Nanyang Storm 1864

Chapter 588 Destroying the Combined Fleet
The Anglo-Japanese Alliance, signed again in 1905, was a military alliance entirely aimed at Tsarist Russia. It contained numerous restrictive arbitration clauses, as stipulated in the alliance treaty.

The core clause of the alliance treaty is that its validity cannot involve military confrontations or wars against Chu and the United States in the Western Pacific.

British explanation
This is to avoid the traditional close allies in the Pacific Rim region, the United States and Britain, from overinterpreting the military alliance treaty and thus developing a defensive and confrontational mentality, a situation that the British government absolutely does not want to see.

Such a crippled alliance undoubtedly left the Japanese with a lingering resentment, making them feel increasingly used, yet they were powerless to do anything about it.

In the Anglo-Japanese Alliance, Britain has always been the dominant party, much like the man in a family.

Fusang is a weak and dependent entity, much like a woman in a family who can complain endlessly but cannot change anything.

Since the Meiji Restoration, Japan has developed an atmosphere of behind-the-scenes politics, where powerful figures known as "elders" have retreated to the background and remotely controlled the government through the influence of political factions, forming a unique "secret culture."

After making the decision to make a complete concession, seeing the tense atmosphere, Yamagata Aritomo encouraged the bigwigs present.
"Gentlemen, the road to expansion is winding and difficult, but as long as we have firm faith, we will eventually be able to achieve our dream of colonial territory."

in this regard
We should learn from Emperor Zheng Guohui of the Chu Kingdom's strategy of patience in Australia, remaining inactive for twenty years before making a stunning move.

I recently studied the history of the Chu state's expansion and colonization, especially its strategic moves in Australia and the Dutch East Indies, which can be described as a stroke of genius.

No one expected it
Since its founding, the State of Chu has set its sights on Australia and the East Indies for further expansion, making long-term plans and subtly promoting social change.

In particular, the "Chuxiang Association" played a significant role in decisively shaping the situation in Australia.

The stones from other mountains can be used to polish jade.

Given Japan's current national conditions and regional situation, we cannot act recklessly.

We must utilize the Black Dragon Society and other non-governmental organizations to strengthen our infiltration of the northern mainland, including the Indochina Peninsula and Southeast Asia, and cultivate pro-Japanese forces, taking this into consideration within the overall strategy.

The southward expansion strategy requires a clear infiltration and expansion plan, which will be led by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs with special government funding.

We may not live to see the fruits of our labor, but I firmly believe that the Meiji warriors, upholding the belief in the expansion and rise of the Yamato people, will surely accomplish this magnificent feat.

"Hey, Yamagata-kun's explanation was so good! It really got me all fired up!"

"Let's do as Yamagata-kun says. I believe that one day, the powerful Imperial Army will break out of the archipelago and spread the nation's prestige to foreign lands."

"I can't wait!"

"If that day ever comes, we can rest in peace with a smile even in the afterlife."

Yamagata Aritomo's words aroused the enthusiasm of everyone present, and they all chimed in, making the atmosphere much more lively.

Yamagata Aritomo smiled smugly and looked around at everyone before speaking;

"As long as we are determined and united, there is nothing we cannot do."

After a decade of postwar development, the Yamato people became even stronger militarily. Their victory over the formidable Tsarist Russia in direct confrontation is the best proof of this, elevating the Imperial Army to the ranks of the world's elite.

We are not afraid of any enemy, but our naval strength needs more investment and development.

The advantage of time lies with the Fusang Kingdom. In order to become a true hegemon of the Western Pacific, the Great Fusang Empire can wait another ten years until it can defeat the Chu Kingdom's Royal Navy.

I have full confidence in this.

"Gentlemen, let us strive together for this common goal, for the dream of southward expansion, let Japan unite as one and fight on!"

"Hey, Japan's united struggle, please, it has to come true!" The bigwigs in the secret room were stunned by the beautiful picture painted on them, and they all shouted in agreement, instantly creating a chaotic scene...

Manila, the capital of the Great Chu Empire

Zichen Hall of the Imperial Palace

Emperor Zheng Guohui of the Great Chu slammed his fist on the imperial desk and said firmly;

"We cannot do something that will cause trouble for ourselves. The Pacific Ocean can only be dominated by the Royal Navy. There is no room for anyone else."

The decisive naval battle is scheduled for the end of next year, specifically between November and December. We cannot delay any longer. We must strive to completely annihilate the Fusang Combined Fleet in one battle and eliminate this threat to the heart of the Western Pacific.

At that time, all four Kunlunshan-class battleships will be combat-ready and join the naval strike group, which will greatly enhance the Royal Navy's chances of victory.

The army and navy actively organized military training and war preparations according to this timeline.

"I hereby command the Royal Navy as the vanguard and the Royal Army as the strategic hammer, to decisively shatter the arrogance of the Fusang Kingdom and make them realize who truly holds sway in the Pacific."

"Your humble servants will obey Your Majesty's command without fail," the ministers said, rising respectfully to accept the order.

Emperor Zheng Guohui of the Great Chu Dynasty swept his majestic gaze across the assembled officials, finally settling on Foreign Minister Li Jingxi, and asked directly, "How are the concession negotiations going?"

Foreign Minister Li Jingxi quickly walked to the center of the hall, bowed, and replied;
"In response to the serious setbacks in bilateral relations during this period, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has announced the breakdown of negotiations and withdrawn the relevant negotiating personnel."

Regarding the current diplomatic relations between the two countries
Without the basic conditions for candid communication, when can negotiations resume? A sufficiently warm atmosphere needs to be created between the two countries, and a consensus of mutual trust needs to be reached before specific matters can be discussed under international mediation. The current conditions clearly do not exist.

"Hmm, keep them occupied." Emperor Zheng Guo of Great Chu snorted coldly, his expression one of disdain.
"These lowly Japanese rats dare to try to extort money from the Celestial Empire and stir up trouble at will; they are doomed to die."

I'm not taking action because I want to see how high they can jump.

In retrospect, it was nothing special.

The Royal Navy must intensify its combat readiness training, especially for its four new battleships, to quickly achieve combat capability and prepare for a decisive naval battle.

"Your humble servant will obey Your Majesty's command without the slightest negligence," replied Admiral He Zhucheng, Minister of the Navy, his excitement barely concealed.

This time, the Royal Navy is about to make a big splash again.

The opportunity is right in front of us. As long as we wipe out the Fusang Allied Fleet, Admiral He Zhucheng will be awarded the title of Duke without any doubt.

With another batch of marquises and earls about to be added to the ranks of the high-ranking officers of the Great Chu Royal Navy, who wouldn't be eager to try and forge ahead?
As the end of the year approaches
The new battleship "Kunlun Mountain" of the Great Chu Empire is currently being fitted with a suit and undergoing pre-commissioning sea trials, and will be officially commissioned into the Royal Navy before the end of the year.

The second ship, "Qinling," was laid down last October and successfully launched into service in mid-June this year, with its formal commissioning into the Royal Navy expected early next year.

After formulating a strategy to strike at Fusang, the military preparations of the Great Chu Empire accelerated dramatically, and the construction of the next two warships was completed at an accelerated pace.

The third ship, "Tianshan," only started construction in February of this year. Originally, it was not expected to be fitted with amphibious equipment until early next year, and it would not be officially commissioned until the end of next year.

With the shipyard working day and night, it was fitted with a deck suit on September 22 this year and is expected to be delivered to the Royal Navy in March next year, achieving combat readiness by the end of the year.

The fourth ship, HMS Changbaishan, was built ahead of schedule. The first steel plate was cut on July 17. It is expected to be completed and launched by the end of January next year, and delivered to the Royal Navy in June. It is also expected to achieve combat capability before the end of the year.

In this way

The Royal Navy of the Great Chu Empire could form a rapid strike formation of six capital ships, consisting of four Kunlunshan-class battleships, plus the Yecheng and Sishui, using their super-high speed and fierce naval firepower to deliver a fatal blow to the enemy battleship formation.

This rapid strike group, composed of six main battleships, can be described as "ocean harvesters," delivering a devastating blow to the Fusang Combined Fleet and demonstrating the power of the new generation of main battleships.

The speed of the fast strike group can reach speeds of over 22 knots, especially the four Kunlunshan-class battleships, each equipped with eight 343mm large-caliber naval guns, arranged in a camel-like configuration with two forward and two aft guns.

This terrifying 343mm large-caliber naval gun firepower could easily tear through the thick iron armor of the main battleships of the Japanese Allied Fleet, utterly crushing them as easily as eating and drinking.

The layman looks at the excitement and the insider looks at the doorway.

Compared to the earlier 305mm naval gun, the 343mm large-caliber naval gun had an outer diameter that was 38mm larger, which on paper represents an 11% increase, seemingly not a significant increase.

Actually

Each 343mm shell weighs 567 kg, while a 305mm shell weighs 325 kg. The former weighs 1.75 times more than the latter and has more than twice the explosive power.

The main battleships of the Fusang Navy's Combined Fleet generally had armor belts that were six to seven inches thick, capable of withstanding frontal bombardment from 305mm main guns and providing a good defensive effect.

Based on the actual combat experience of the Battle of Tsushima
The battleship's armor belt, after being hit by 305mm shells, suffered damage such as cracks, dents, and ricochets, demonstrating that it had indeed performed its mission of defending vital areas very well.

The thick armor belt blocked the explosive damage of the shells, and the greater damage came from the weaker armored areas, which, from another perspective, proved the defensive capability of the battleship's heavy armor belt.

However, all of this was easily torn apart like a piece of paper in the face of a 343mm large-caliber shell.

The 343mm large-caliber shell corresponds to 12 inches of heavy armor. The armor belt of only six to seven inches is completely ineffective and can be easily penetrated by a single shot.

When the 567-kilogram shell penetrated the armor belt, it exploded violently inside the ship, causing devastating damage that could easily tear apart the massive hull of the old-fashioned Fusō battleship.

In terms of combat power, it presents a one-sided overwhelming advantage.

In particular, the Kunlunshan-class battleships were equipped with composite armor up to 13 inches thick, consisting of a thick eight-inch outer armor belt, a coal storage bin filled with 6 meters wide coal, and an inner armor up to five inches thick, giving them an astonishing ability to defend against 343 mm armor-piercing shells from the front.

When a 305mm shell hits such thick armor, it may cause some scratches or dents, but it will not penetrate the armor at all. This is the difference in quality between the two.

Relying on the overwhelming generational gap, Emperor Zheng Guohui of the Great Chu decisively decided to find an opportunity to annihilate the main force of the Fusang Allied Fleet before the end of 1907, and completely crush its arrogance.

Don't ask why, I just don't like them.

If military preparations had not been incomplete, the "Black Dragon Society Incident" alone could have served as a pretext for a sudden attack on Fusang.

The so-called Anglo-Japanese alliance had no binding force on the military actions of the Great Chu Empire.

This military alliance is not suitable for use outside the Korean Peninsula and the northern Chinese mainland, nor is it suitable for military operations against the State of Chu and the United States; these are the restrictive clauses stipulated in the alliance treaty.

The cunning and shrewd British have signed over a hundred treaties in the past 200 years, making them extremely experienced and unlikely to leave any fatal loopholes.

The purpose of signing the Anglo-Japanese Alliance Treaty was to make the Japanese fight for them, not for the British to fight for the Japanese. Wouldn't that have become an international joke?

(End of this chapter)