?"

"The Spratly Islands are our indisputable territory."

"Of course, of course. In my view, the whole of Southeast Asia is our tributary state and should be under our jurisdiction. I mean the current expectation."

The governor thought for a moment and said, “You are one of us, so I will not hide some things from you. In March 1987, just recently, the 14th session of the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of UNESCO resolved to require us to establish a marine observation station in the South China Sea. The higher-ups decided to send people to the Spratly Islands in May to conduct surveys. We will be responsible for the protection work and will mainly investigate Meiji Reef, Zhubi Reef, Yongshu Reef and Chigua Reef.”

"Unsurprisingly, limited development will definitely take place, with permanent fortifications built and personnel stationed. However, from a practical standpoint, the subsequent construction work will inevitably not go smoothly, and the Annamese side will certainly obstruct it."

"Under the current international situation, our principle regarding the Spratly Islands is to emphasize their ownership."

Wang Yaotang nodded to indicate that he understood. Building a permanent residence demonstrates ownership and actual control... let's see the wisdom of future generations.

"Where in the Spratlys would be a suitable location for a military base, one that combines military and economic advantages?" Wang Yaotang asked.

He can't possibly know about this kind of thing on his own, and it has nothing to do with whether he has money or not.

"Zhubi Reef, Yongshu Reef, Nanwei Island, Zhongye Island," the governor said without hesitation.

"Judging from what the Governor is saying, there's a problem with Zhongye Island?" Wang Yaotang raised an eyebrow.

"Zhongye Island is only 30 kilometers away from Zhubi Reef. In 46, the Republic of China government dispatched the warship 'Zhongye' to take over NSQD, officially recovered it, erected a monument and conducted surveys. Subsequently, it was stationed with troops for a long time. In 71, the Taiwanese troops stationed on the island withdrew due to a typhoon, and the Philippines took the opportunity to send troops to occupy the island. After that, in 78, the Philippine side enacted Presidential Decree No. 1596 to expand military facilities."

Wang Yaotang frowned. The occupation of Nanwei Island and Zhongye Island demonstrated just how weak China's control over the South China Sea was.

Forty years later, both islands were still under occupation...

Why are Nanwei Island and Zhongye Island ranked after the two reefs?

"The reason why we erected a monument and stationed people on Zhongye Island back then was because of the geographical conditions. At least it was an island, and the water depth was acceptable. But now, from a developmental perspective, the reefs of both islands are too small. Zhongye Island is only 2 square kilometers, which can only accommodate ships of up to 1,000 tons. Anything larger would require the transformation of the coral reef. The situation is similar on Nanwei Island, which is only 2 square kilometers in size and can currently only accommodate ships of up to 1,000 tons."

The governor explained with a smile, “But although only a few thousand square meters of Zhubi Reef and Yongshu Reef are visible above the water at high tide, Zhubi Reef has a reef platform area of ​​16.1 square kilometers, a lagoon area of ​​7 square kilometers, and a maximum depth of 24 meters. With a little modification, it can become a natural harbor. Yongshu Reef has a reef platform area of ​​over 100 square kilometers, a lagoon area of ​​80 square kilometers, and a water depth of 12 meters!”

"The best one is Meiji Reef, an oval coral atoll with a total reef area of ​​about 57 square kilometers and a lagoon area of ​​36 square kilometers. With a depth of 20-30 meters, it's a natural harbor. However, its location in the middle of the Spratly Islands, not close to shipping routes, makes it less economically viable." Wang Yaotang pondered for a moment. "So, Nanwei Island and Zhongye Island can be seized and used immediately, with existing structures, but their prospects are limited. Zhubi Reef and Yongshu Reef have broad future prospects, but they need to be developed independently?"

"We are definitely going to develop these two reefs."

"Rent one to me?" Wang Yaotang said with a grin.

“The Annamese will definitely obstruct the construction.”

Our predictions in this regard were quite accurate. Indeed, a battle was fought at Chigua Reef in 88, in which Annam was utterly defeated, but they were left untouched on the several islands they had occupied...

Not just Nanwei Island and Zhongye Island...

“Then let’s fight! My development is a purely commercial endeavor. If they dare to make a move, I’m ready to fight them to the bitter end. Let’s throw money at them, who’s afraid of who!” Wang Yaotang said with a smile.

The governor smiled and gave a thumbs up, saying, "Young people like this have a temper. I'll talk to the higher-ups about this. Rather than letting outsiders occupy it, it's better to let our own people develop it."

Wang Yaotang burst into laughter.

Having finished discussing the matter, after resting in the South China Sea for a day and waiting for confirmation from the governor, I immediately took a private plane straight to Shanghai.

This is my first time in Shanghai in my life. How should I put it? It's pretty... run-down.

It has a Shanghai vibe reminiscent of a movie.

It was indeed luxurious. He stayed at the Longbai Hotel on Hongqiao Road, Building 1, which was the Sassoon Villa, also known as 'Louis Villa', built in 1932. It covered an area of ​​33000 square meters and had a building area of ​​960 square meters. The eastern part was two stories, while the central and western parts were one story. During this period, it was specially used to receive important foreign guests.

Wang Yaotang is now a person of considerable influence.

The first thing I thought of after moving in was to buy it, but I didn't say anything in the end. I was too presumptuous.

However, his determination to buy a villa only grew stronger. He asked the staff here to inquire about the limited number of such houses, and they found one right away. Wang Yaotang immediately took a liking to the former Spanish Minister's Residence at No. 329, Xinhua Road, which covers an area of ​​905 square meters and has a building area of ​​543 square meters.

After the outbreak of war, the Spanish minister withdrew. In 56, Zhou Junshi's daughter purchased the property through special channels. In the early 80s, most of Zhou Junshi's descendants lived abroad, and the property was managed by relatives in China, but it was not publicly traded.

If Wang Yaotang wants to buy this house, he needs to contact the descendants of Zhou Junshi, then transfer it through overseas remittance channels, and obtain dual approval from the Cultural Relics Management Committee and the Housing Management Bureau.

In 86, the Haige Garden property at Lane 1006, Huashan Road, was sold through a Hong Kong real estate agent for US$4675 per square meter. Both properties were designed by László Hudec. At this price, Wang Yaotang directly spent US$400 million, making the complicated procedures suddenly simple and convenient...

The authorities put these villas up for display in order to earn foreign exchange.

Therefore, money can solve 99% of the problems.

Of course, Wang Yaotang didn't need to handle these things personally; he only needed to sign the checks, and the Bank of China in Hong Kong would settle the accounts. After looking at the house for the first day, he went straight to the Shanghai Shipyard.

Theoretically, the factory manager didn't need to personally receive him, but he was genuinely curious about just how young this wealthy man from Hong Kong really was.
Why did the higher-ups agree to let him commission a state-of-the-art warship?
Where do those custom ideas come from?

"It wasn't me who placed the order; I helped Somalia place the order. I was just an agent," Wang Yaotang said with a hearty laugh.

"Ah, yes, yes, yes," the factory manager nodded with a smile.

When meeting with the designers, Wang Yaotang gave the same explanation: the enemy didn't have any advanced submarines, so cutting corners was necessary and a way of adapting to local conditions. Although there was no modular design concept yet, it wasn't impossible to make changes.

The anti-aircraft cannons are equipped with radar and fire control systems; all that's needed is to adjust the data to interface with anti-aircraft missiles.

The helicopter deck is also easy to modify; the space for the removed anti-submarine missiles is just right.

On the contrary, the whole ship's air conditioning and the expansion of food reserves are major projects, requiring modifications to the internal cabins, pipes, and circuits, as well as increasing the generator power.

However, overall it is all within the framework. Coincidentally, there are two Type 053 destroyers currently under construction, and the interior is not yet assembled. The construction and launching are estimated to take about 5 months.

Wang Yaotang had no objection to this; he was already grateful that they were willing to build it.

The H1 model's cost increased to 1500-1800 million due to the replacement of the YJ-8 missile and the upgrade of electronic equipment, which is approximately 750-900 million US dollars according to the current official exchange rate. Wang Yaotang wanted to customize and modify it, which further increased the cost to 1000 million US dollars.

It's normal for foreign military sales to increase by five, six, seven, or eight times. Of course, that's the US ripping people off, but this could also be considered aid. Considering that they're all on our side, they gave a 2.5 times premium, setting the price at $2500 million.

Wang Yaotang agreed without hesitation. As a bonus, he also asked for 3 years of free maintenance. Of course, he would have to pay the cost price for replacement parts.

Everything is ready, just waiting for May!
Everything was settled, the money was transferred, and Wang Yaotang was very happy. He treated the relevant personnel from the factory to a big meal and drinks.

After finishing the business, I didn't leave immediately. I also wanted to visit E-Mart Motorcycle Co., Ltd. during this trip to Shanghai.

"What the heck is Yi Chu Motorcycle Factory?" Wang Yaotang looked at the China Resources staff in Shanghai with some surprise. "No, I remember it was Shanghai Motorcycle Manufacturing Factory, right?"

"In 85, the motorcycle factory underwent restructuring due to outdated technology and operational difficulties. The Siam Charoen Pokphand Group invested US$2500 million in a joint venture, acquiring a 50% stake, and also helped introduce technology from Honda of Japan. As a result, the motorcycle factory was renamed 'Yi Chu,' taking the name of Mr. Xie Yi Chu," said a staff member from China Resources.

"No way, I... I didn't know we could do joint ventures!" Wang Yaotang said, looking annoyed and his eyes practically popping out of their sockets with envy. "I could invest too, I could bring in companies! Xie Yichu is just a stinking feed seller, what does he know about motorcycles!"

The people from China Resources just smiled...

"Motorcycles are in short supply right now, with every unit produced selling out. How can this be considered technologically backward and business difficult? Are you kidding me?"

The people from China Resources just gave awkward smiles...

Wang Yaotang was so angry that he put his hands on his hips. Wasn't this bullying an honest person?

"Mr. Wang, what do you think..." After a long pause, the China Resources representative asked cautiously.

"Explain the ins and outs of this to me!" Wang Yaotang asked with a dark face.

"CP Group was the first foreign company to enter our hometown. In 79, it invested US$3000 million with the American Concord Group to establish CP Concord in Pengcheng Town."

Wang Yaotang: "..."

"As for joint ventures, they were approved in 1980. The first one was Beijing Air Catering Company, established in Beijing by Ms. Wu Shuqing from Hong Kong: Foreign Investment Approval No. (1980) 1. Theoretically, foreign capital can only hold 49% of the shares, but CP Group promised to export 80% of its products, so it was specially approved to hold 50% of the shares."

Wang Yaotang took a deep breath and said, "I knew it couldn't be anything due to poor management!"

If you can go, so can I!

What technology did he introduce?

"Honda's Happiness 125".

"Today's inspection is canceled. I'll call Xie Yichu first!" Wang Yaotang felt he needed to chat with the old man Xie and learn from his successful business practices.

Originally, I was planning to set up a Happiness 250 venue in Myanmar, but now that you have the technology for Happiness 125, of course we need to upgrade it.

I'm sure Lao Xie won't mind.

In addition, he also wanted to learn from Old Xie's experience. If there was Yi Chu Motorcycle Factory, why couldn't there be Yao Tang Tractor Factory, Yao Tang Engine Factory, Yao Tang Shipyard...

It's just about importing technology!

It's just export!
If the feed seller can do it, why can't I?

Let's do it! (End of Chapter)