Courtyard House: Initial Donation of 50 Million

Just as the Hongqi Xingyao was shining brightly in Southeast Asia, an even more significant diplomatic operation was underway. To consolidate Sino-Soviet friendship and showcase the achievements of the new China's industrial development, a decision was made at the highest level to present a special state gift to Soviet leader Sussou-Shchev: a newly produced Hongqi Xingyao S600L Guard armored sedan, along with ten Hongqi Xingyao S600L standard high-spec sedans.

After meticulous arrangements, this batch of precious state gifts arrived in Moscow via a special flight. When the Red Flag Star S600L Guard, draped in red silk, appeared in the square in front of the Kremlin, the Soviet officials and automotive industry experts present initially showed a mixture of curiosity and skepticism.

At the time, the Soviet Union considered itself the "big brother" of the socialist camp. While it possessed considerable strength in heavy machinery and military equipment, its flagship ZIS series of high-end passenger vehicles, though imposing and large, lagged significantly behind top-tier Western products of the time in terms of design aesthetics, craftsmanship, ride comfort, and technological advancement. Su Suizong himself rode in the bulky, fuel-inefficient, and mediocre ZIS-150 armored vehicle. Therefore, many high-ranking Soviet officials were skeptical about what decent luxury cars their "little brother," China, could produce, and even privately considered it an amusing topic of conversation.

However, when the silk cloth was lifted, the modern and powerful design, exquisite paintwork, and meticulous craftsmanship of the Hongqi Xingyao S600L Guard immediately dispelled the contempt of those in the know. Su Suizong walked around the car, touching the cold armored body and smooth glass, a hint of surprise flashing across his face, but more so, skepticism. "Hmm, it looks quite impressive... I wonder what it's like inside, is it just a 'showpiece'?" he said half-jokingly to the Russian automotive industry minister beside him.

The next step involved rigorous testing by the Ninth Directorate of the Soviet State Security Committee (KGB), responsible for the security of the leaders, and a technical evaluation by experts from the Ministry of the Automotive Industry. The testing was conducted in an environment of absolute secrecy.

The bulletproof test results came out first: KGB experts fired 7.62x54mm R light machine gun rounds (Soviet Army standard) at standard distances at the vehicle body and windows, and the bullets were effectively stopped! The chassis also passed the blast resistance test smoothly! Its protective capabilities astonished the KGB experts, who believed it far exceeded the level of current Soviet-made bulletproof vehicles!

The performance tests were even more astonishing: the bulletproof version, equipped with a V6 turbocharged engine, boasted incredible acceleration (for a nearly 6-ton armored vehicle), excellent handling stability, and superior off-road capability and comfort thanks to its all-wheel-drive system and adjustable suspension, leaving the test drivers in disbelief! Compared to the bulky, shaky, and noisy ZIS-110, the Hongqi S600L Guard's driving quality is truly "generation-defining"!

Comfort and features are equally outstanding: a spacious and quiet cabin, leather power seats, automatic air conditioning, premium audio system, and comprehensive communication and life support systems... This is exactly the standard of a world-class head of state's vehicle!

The Russian Minister of Automobile Industry, who had initially been somewhat dismissive, excitedly told Su Suizong after personally test-driving the standard S600L, "Comrade Su Suizong! This car... is truly amazing! Its engine technology, suspension tuning, body manufacturing process, and especially the ABS anti-lock braking system, all represent a very high level! There are many things we can learn from it! The Chinese... have truly created a miracle!"

A series of test reports lay on Su Suizong's desk. His expression shifted from initial nonchalance to surprise, then to seriousness, and finally, deep thought. He realized that he had underestimated the potential and capabilities of this "little brother." The technological sophistication of this vehicle was not something that could be achieved overnight; it must be backed by a robust R&D system and industrial foundation.

China is no longer the backward agricultural country that could only produce outdated cars discarded by the Russians.

While delighted, a lingering worry crossed Su Suizong's mind. With China's rapid development, especially its enormous potential in high-end manufacturing, would it gradually slip out of the control of its "big brother"? Should the 156 key industrial aid projects recently agreed upon still be pushed forward with full force? Could this be "nurturing a tiger to cause future trouble"?

But as he walked to the window, gazing at the cold Moscow outside, and considering the tense standoff with NATO in Europe, and the need to contain the United States in Asia… a strong and friendly China was undoubtedly a crucial pawn in the Soviet Union's Cold War game. Pushing China to the opposite side out of jealousy or suspicion would be a disastrous strategic mistake. The United States would absolutely not let this opportunity pass. Once Sino-Soviet relations soured, the long and poorly defended Sino-Soviet border… Su Suizong felt a chill run down his spine.

After weighing the pros and cons, the rationality of a pragmatic politician prevailed. He turned to his secretary and dictated his reply to the capital: "...Please convey my sincerest gratitude to China. The Hongqi sedan is an outstanding and technologically advanced product, a crystallization of the wisdom and hard work of the Chinese people, and a symbol of the great friendship between China and the Soviet Union. I am very pleased and satisfied with this precious gift..."

This well-intentioned reply reached Haizi, bringing a knowing smile to the leaders' faces. The strategic objective of this "state gift" had been perfectly achieved! It not only showcased China's industrial progress but also gained the upper hand diplomatically, consolidating alliances. The Hongqi sedan, making its debut on the international political stage, stunned everyone!