Warlords: Rising from the Northwest Border and Sweeping Across the Powers

Chapter 1267 The situation is complicated

"I am deeply honored by your enthusiasm," Chen Tong raised his glass, "I believe everyone here has the same hope - to restore our archipelago to its former glory."

"Well said!" Sukarno raised his glass in response, "With China's support, this dream will surely come true."

Others also raised their glasses, but Chen Tong noticed that some people's smiles were slightly reserved. Obviously, they were both looking forward to and worried about the arrival of this powerful Chinese army.

As the wine glasses flowed, Chen Tongyi responded to the toasts from all sides while secretly observing everyone's expressions. Behind this seemingly happy dinner, there were too many complicated political struggles.

And this is just the beginning of his new journey in South Asia.

Outside the window, the sun sets, and in the twilight of Jakarta, the silhouette of the city under reconstruction can be vaguely seen. In the distance, the waves of the Java Sea gently hit the coast, as if telling the vicissitudes of the history of this archipelago.

"General Chen," Sukarno raised his glass, his eyes gleaming with ambition, "With the support of China, I believe it won't be long before the entire archipelago will unite under the banner of the Asian Union."

Chen Tong noticed that when Sukarno said this, the expressions of several other leaders changed slightly.

Prince Prasong wiped the corners of his mouth elegantly with a napkin, with a hint of vigilance in his eyes: "Unity is important, but we in Siam have always advocated that all countries maintain independence. Too...close union may not be a good thing."

"The prince is right," General Alim said in a rough voice with a hint of toughness, "Although we Pakistanis support the Asian Union, the military command must remain relatively independent." When he said this, his eyes swept across Chen Tong's shoulder badges with a hint of meaning.

Sukarno's smile was a little stiff: "General Alim, now is not the time to discuss this. Come, please try this rendang."

"Speaking of military affairs," Minister Rahman suddenly spoke up, his voice gentle but calculating, "We do need China's support, but shouldn't there be clear... limits on the specific location and size of the garrison?"

Chen Tong picked up his coffee and glanced at the people. He could see that Sukarno wanted to use China's power to expand his influence, Prince Basong was worried about Siam's independence, General Alim was afraid of the presence of the Chinese army, and Minister Rahman was trying to bargain economically.

"I understand your concerns," Chen Tong put down his coffee cup, "The purpose of the Chinese garrison is to safeguard the overall interests of the Asian Union, not to interfere in the internal affairs of various countries."

"That's right!" Sukarno hastily agreed, but he deliberately avoided the gazes of others, obviously having other plans in mind.

Prince Prasong swung his wine glass gracefully and said, "General Chen has a good point. However, the concept of 'overall interests' seems difficult to define." He gave Sukarno a meaningful look.

"I think it's very simple," General Alim said gruffly, stuffing a piece of roast meat into his mouth. "Whoever has the bigger fist has the final say." This was a straightforward statement, but it revealed the cruel reality.

"The general is joking," Rahman said, "We are all working for the common good. By the way, General Chen, do you know what specific plans China has for economic aid?"

Chen Tong watched this scene and smiled in his heart. Under the surface of the toasting, it was a naked power game. Sukarno wanted to dominate with the power of China, while others were trying to check and balance. This meal was more like a battle without gunpowder than a welcoming banquet.

"Come on, everyone," Sukarno raised his glass, trying to ease the atmosphere, "For the bright future of the Asian Union!"

Everyone raised their glasses, with official smiles on their faces, but their eyes flickered. A complex political contest had just begun.

And Chen Tong will play a crucial role in this contest.

"I have heard your concerns," Chen Tong put down his wine glass, his voice calm but convincing, "Let's talk openly."

He first looked at Prince Basong and said, "Your Highness is right. The independence of each country is indeed important. China knows this truth very well. It is precisely because we have suffered from the bullying of the great powers that we understand the importance of respecting the sovereignty of other countries."

Prince Basong nodded slightly, and the vigilance in his eyes eased a little.

Turning to General Alim, Chen Tong's tone carried a hint of the iron-blooded atmosphere honed on the battlefield: "General, you said that military power is indivisible, and I understand it very well. I deeply realized on the battlefield of Fuso that the command of an army is its soul. The Chinese garrison will mainly assist in defense and will never interfere with the command system of the armies of other countries."

General Alim stroked his thick beard, with a glimmer of approval in his eyes.

"As for the details of the garrison mentioned by Minister Rahman," Chen Tong picked up his coffee, "this is exactly what we need to discuss together. China's principle is that the garrison must be conducive to regional stability and not create new conflicts."

Rahman nodded thoughtfully.

Finally, Chen Tong looked at Sukarno and said: "The unity that Mr. Chairman expects is indeed our common goal. But unity requires time, mutual trust, and the wisdom of all parties. The Chairman must also understand that more haste makes waste."

Sukarno smiled awkwardly, but soon regained his confidence: "General Chen is right, we must proceed step by step."

"In the final analysis," Chen Tong raised his glass, "the mission of the Chinese garrison is to maintain peace and stability in this area and to assist the development of the Asian Alliance, not to change anything. Just like the food on this table, each dish has its own characteristics, and only when combined together can they complement each other."

This apt metaphor eased the slightly tense atmosphere.

"What a perfect match!" Prince Basong raised his glass first, "General Chen is indeed a man who has experienced big events. His words touched my heart."

"That's right!" General Alim also raised his glass in response, "I feel relieved that General Chen thinks so."

Minister Rahman smiled and said, "It seems that our previous worries were unnecessary."

Although Sukarno was unwilling to accept it, he had to admit that Chen Tong's words gave face to all parties and upheld the principle: "Come on, let's drink to our friendship!"

As the wine flowed, Chen Tong nodded secretly. He neither tried to please any party, nor showed any arrogance, but used plain words to resolve the doubts of all parties. This is exactly what he learned on the battlefield: sometimes the best attack is to win without fighting.

The night outside the window gradually deepened, and the lights of Jakarta lit up one after another. A silent confrontation quietly ended at this dinner. And this was just the first step in a long game.