"What about the theory of sea power?"
Song Shou asked.
Zhao Jun said, "Mahan's theory of sea power holds that 70% of the world is ocean. Our world is connected by the ocean, so we must occupy key transportation routes on the ocean. For example, the most important route in Asia is the Strait of Malacca, which connects East Asia with the West. The most important route in Europe is the Suez Canal, which eliminates the need for maritime transport to circumnavigate Africa."
He highlighted two key nodes on the map. These two transportation arteries could be considered the world's most important chokepoints, serving as lifelines for Europe and Asia. The Suez Canal blockage in 1921 was estimated to have caused $400 million in losses per hour.
Therefore, in geopolitics, the theory of sea power has always been regarded as the bible by Western countries. After the end of World War I, various countries vigorously developed their naval fleets. Even a small country like Japan exhausted its resources to build aircraft carriers in order to gain an advantage at sea.
"Um."
Fan Zhongyan pondered and said, "You once said that going to sea is the only way for the Han people. Do you hope to develop maritime transportation and establish a naval fleet in the future?"
"At least not yet."
Zhao Jun shook his head again.
"What is that? Is it the fringe zone theory?"
Everyone was puzzled.
Zhao Jun smiled and said, "Not really. The Rim Zone Theory is actually a product of the Moldy Empire's hegemonism. Yale University International Relations Professor Spykman believes that there are some rim zones on the World Island that are likely to break through the blockade of maritime power. One is called China, and the other is called the European Union. Therefore, in order to maintain his hegemony, the Moldy Empire must place several watchdogs near China and the European Union. China has Japan and South Korea around it. The European Union has Britain and their spies within the EU. Now is the Song Dynasty, and these world strategic patterns are actually not applicable."
"Then tell me about it."
Zhao Zhen was extremely anxious.
"I know you're anxious, but don't worry, let me explain slowly."
Zhao Jun pointed to a map of East Asia and said, "The current world structure hasn't been clearly defined yet. I believe East Asia is a bipolar, multi-faceted situation. Although the Song Dynasty was weaker than the Liao Dynasty, it was only weaker in military power. Its national strength was actually stronger than the Liao Dynasty. Surrounding it were countries like Western Xia, Goryeo, Japan, Tubo, Dali, and the Uighurs."
"Um."
Everyone nodded, this was indeed the situation.
"So if the Song Dynasty's internal problems could be resolved, with its foundation and capabilities, it would be able to annex the Liao and Western Xia kingdoms and establish a prosperous empire similar to the Tang and Han dynasties."
Zhao Jun said, "This empire is probably the limit of ancient Chinese feudal society. The strategy I want to talk about today is called the Eastern Pole Strategy."
The Eastern Pole Strategy!
This is the great blueprint that Zhao Jun is going to conceive today.
Although it is just a pie in the sky, it is a big pie that can be achieved in feudal society.
As long as we seize the initiative in the future world pattern and become a pole in the Eastern world first, we may be able to achieve the goal of dominating the world by using our strong national strength and the theory of sea power to blockade the entire West.
(End of this chapter)
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