Just as Su Lin was inspecting the 031 R&D base,
Inside the North China Military Region Headquarters
Commander Tang rubbed his temples; he hadn't had a good night's sleep in days.
I mostly stay in the office.
The secretary brought breakfast from the cafeteria to the office.
"Commander Tang, did you not sleep a wink again last night?"
"Hmm, what's the latest news from the Philippine high seas?"
The secretary placed breakfast on Commander Tang's desk.
Four large steamed buns, a fried dough stick, and a cup of soy milk.
"The exercise is still ongoing, and currently no military or civilian vessels from neighboring countries are allowed to enter!"
"What about the fishermen? How are they doing?"
What worried Commander Tang the most was the safety of the detained fishermen.
This kind of military exercise is clearly the US putting pressure on itself to decide when to stop.
In the World Tank Championship, as soon as someone withdraws from the competition, they immediately begin drills.
It also violated international conventions; the warships had already reached the target area before the exercise notice was issued.
"You don't need to worry about security. The US's strong military exercises have already attracted international attention."
Especially considering the neighboring countries, where fishing boats have been detained, they probably wouldn't dare to take any drastic actions!
"Sigh, these fishermen will have to suffer!"
Commander Tang had no better option than to send a diplomat to negotiate.
It's impossible to take strong measures just because a few fishing boats have been detained.
"Commander Tang, this isn't our responsibility. Shouldn't we stay out of this mess?"
The diplomats who are now going to negotiate are also from the Southern Military District.
According to geographical jurisdiction, the Philippines' high seas are theoretically under the jurisdiction of the Southern Command's navy and air force.
The secretary's words made sense.
"They're all brother units. Can the Navy and Air Force be separated? Besides, if it weren't for Dean Miao causing this trouble..."
General MacArthur wouldn't be so desperate as to launch this military exercise.
"The Fifth Research Institute is under our jurisdiction, isn't it?"
Commander Tang received the notification at the last minute. Internal analysis now indicates that this exercise in the Philippine high seas...
The trigger was the outstanding performance of the Chinese Type 90-II main battle tank at the World Tank Championship.
It was a direct slap in the face to the three-time champion, the American M1A1.
Since we can't beat the main battle tanks, let's see if the navy and air force can compete.
"That's true, but with our current strength, we really don't have much of a way to deal with them."
I heard that the US also deployed the USS Avery Aircraft Carrier and F-14 Tomcat carrier-based aircraft for this military exercise.
We haven't even seen a model of our third-generation fighter jet yet!
"We have to speed things up... You go and handle other matters first, and wait for news from the diplomat!"
"Yes, Commander, you still need to get more rest!"
Commander Tang waved to his secretary, signaling him to leave.
He leaned back in his chair.
If you fall behind, you will be attacked. Is there really no other way?
The moment I closed my eyes, the phone on the table rang.
Upon seeing the number, Commander Tang frowned. Southern Military Region?
Could there be some new development?
"Hello, this is Tang Hongying from the Northern Military Region!"
"Commander Tang, hello. This is Wang Wuyang from the Southern Military Region!"
Wang Wuyang, Commander of the Southern Military Region of China, Supreme Commander.
"Commander Wang, has there been any new close-quarters combat incidents related to the exercises in the Philippine Sea?"
The two men are of equal rank, so there's no need for formalities. Commander Tang's biggest concern right now is whether there's any new information.
"Yes, but the current situation is not optimistic."
Upon hearing Commander Wang's words, Commander Tang had already anticipated that the other side would be able to mobilize so many troops.
Having put on such a charade, it's clear they won't give up so easily.
What is the current safety situation of the fishermen?
"Commander Tang, you can rest assured about that. The diplomats have already arrived in the Philippines, according to the information we have so far."
The fishermen have left the target area and are currently being held in a Philippine port, but have refused any interviews or meetings.
I think the Americans are trying to take advantage of us this time; the fishermen are just their bargaining chips!
"We'll just have to make do with these fishermen for now, and wait until the exercise is over."
"Commander Tang, you're thinking too simply. Our latest information is that this joint military exercise..."
The exercise will last for three months, during which time fishing boats and civilian vessels from any country are prohibited from entering the exercise area!
"Three months??? That means the fishing season is over. Are the Americans trying to ruin our jobs???"
As soldiers, our purpose is to protect the people. If fishermen don't even have the right to fish, then...
This is an immense humiliation for a country's army!
"It's not just about losing our jobs, it's about overturning the pot. According to intelligence personnel, as soon as this exercise ends..."
The US will join forces with the Philippines to conduct routine patrols in the target waters.
At that point, it won't just be a matter of one fishing season; the entire area will be closed to unauthorized fishing vessels.
"Are you kidding me? That's international waters, how did it become American territory?"
If he does it this way, why don't we fly around the Pacific, fire a couple of shots, draw a line, and then everyone stop fishing?
All that came from the other end of the phone was a long sigh from Commander Wang...
Commander Tang also understood that China's air force and navy were currently too weak.
They simply don't have the strength to compete with the Americans, which is why the other side dares to act so recklessly.
"If we also had third-generation fighter jets, we would still have room to maneuver!"
Currently, the vast majority of China's active-duty aircraft are J-6s, and even the J-8 has only been deployed to a small number of units.
Compared to the F-14s, let alone a head-on confrontation, we'd probably be locked on and driven away before we even saw them.
"Commander Wang, if our third-generation fighter jet development goes smoothly, will it pose a threat to the enemy?"
"Commander Tang, you're underestimating the strength of our Southern Military Region's air force, aren't you?"
As long as we have fully equipped third-generation fighter jets, our pilots are not afraid of the enemy. At worst, we can conduct joint exercises.
Who's afraid of whom? By the way, isn't the development of the third-generation fighter jet the responsibility of your Northern Military Region?
Can you give me a heads-up? How's it going?
"Hey, you know perfectly well that all the Russian experts have left, and many projects have been put on hold."
However, there is good news: a new research and development unit has joined the project.
We cannot disclose the specific organization at this time, but we will notify you as soon as there is any progress on the project.
"Then, Brother Tang, I'll be waiting for your good news. We can't keep giving in every time, or people will think that our Southern Military Region is afraid of fighting!"
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