World War: Battleship Arms Dealers

A low murmur arose in the office.

"But that's theoretical," the Minister of Equipment objected. "In actual naval warfare, weather, sea conditions, personnel quality..."

"Were the Japanese Navy's personnel really that bad?" Fisher asked coldly. "During the Russo-Japanese War, they proved they were excellent sailors. The Kongo-class was one of the most advanced battlecruisers in the world. If even they were helpless, what about us?"

The Minister of Equipment was speechless.

Operations Chief Lieutenant General Betty—a young admiral known for his bravery—speaked: "Marshal, I think the problem isn't just the range. The key is the fire control system. The report mentions that the Lanfang warship uses some kind of new radar that can accurately range and aim at long distances. That's the real technological breakthrough."

"Do we have something similar?" Fisher asked.

"The Naval Research Institute has been researching this, but progress has been slow," Betty admitted. "And even if it were possible, it would take at least two or three years to equip the entire fleet with it."

"Two or three years?" Fisher smiled wryly. "Gentlemen, the war in Europe may not last two or three years. But even if the war ends, what about our relationship with Lanfang? They are allies now, but what about in the future?"

This question silenced everyone.

The relationship between Lanfang and Britain was delicate. On the one hand, Lanfang purchased technology and equipment from Britain and had trade relations with them. On the other hand, Lanfang expelled the Dutch in Borneo—and the Netherlands was a traditional ally of Britain. More importantly, the naval power that Lanfang was now displaying was seriously threatening Britain's hegemonic position in the Far East.

"They're in Borneo, only a few hundred nautical miles from Singapore," Oliver said, pointing to the map. "They can threaten the Strait of Malacca at any time if they want. And our fleet in the Far East... can't stop four Bismarck-class ships at all."

"Then strengthen the Far East Fleet!" an old admiral said. "Draw warships from the mainland!"

"How many?" Betty countered. "Four? Six? Eight? Don't forget, the German High Seas Fleet is still lurking in the North Sea. If we weaken our home fleet, the Germans will take advantage of the situation."

"Then build new ships! Build bigger and stronger ships!"

"That takes time! Money! Resources!" Fisher finally raised his voice. "Gentlemen, we are fighting the largest war in human history against Germany! Thousands of soldiers are dying in French trenches every day! Every penny of the navy, every ton of steel, every worker is being poured into this war! Where do we find the spare resources to build a new fleet specifically to target Lanfang?"

A deathly silence fell over the office once more. Only the sound of London rain outside the window, pattering softly, seemed to weep for the empire's plight.

Fisher rubbed his temples wearily. "Gentlemen, reality is harsh. In the short term, we cannot confront Lanfang in the Far East. So we must change our approach."

He stood up and walked to the map: "First, immediately strengthen diplomatic ties with Lanfang. They've won now and are riding high, but this is also their most active diplomatic period. We must let them know that Britain is a friend, not an enemy."

"Second, we must accelerate our own technological research and development. Radar, fire control, long-range artillery... Lanfang has proven that these are key to future naval warfare. We must keep up, or we will be left behind."

"Third..." He paused, his voice lowering, "We need to reassess our strategy in the Far East. Should we continue to fully utilize our Singapore base? Should we share control of the Strait of Malacca with Lanfang? And even... should we consider recognizing their sphere of influence in Southeast Asia in exchange for them not challenging our core interests?"

"Marshal!" Several generals stood up simultaneously. "This is far too weak! The British Empire has never yielded to any nation!"

"That's because the British Empire has never faced such a powerful challenger!" Fisher roared. "Gentlemen, wake up! Times have changed! The era of dreadnoughts has only been a few years! Now, the Lanfang navy has shown us with a single naval battle that dreadnoughts are obsolete! If we don't change, we will be utterly destroyed in the next era of naval warfare, just like the Japanese navy!"

His voice echoed in the office, making the windowpanes vibrate.

The generals slumped to their seats. They knew Fisher was right, but admitting it was more painful than losing a battle.

For the first time, the British Empire, the empire on which the sun never sets, ruled the seas.

It was not an old rival from Europe, but from the Far East, from a new country that had been established for less than ten years.

"Gentlemen," Fisher concluded, his voice regaining its composure, "I recommend the immediate formation of a special committee to study the tactics and techniques of the Lanfang Navy. I want to see a detailed analysis and recommendations within two weeks."

"At the same time, inform the Foreign Office that I wish to arrange a meeting with the Lanfang representative in Britain as soon as possible. Also... send a telegram to the Far East Fleet Command in Singapore, ordering them to avoid any friction with the Lanfang Navy. Without direct orders from London, no action that could be considered provocative should be taken."

Orders were issued one after another. The generals silently took notes, their faces etched with complex emotions—shock, resentment, worry, and a deep sense of powerlessness.

After the meeting, Fisher stood alone by the window, looking out at the gray London. The rain was getting heavier, and pedestrians hurried along the streets, while carriages and cars drove by on the wet cobblestones.

This city, this empire, once believed itself to be the master of the world. But now, in the far east, a new colossal ship has set sail, heading towards the throne of maritime supremacy.

For the first time, the British Empire, the long-established maritime superpower, felt the deck beneath its feet swaying.

"Chen Feng..." Fisher murmured the name, "What exactly do you want?"

Outside the window, the rain continues to fall, as if playing a lament for the end of an old era.

Dubai, Strategic Conference Room, Presidential Palace, 3 PM

The curtains in the conference room were half-drawn, blocking the harsh afternoon sun while allowing enough light to illuminate the long table. Spread out on the table were world maps, East China Sea charts, telegram compilations, and various reports and documents.

Chen Feng sat in the main seat, with Wang Wenwu, Zhou Tieshan, and Li Te on his left and right sides, respectively.

"That's the current situation," Li Te said after giving his battle report. "This morning, our fleet conducted a deterrent bombardment of Yokosuka Harbor, destroying the main dock and some port facilities. We then withdrew as planned and are now patrolling the waters west of Kyushu. The Japanese Navy has not launched any substantial counterattack."

"What about casualties?" Chen Feng asked.

"Based on intelligence analysis (a guess), the Japanese suffered at least three to five thousand casualties in the shelling, mainly port workers and naval ground crew. Of course, it's also possible..."

Chen Feng smiled and nodded, then looked at Wang Wenwu: "International reaction?"