Chapter 397: Nations Rejoice

Allen answered cautiously: "According to our intelligence, Long Country is serious this time. They have not only products, but also technology and services, forming a complete industrial chain export. More importantly..." He paused, "They do have a technological advantage, especially in the fields of steel smelting and mechanical manufacturing."

"Damn it!" Johnson cursed, "What can we do now? Sanction them?"

The Vice Commander shook his head: "The armistice agreement was just signed, we cannot openly be enemies with Long Country, otherwise the international community will think we are untrustworthy."

The trade representative interjected: "Worse, those countries in Asia, Africa, and Latin America have already started to stir. Our intelligence shows that at least twenty countries are actively preparing to attend Long Country's trade fair."

The Commander fell into deep thought, and only after a long time did he speak: "We cannot stop them head-on, but we can apply pressure from the sidelines. Contact our allies and warn them of the potential risks of trading with Long Country. At the same time, conduct comprehensive intelligence gathering on the Long Country trade fair; I want to know every one of their technical details."

Allen nodded: "It is already underway, sir. We will send our most elite technical experts to attend the trade fair in the guise of businessmen."

The Commander's gaze became sharp: "Also, accelerate the 'Sky Eye' and 'Thor's Hammer' projects; we must regain our advantage in technology."

Two days later, in a secret conference room in a Zhongli Guo, representatives from Beijixiong Guo and Star-Spangled Country met secretly, attempting to discuss a joint response strategy for the Long Country trade fair.

Beijixiong representative Kovalyov went straight to the point as soon as he started: "Long Country's pricing strategy will destroy the international market order; we must join forces to deal with it."

Star-Spangled Country representative Wilson sneered: "How ironic, a few months ago we were still at each other's throats on the battlefield, and now we have to join forces to deal with a former agricultural country."

Kovalyov remained unmoved: "The situation is stronger than the people. Long Country's Seven-Discount Steel has already shaken our traditional customers, and their weapon prices are making those small countries eager to try."

Wilson sighed: "The problem is, what do we use to compete? Provide subsidies? That will only trigger a more intense price war. Lower quality standards? That will damage our brand reputation."

Kovalyov spread out a detailed report: "What is even more worrying is that Long Country provides not only products, but also a full set of services and solutions. This integrated export model is exactly what many developing countries dream of."

The two fell into silence, both realizing that they were facing a brand-new competitor—a Long Country that had mastered the modern industrial system and could also open up the market with a low-price advantage.

Finally, Wilson reluctantly put forward a suggestion: "Perhaps we can join forces to apply pressure, warning those countries considering trading with Long Country of the potential diplomatic and economic risks."

Kovalyov scoffed: "Do you really think those countries care? Seven-discount steel, six-discount weapons, plus no political strings attached... for those emerging countries, this is simply a pie falling from the sky."

The meeting ended unhappily, with the two major powers discovering that their traditional market monopoly was being completely broken by Long Country's innovative model, yet they were helpless.

Just as Beijixiong Guo and Star-Spangled Country were having a headache over the Long Country trade fair, countries around the world, especially emerging countries in the Asia, Africa, and Latin America regions, were plunged into unprecedented excitement.

In the Yinghua Guo Commander's office, an emergency cabinet meeting was underway.

"This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!" Defense Minister Fujita said excitedly, "Long Country's weapon performance is no worse than Star-Spangled Country's, yet the price is only sixty percent, and there are no suffocating political conditions."

Economic Minister Ono added: "More importantly, the steel and machine tools; the seven-discount price is enough to speed up our post-war reconstruction by at least two years. Think about it, we can use the money saved to invest in more livelihood projects."

Commander Yamamoto pondered for a moment: "But what will Star-Spangled Country think? They are our..."

"Protectors?" The Foreign Minister sneered, "Look at the armistice agreement they signed; they can barely protect themselves, so where would they have the energy to interfere in our choices?"

Commander Yamamoto nodded: "Send our strongest delegation, jointly formed by the Ministry of Economy and the Ministry of Defense. I want to fully understand what Long Country can provide and what we can gain from it."

In the office of Taiji Tiger leader Li Chengye, the atmosphere was even more heated.

"This is simply a gift from heaven!" Military Committee Chairman Jin Zheng waved the invitation to the Long Country trade fair excitedly, "With the support of Long Country's weapons, we can finally stop looking at others' faces!"

Economic advisor Pu Taiyong pointed to the steel price list: "And this steel can be used directly for our industrialization construction, 30% cheaper than buying from Star-Spangled Country, and the quality is guaranteed."

Li Chengye crossed his arms, ambition flickering in his eyes: "Send the highest-level delegation; I want to know what Long Country can provide us. Especially those Numerical Control Machine Tools; if we can introduce them, our industrial level will rise to a new level."

He paused, then added: "At the same time, secretly contact the Long Country ambassador to express our interest in deeper cooperation. We can provide bases in exchange for more comprehensive technical support."

On the African continent, the situation was equally hot. In the capital of a country that had just gained independence, the Commander's office was brightly lit.

Commander Mubeike was full of joy: "Long Country's trade fair is simply our savior! Star-Spangled Country is only willing to sell us outdated equipment and charges a high price; although Beijixiong Guo is willing to provide it, they require us to accept their political system."

Defense Minister Aobite nodded in agreement: "Long Country is different; they only sell equipment and do not interfere in internal affairs. And their prices... are simply unbelievable!"

Economic advisor Koloma flipped through the product catalog: "More importantly, the industrial equipment, Commander. What our country needs is not just weapons, but the foundation of industrialization. The steel and machine tools provided by Long Country are the first step toward our modernization."

Mubeike pondered for a moment and made a decisive decision: "Send a delegation jointly formed by the Ministry of Defense and the Ministry of Economy, and be sure to strive for the most favorable conditions. Tell Long Country that we are willing to become their first strategic partner in Africa."

In the Latin American region, a leader currently undergoing a revolution, Katero, was secretly meeting with the Long Country Special Envoy.

"This is so timely," Katero said excitedly while smoking a cigar, "We are in need of weapons and industrial equipment to resist the pressure from Star-Spangled Country."

The Long Country Special Envoy smiled and handed over the trade fair invitation: "The people of Long Country have always supported the cause of just revolution. At this trade fair, you can see for yourself what help we can provide."