Chapter 431: Won't Change His Mind

"He has already proposed the establishment of a joint military base; the White Elephant Country seems interested, but is still weighing the pros and cons."

The Commander nodded, "Tell Johnson he can offer more favorable terms, including increased military aid and economic support. We must ensure the White Elephant Country stands on our side."

He stood up, walked to the map in the office, and stared at the Southeast Asia region, "At the same time, strengthen intelligence gathering. I want to know every detail of the Long Country's hydropower station plan, especially the source of their technology. Does the Long Country really have the capability to complete a hydropower project of this scale independently?"

The security advisor nodded while taking notes, "Yes, sir. This is indeed a question worth noting. The technical strength the Long Country has displayed in such a short time is unsettling; first satellite technology, and now a super hydropower station... their speed of progress is not normal."

The Commander's gaze turned sharp, "Continue investigating Li Mingyuan. There must be some secret behind this suddenly emerged 'genius engineer'."

Beijixiong Guo, Moshi, a secret meeting room in the Kremlin.

The First Leader finished listening to the report from the intelligence department, the expression on his face inscrutable.

"The Long Country's hydropower station plan is indeed surprising," he finally said, "The scale is so large, and the technology so advanced, that both exceed our expectations."

The Intelligence Department Head nodded, "Yes, comrade. According to our analysis, the annual power generation of the Long Country's 'Long River Super Hydropower Station' will reach 400 billion kilowatt-hours, more than the sum of all the hydropower stations we are currently building. And the single-unit capacity of the 'Ya River Super Hydropower Station' claims to reach 1.5 million kilowatts, which is almost impossible to achieve under current technical conditions."

"Li Mingyuan," the First Leader read out the name, his voice carrying a trace of complex emotion, "This person again. First satellite technology, now hydropower engineering. What exactly is his background?"

The Intelligence Chief shook his head, "Our investigation is still ongoing, but so far, we have not discovered anything suspicious. He is like a genius who suddenly appeared, mastering technical knowledge far beyond the era."

The First Leader pondered for a while, "How is the situation on the White Elephant Country side?"

"The White Elephant Country is extremely panicked about the Long Country's hydropower station plan," the Intelligence Chief replied, "They worry that the Long Country will exert pressure on them by controlling water resources. Our Special Envoy Ivanov is currently in contact with them, offering technical support and military aid."

"Is the Star-Spangled Country also taking action?"

"Yes, comrade. They have proposed establishing a military base in the southern part of the White Elephant Country, clearly intending to bring the White Elephant Country into their sphere of influence."

The First Leader stood up, walked to the window, and looked at the snow scene outside, "We need a more comprehensive strategy. On one hand, we must win over the White Elephant Country as much as possible to prevent it from leaning completely toward the Star-Spangled Country camp; on the other hand, we need to closely monitor the Long Country's hydropower station construction and figure out the source of their technology."

He turned to face the Advanced officials in the meeting room, "At the same time, accelerate our own hydropower station construction. If the Long Country can build such a large-scale hydropower project, we must also keep up."

The Intelligence Chief hesitated for a moment, "Comrade, there is one more issue... is the Long Country's hydropower station plan related to the 'abnormal electromagnetic activity' we discovered earlier?"

The First Leader's gaze became sharp, "Are you saying that Li Mingyuan might be applying some kind of advanced technology to the hydropower station construction?"

"This is just a guess, but it is worth investigating."

The First Leader nodded, "Strengthen intelligence gathering on the Long Country's hydropower station project, especially all information regarding Li Mingyuan. If possible, try to contact the engineers and technical personnel participating in the project."

His voice became low and firm, "We must figure out what secret is hidden behind the Long Country's sudden technological progress."

White Elephant Country, Made Cheng, Royal Military Command.

Prime Minister Nalong Lazha held an emergency meeting with the top brass of the Military.

"The Long Country's hydropower station plan is a direct threat to our national security," Prime Minister Lazha said solemnly, "Once the project is completed, they will control most of the water resources flowing into our country, which means our agriculture, industry, and people's livelihoods will all be at their mercy."

Military Commander-in-Chief Supachai nodded, his expression grave, "Prime Minister, according to our analysis, after the Ya River Hydropower Station is completed, the Long Country will be able to control over 60% of the water volume flowing into our country. In the dry season, if they reduce water discharge, our central Great Plains will face severe water shortages; in the rainy season, if they suddenly increase water discharge, our country will face the threat of floods."

There was silence in the meeting room; everyone realized the severity of the situation.

"What about diplomatic efforts?" a civil official asked.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs shook his head, "We have already expressed strong protests to the Long Country through various channels, but their response has been cold, merely stating that the hydropower station construction is an 'internal affair' and they do not accept external interference. They promised to 'consider the reasonable concerns of downstream countries,' but refused any concrete commitments."

Prime Minister Lazha took a deep breath, "Then, we must consider other options. Both the Star-Spangled Country and Beijixiong Guo have expressed willingness to provide support; we need to weigh this carefully."

Commander-in-Chief Supachai spoke bluntly, "From a military perspective, the Star-Spangled Country's proposal is more attractive. The joint military base they proposed will provide our country with strong security guarantees, and at the same time, their military equipment and training are more advanced."

The Minister of Foreign Affairs held a different opinion, "But the water conservancy technical support provided by Beijixiong Guo might be more practical. They promised to help us build our own water conservancy projects to reduce our dependence on the upstream."

Prime Minister Lazha thought for a while, "Why not do both? We can accept the Star-Spangled Country's military cooperation proposal while also cooperating with Beijixiong Guo on water conservancy technology."

The Military Intelligence Chief cautiously proposed a more radical idea, "Prime Minister, there is another possibility... we could consider directly interfering with the Long Country's hydropower station construction."

The atmosphere in the meeting room suddenly became tense.

"What exactly do you mean?" Prime Minister Lazha asked sharply.

The Intelligence Chief lowered his voice, "We can send agents to infiltrate the construction site to gather intelligence, or even carry out sabotage operations at the appropriate time. At the same time, train and support ethnic minority armed groups within the Long Country to create chaos in the areas surrounding the hydropower station."

Commander-in-Chief Supachai's expression was serious, "This is a dangerous path that could trigger a direct military conflict."

Prime Minister Lazha pondered for a moment, "Do not be in a hurry to decide. Continue negotiations with the Star-Spangled Country and Beijixiong Guo to strive for maximum support. At the same time, secretly strengthen intelligence gathering and closely monitor the progress of the Long Country's hydropower station construction."

He looked around at the Advanced officials in the meeting room, his voice firm, "The Long Country's hydropower station plan is a serious challenge to our sovereignty and security; we must be prepared for everything, including the worst-case scenario."

Long Country capital, Central Government Building, Li Mingyuan's special office.

Li Mingyuan was reviewing the latest international intelligence summary, his brow slightly furrowed. Minister Zhang walked in, holding a new report in his hand.

"The situation is not very optimistic," Minister Zhang said bluntly, "The White Elephant Country is actively engaging with the Star-Spangled Country and Beijixiong Guo, seeking support. The Star-Spangled Country has already proposed establishing a military base in the southern part of the White Elephant Country, while Beijixiong Guo has promised to provide water conservancy technology and military aid."

Li Mingyuan put down the document in his hand, "As expected. The two superpowers will not let this opportunity pass; they both want to pull the White Elephant Country to their side."

"More troublesome is," Minister Zhang added, "Our intelligence shows that the White Elephant Country may be considering some radical means, including sending agents to infiltrate the hydropower station construction site, or even supporting ethnic minority armed groups within the country to create chaos."

Li Mingyuan's expression turned serious, "This is no longer a simple diplomatic dispute, but a direct security threat."

He stood up, walked to the large map in the office, and his gaze landed on the Yajiang basin, "We must strengthen security measures, especially at the construction site of the Yajiang Hydropower Station. Increase security personnel, strengthen background checks, and implement strict information control."

Minister Zhang nodded, "It is already being arranged. But international pressure is also increasing; the Star-Spangled Country is uniting with several European countries to propose a motion at the United Nations questioning our hydropower station plan."

Li Mingyuan sneered, "Typical double standards. When they build large hydropower stations themselves, they never consider the feelings of downstream countries."

He thought for a while, "We need a multi-layered response strategy. First, we cannot be weak diplomatically; insist that the hydropower station construction is a matter within our country's sovereignty, but at the same time express willingness to consider the reasonable concerns of downstream countries and promise to regulate water volume reasonably."

"Second, accelerate the progress of the hydropower station construction. Once the project is completed, the established fact will be difficult to change. In particular, ensure that the first phase of the project is put into use as soon as possible to demonstrate our determination and capability to the international community."

"Third, intelligence work must keep up. Closely monitor the movements of the Star-Spangled Country, Beijixiong Guo, and the White Elephant Country, especially any sabotage actions they might take."

Minister Zhang recorded these instructions, "One more thing, Chief Engineer Li, should we consider providing some technical or economic support to the White Elephant Country to alleviate their concerns?"

Li Mingyuan nodded, "That is a good idea. We can propose helping the White Elephant Country build some small-scale water conservancy projects to improve their irrigation systems and increase water usage efficiency. At the same time, promise to maintain a certain minimum water flow into the White Elephant Country during the dry season. This shows our sincerity without affecting the fundamental function of the hydropower station."

He paused, a sharp light flashing in his eyes, "But make one thing clear: the hydropower station construction will not stop, nor will it be significantly modified. This concerns the energy security and strategic interests of the Long Country and is a core issue that is not open to negotiation."

Minister Zhang nodded in understanding, "I will convey your instructions immediately."