Back in 1978, I was admitted to Northwestern Polytechnical University.

Chapter 415 The Proposal to Dig a Canal on the Kra Isthmus
Now that we've been reborn, many plans naturally need to be made in advance.

Now, the economy of the East has developed, and the demand for maritime transport is increasing. In addition to trade with the United States, trade with the Middle East and Europe also requires passing through the Strait of Malacca.

The countries along the Strait of Malacca are not friendly to the East. This may not be a problem in peacetime, but in times of war, the fragile shipping route of the Strait of Malacca could be cut off at any time!
It was precisely because the East recognized this crisis that it sought to develop the land-based Silk Road.

Building railway lines and oil pipelines that go directly overland, through Pakistan, and reach the Indian Ocean would avoid the uncertain factor of the Strait of Malacca.

However, the cost and volume of land transportation still cannot compare with those of sea transportation!

These railways and oil pipelines provided a temporary alternative after the sea routes were blocked; they were not intended for permanent use.

There are two solutions to the problem of blocking the ocean.

One option is the Arctic route. Once this route is opened, it completely bypasses the Strait of Malacca, the Indian Ocean, and the Suez Canal. Although it involves passing through the Bering Strait, there are Russian troops stationed there for protection, so the Americans on the other side wouldn't dare to go too far. At worst, they would just start a war. The Russians' consistent principle is to take action rather than talk.

The Arctic route can save four to five thousand kilometers, which is very worthwhile, but there are also drawbacks, such as it can only be navigated in the summer, requires icebreakers to clear the way, and the relationship with Russia is not good enough at present.

Therefore, the Arctic route is not worth considering. However, the relationship with Siam has entered a honeymoon period. After all, we all have the monkey as a common enemy. The enemy of my enemy is my friend. Take advantage of this opportunity to persuade Siam to build the canal!
Looking at a map of Siam, there is a large landmass in the north and a long, narrow tail in the south. This long, narrow landmass connects the Indochina Peninsula on one side and the Malay Archipelago on the other, while also blocking the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean.

This long and narrow landmass is only about 50 kilometers wide at its narrowest point and nearly 200 kilometers wide at its widest point, with a maximum elevation of only 75 meters.

Therefore, it is not difficult to dig a canal here. Once it is completed, ships will no longer need to pass through the Strait of Malacca and detour through Malaysia and Singapore. They can pass directly through here!

The flight distance will be reduced by about 1,200 kilometers, and the time will be reduced by several days. This will have a significant impact on the trade and commerce of several East Asian countries, such as island nations and South Korea!

It is precisely because of these advantages that the idea of ​​excavating the Kra Isthmus has been around for a long time. King Rama V had this idea as early as the beginning, but the cost of excavation was too huge for Siam to bear. After World War II, the Japanese also had this idea, but they did not have time to excavate it before the war ended.

In the 1970s, the idea of ​​a canal was proposed again, but unfortunately, it was ultimately rejected.

Upon hearing Qin Liang mention the canal, the old king sighed, "Alas, the plan to dig this canal has always existed, but... the first problem is the issue of the separatist forces in the south. If digging the canal leads those people to harbor wicked intentions, then we..."

Fearing wolves in front and tigers behind, the Siam Canal project couldn't be implemented because of constant fear of this and that!

Qin Liang shook his head: "In my opinion, this is not a problem. We can take a two-pronged approach. First, we can win them over economically. The canal should not only handle freight but also become an energy center. For example, we can build a modern port and oil refining center on the west side of the canal. Oil from the Middle East can be transported here, refined, and then transported through pipelines to the east side of the canal, where it can be directly loaded into oil tankers."

Everyone's eyes lit up.

"In this way, many industries will emerge around the canal, providing a large number of jobs. After all, those who want to cause separatism are a minority. For most people, being able to work in these factories, earn money to support their families, and have a better life than before will prevent them from causing separatism. They may even fight against those who want to cause separatism. At the same time, we will set up schools, hospitals, and so on around the canal to change their mindset."

The old king nodded: "That's right, that's a very good suggestion."

If only canals are dug, the country will benefit, but the locals will not. Now, by developing the petrochemical industry, the locals can also gain a lot of benefits!

Oil tankers can transport more than just crude oil; they can also transport refined petroleum products. Siam has become a processing center for refined petroleum products, which means that many Asian countries can directly purchase finished products for their fuel needs. This is a boon for many countries that cannot refine oil.

Even those with refining capabilities will still purchase large quantities of refined oil products due to environmental and other factors!

"At the same time, we are about to have an aircraft carrier, and our military strength ranks among the top in Asia. If we really discover extremists, we will use the aircraft carrier to quickly and decisively eliminate them! If we cannot eliminate their thoughts, we will eliminate the bodies that carry those thoughts! If you cannot solve this problem yourselves, we can also jointly organize counter-terrorism exercises..."

Now, who dares to doubt the strength of the Eastern army? Their utter defeat of the monkeys in the south is a prime example!

As long as the canal is dug, the East will certainly not see chaos on the Siam side. If there is chaos, then we'll just hold a joint exercise! Combating terrorism is our responsibility and obligation in the East!
In later generations, the Kra Canal could not be built. One theory is that Siam would only dare to build it if the East stationed troops there. Although this theory is somewhat far-fetched, the Kra Isthmus did indeed face the risk of separatist forces.

Now, by employing a two-pronged approach—winning over the majority and eliminating the minority—safety here can still be guaranteed.

The King nodded: "Yes, if that's the case, it does alleviate our concerns. Next, the issue of money arises. Digging a canal requires a large amount of capital. We don't have that much money on hand, and if we attract foreign investment, it might lead to foreign capital controlling the canal..."

In later generations, the East had become wealthy and was willing to invest $16 billion to help with the canal's construction, accounting for 70% of the total cost. However, there was widespread opposition within Siam. Why? Because they feared being controlled by the East!
In later generations, many Western countries came to cause trouble and mislead the Siamese people. Now, the Siamese people, from top to bottom, are full of gratitude to the East. After all, this friendship was forged in war. As long as there is the threat of the monkey, the relationship between Siam and the East will remain in a honeymoon period.

There's no need to worry about the parliament not passing it, but the issue of money is still very sensitive. After going through so much trouble to carve out the land, only to find that someone else has already taken the fruits of their labor, what was the point of all that effort by the Siamese?
"Yes, even if the Kra Canal is built, the voyage will only be shortened by a little over a thousand kilometers compared to the Strait of Malacca. For shipping routes that are often tens of thousands of kilometers long, it won't fundamentally change anything. Moreover, the Strait of Malacca is free, while our canal will be tolled. If the toll is low, it will take us many years to recoup the construction costs. If the toll is high, ship owners will still prefer to use the Strait of Malacca..."

Kandalak joined the discussion. The construction of this canal had been debated for many years, and everyone was aware of these issues.

"Yes, the Strait of Malacca is toll-free, but there are pirates there. Pirates can appear at any time in that narrow waterway. Moreover, the waterway is crowded. If a ship sinks there, it could block the shipping route. It handles one-third of the world's cargo transportation and half of its crude oil transportation, but it is quite vulnerable."

When everyone heard Qin Liang say this, they all felt that... Qin Liang was clearly going to play dirty tricks!

"While we charge a toll, it's extremely safe and reliable. Using our route saves $250,000 in fuel per trip, and we only charge $100,000 in tolls, ensuring ship owners still make a profit. Two hundred ships pass through the Strait of Malacca every day. Even if only half, or one hundred ships, pass through, that's $10 million a day, and over $3 billion a year! Ladies and gentlemen, even if building this canal costs $30 billion, we can recoup the cost in ten years, and the rest is pure profit!"

Qin Liang looked at everyone and said, "As for the funding needed for the project, we can issue special national bonds! It's purely a matter of borrowing to repay debts, without involving any sovereignty disputes. As long as the interest rate on the national bonds is high, many countries will be willing to foot the bill. Not to mention, island nations and South Korea will definitely provide strong support."

These countries heavily rely on maritime transport, so they naturally have high expectations for this canal. They can buy special government bonds to support its construction, earn interest, and enjoy the convenience it will bring after it opens to traffic...

"Very well, Qin, we will formally discuss your proposal another day and formulate a resolution as soon as possible..." The king nodded.

"Well, I don't know how the West will react after the news of the canal project gets out, but Singapore will definitely try to cause trouble, and then..."

Singapore prospered because of the Strait of Malacca. Once the Malacca shipping route is abandoned, Singapore will decline rapidly! Therefore, they will definitely take various actions!
Qin Liang had no good feelings towards this country. From our perspective, everyone there was Chinese, and their names were similar to ours, but... the people there never had any intention of acknowledging their ancestral roots. On the contrary, they opposed us in various matters! They had tripped us up countless times.

Their air force bases are all leased to the Americans, making it easy for the Americans to control Malacca at any time. So, let such a country decline!
On November 25th, Qin Liang returned to his motherland. The plane flew to Shanghai, and as soon as he got off the plane, he saw a large group of people who came to greet him.

"Comrade Qin Liang, welcome back to China!"

"Comrade Qin Liang, you've secured another important mission for us!" "That's right, Jiangnan Shipyard is willing to undertake this glorious and great mission!"

"Our Dalian Shipyard has the most experience!"

"we……"

The area quickly descended into chaos.

Without even thinking, Qin Liang knew what these people were up to!

They're trying to win over orders!
The profit from just this one aircraft carrier may not be that great, but... it is of great significance!

After all, our motherland also needs to build aircraft carriers!

Now that we've gained experience building aircraft carriers for foreign clients, we'll definitely be building our own domestically produced aircraft carriers in our own shipyards in the future! How glorious and proud that would be!
We must secure this aircraft carrier order!
"Everyone, stop crowding around Comrade Qin Liang and let's go to our shipbuilding industry corporation!" Leader Zhou said. "We'll discuss the details once we get there!"

Shipbuilding industry department, conference room.

"This time, Northwestern Polytechnical University has shamelessly taken on the role of general contractor. Everyone... surely you don't have any objections?"

"Of course I have no objection. In a market economy, the capable should be rewarded more!"

“That’s right, this business should have belonged to Northwestern Polytechnical University. If Northwestern Polytechnical University had its own shipyard, we wouldn’t say anything, but now…”

Who dares to object? Not a single person!
"Please don't get excited, everyone. First, Professor Wang, please give us a detailed introduction to this order. Then, each of you shipyards, go back and do a cost calculation. We'll start the bidding tomorrow."

What do you mean?
This is a bidding process!

Qin Liang won the project from abroad through bidding, and after returning, he will also choose the most suitable shipyard through bidding!
There are quite a few shipyards in China capable of building aircraft carriers.

The Dalian Shipyard and the Jiangnan Shipyard were both excellent at building aircraft carriers in later generations. In addition, there was the Huangpu Shipyard, which, although it did not build aircraft carriers in later generations, helped the Crying Kingdom to refit aircraft carriers in this era! At that time, it was carried out in secret, and they also accumulated a lot of experience.

Now that an aircraft carrier needs to be built, the selection will be made from these three shipyards. However... Qin Liang will not directly choose one of them. The process will be open, fair, and just!

Next up was Professor Wang's turn. As he unfolded the design drawings and introduced them to everyone, everyone's eyes widened. This aircraft carrier design... was truly unique!

"Please observe first. Next, I need to go to the aircraft engine manufacturing plant," Qin Liang said. "Remember, once a contract is signed, you must ensure quality, quantity, and timeliness. We have signed an international standard contract. Delays or substandard quality will result in hefty compensation! Don't try to use friendship as an excuse; we will act according to the contract!"

If these guys bring out their domestic methods... then let them experience how terrifying international cooperation in claims can be!
"Don't worry, Comrade Qin Liang, our Dalian Shipyard is already building ships for international shipowners. We understand the rules here!"

The first shipyard to undertake foreign cargo ship construction was Jiangnan Shipyard. However, that was in 1918, when they built four 10000-ton transport ships for the US government.

After the reform and opening up, in 1980, patriotic Hong Kong businessmen were full of expectations for the mainland. So they entrusted one of their 2.7-ton bulk carriers to Oriental Shipyard for construction. But... this was clearly a good opportunity to go global, but all the shipyards in China backed down!
No one dared to take on business from foreign shipowners, after all, the standards and processes were completely different from those in domestic shipbuilding!
Therefore, Dalian Shipyard stepped forward, overcame all difficulties, and undertook the task of building this cargo ship! This also became an important step for Dalian Shipyard to go global!
"Lloyd's Register standards, 23 international regulations, overseas quality representatives and surveyors stationed at the shipyard... we understand all of that!" Factory Director Sun puffed out his chest: "Although this time we're building warships, it's still an export vessel, and we have the experience!"

In his eyes, the ship already belonged to their factory!

Qin Liang smiled and said, "That's good. Everyone, please get back to work!"

The gas turbine has already been touted as a major product, but we'll have to see if the engine manufacturer delivers on its promise!

Shanghai Aero Engine Factory.

In the spacious production workshop, production is proceeding in an orderly manner. Countless workers wearing work clothes and hats are busy on the production line. The factory is clean and tidy, and the floor is spotless. It is completely different from the past!

There were no idle people to be seen outside. When Qin Liang entered the office building, there were only a few people typing away on their keyboards, working diligently. When Qin Liang walked up behind them, they didn't know that the computer screens were filled with spreadsheets.

This place is finally on the right track!
Pushing open the door to the R&D department, you can see a bustling crowd, with a new aircraft engine under intensive development. For Rolls-Royce, this is also a new profit growth point, which they attach great importance to.

A large number of domestic WS-10 engine experts are also conducting research together, using computer-aided design, which has greatly improved efficiency.

A blond, blue-eyed foreigner happened to turn his head and saw Qin Liang, instantly beaming with joy: "Mr. Qin, you're finally back!"

"Well, Mr. Stanley, how's the development of this engine going?"

"Progress is very fast!" Stanley was quite excited: "When we got the project, the first three stages of low-pressure compressors were almost finished. We've already matched it with the sixth stage of high-pressure compressor. As long as we match the next three stages, the core engine will be ready! After computer calculations, we'll take it to the test stand for testing and then make corrections. This development plan is much faster than our previous ones!"

The East had advanced computer-aided design capabilities, while the British had years of accumulated experience. The combination of these two factors led to rapid progress in engine development!
Old Zhang chimed in, "Yes, our collaboration is progressing too fast. If this continues, we'll definitely have it ready in three years, and then..."

"Well, by then, our Y-10 will have an advanced engine. Everyone, I hope you can put aside your work for a moment and we need to have a short meeting."

In the conference room.

"Converting our RB211 into a marine gas turbine is a good idea. Rolls-Royce has wanted to develop it for a long time, but unfortunately we lack both the equipment to install it on and the research and development funding," Stanley said. "Now that you have this research and development project, we will certainly give it our full support. How about... placing it at our Rolls-Royce headquarters?"

Qin Liang shook his head: "Of course not, your headquarters' R&D equipment is too outdated!"

This reason... left the British speechless for a while.

(End of this chapter)