World War: Battleship Arms Dealers

Howard's face went from black to red, then from red to white. DuPont's fingers stopped tapping.

“Mr. Chen,” Howard took a deep breath, trying to soften his tone, “we understand your concerns. But the international order needs to be maintained, and treaties need to be respected. Dutch rule over the East Indies has lasted for three hundred years; it cannot be easily changed.”

"Three hundred years?" Chen Feng laughed. "Consul, the Lanfang Company has existed in Borneo for one hundred and ten years. In terms of time, we established a government there earlier than the Dutch. Moreover, the Dutch rule was colonial rule, while our rule is a local government. There is a fundamental difference between the two."

He stood up and walked to the huge world map on the wall.

"Gentlemen, let's make things clear." He turned around. "The Lanfang Republic's claim to sovereignty over Borneo is based on history, law, and the principle of national self-determination. Today, our actions in Pontianak have the support of the vast majority of local residents—most of whom are Chinese, but also include many indigenous peoples. This is the people's choice, not aggression."

"But you used force!" DuPont couldn't help but say.

"Because the Dutch used force to suppress the peaceful assembly first." Chen Feng looked directly at him. "If the Dutch military and police hadn't fired, our fleet would still be at sea right now. They crossed the red line first, and we were just responding."

He walked back to his seat:

"Now, I give you both a formal reply: First, Lanfang's actions in Borneo were legitimate actions to protect our nationals and restore our sovereignty, and we will not accept any external interference. Second, we are willing to negotiate with the Dutch government to discuss the aftermath, including the safe evacuation of Dutch nationals and the handling of their property. Third, Lanfang is willing to establish normal diplomatic relations with all countries that recognize our sovereignty, including Britain and France."

The terms have been set.

Howard and DuPont exchanged a glance. They understood—Chen Feng wasn't asking for approval, he was informing them of his decision. And he offered a way out: negotiation was possible, diplomatic relations could be established.

But this is not what London and Paris want.

“Mr. Chen,” Howard said slowly, “I must remind you that the Netherlands is a member state of the International Court of Justice in The Hague. This matter is very likely to be submitted to arbitration. Moreover… Britain and the Netherlands have a long-standing friendly relationship, and we cannot stand idly by while the interests of our ally are harmed.”

"Then let's take it to court," Chen Feng said nonchalantly. "We welcome any arbitration based on international law and historical facts. As for the relationship between Britain and the Netherlands... that's your business. But I must remind the Consul that Lanfang also has substantial trade relations with Britain. Last year, we imported five million pounds worth of machinery and equipment from Britain and exported eight million pounds worth of oil and rubber to Britain. If this matter affects bilateral relations, it won't just be us who suffer."

The economic card has been played.

Howard fell silent. He knew Chen Feng was right. Lanfang was now one of Britain's largest trading partners in the Persian Gulf, and that oil was crucial to the Royal Navy.

DuPont spoke up: "Mr. Chen, the French government is concerned about regional stability. If the situation in Borneo is not handled properly, it could trigger a chain reaction. The entire colony in Southeast Asia could be affected."

"Then we should support a legitimate, stable regime capable of maintaining order," Chen Feng said. "What did the Dutch rule in Borneo bring besides exploiting resources and suppressing resistance? Lanfang's achievements in Dubai are evident: in three years, we built a modern city from the desert, established a complete industrial system, and enabled all ethnic groups to live in harmony. If we replicate this model in Borneo, it will only benefit regional stability."

He paused:

"Of course, if the French government is willing, we can discuss specific cooperation. For example... developing mineral resources in Borneo, building railways and ports. French companies can participate in the bidding and enjoy national treatment."

It's all about interests.

Howard and DuPont locked eyes again. This time, their gazes held something different—not anger, but a weighing of options.

"Mr. Chen," Howard finally said, "I need to report to London."

"I also need to report to Paris," DuPont said.

"Please proceed." Chen Feng gestured for him to leave. "But please inform your government that Lanfang's deployment in Borneo will not cease. The transport fleet has arrived, and 80,000 troops are landing. In 72 hours, we will take full control of administration. This is a fait accompli."

A fait accompli. This word carries significant weight in diplomacy, meaning: the deed is done, whether you accept it or not, it remains.

Howard and DuPont got up to say goodbye. As they reached the door, Howard suddenly turned back:

"Mr. Chen, one last question. Do you really believe that Lanfang, on its own, can withstand the pressure from the entire international community?"

Chen Feng looked at him and smiled.

"Consul, when I arrived in Dubai with 300,000 people, everyone asked: Can you survive? Now, we have millions, a fleet, factories, and oil fields. We have not only survived, but we are going home."

He walked to the window and pointed to the bustling city outside:

"The international community is not monolithic. The Germans will support us because we are diverting the attention of Britain and France. The Americans will wait and see because they also want to expand their influence in Asia. The Japanese... the Japanese would love to see the collapse of European powers' dominance in Asia. As for other countries, they only care about their own interests."

He turned around:

"So the answer is: Yes. Because we not only have the power, but also friends—friends who, like us, want to change the old order."

Howard gave him a deep look, then turned and left.

DuPont followed behind him, and as they walked down the corridor, he whispered in French, "This man... is dangerous."

“It’s not danger,” Howard replied in fluent French, “it’s clarity. He knows the world is changing and he’s ready to seize the opportunity.”

"What will London do?"

"I don't know," Howard shook his head, "but I do know one thing—Borneo may be about to change hands."

In the reception room, Chen Feng stood alone for a while.

Wang Wenwu walked in: "Commander-in-Chief, they've left."

"Okay." Chen Feng walked back to his desk. "Notify all overseas offices to prepare a briefing on today's events and send it to major media outlets in various countries. Emphasize the Dutch shooting and suppressing a peaceful assembly, and the legality of our actions to protect our citizens. Let the whole world know that we are victims, forced to retaliate."

"It's already in the works," Wang Wenwu said. "The newspapers in Germany, the United States, and Austria-Hungary will publish it tomorrow. The British and French newspapers... may take a while, but they will also publish it."

"Okay." Chen Feng sat down, picked up a pen, and said, "Now, I'm going to draft a letter to the entire nation. It will be sent out tomorrow morning."