Chapter 506: The Polar Bear's Worry

Maxwell frowned: "That Li Mingyuan... he is like a riddle. Every time we think we have taken a step ahead, he brings out some incredible new technology."

"But in the field of computers, we can be certain that Long Country is far behind," Harrison comforted him, "They haven't even established a basic electronics industry, let alone Transistor Technology. According to our assessment, they need at least ten years to catch up to our current level."

Maxwell nodded, his mood slightly relaxed: "I hope so. In any case, continue to strengthen intelligence gathering on Penglai Base, especially any details regarding the 'Kunpeng' project. That is the project I am truly worried about."

He walked back to his desk and picked up a document: "Next, we must fully advance the research and development of 'Dawn-II'. The President has already approved additional funding; within five years, we must elevate computer technology to a level that Beijixiong Guo and Long Country cannot reach."

General Harrison and the other advisors nodded one after another, their faces full of confidence. In this Cold War era filled with the scent of gunpowder, technological superiority is military superiority, and military superiority means the ability to survive and expand.

Beijixiong Guo, Moscow, Kremlin

In stark contrast to the celebratory atmosphere in Star-Spangled Country, the atmosphere inside the high-level conference room of Beijixiong Guo was heavy. The urgently convened Science and Technology Committee was discussing strategies to deal with Star-Spangled Country's "Dawn" project.

"Comrades, the situation is urgent," said Karpov, Chairman of the Science and Technology Committee, solemnly, "Star-Spangled Country's transistor computer means they will gain a huge advantage in military calculation, Missile guidance, and code-breaking. We must take action immediately!"

"How is our transistor research progressing?" a Military Representative asked eagerly.

"We have made some progress, but there is still a gap compared to Star-Spangled Country," replied Sokolov, Director of the Electronics Research Institute, "If we push forward with full force, we might develop similar technology within two years, but to reach the overall performance level of 'Dawn-I', I am afraid it will take three to four years."

Boos and complaints of dissatisfaction erupted in the conference room. In the Cold War arms race, a gap of three or four years meant potentially falling behind by an entire generation of weapon systems.

"This is unacceptable!" General Grushenko, the Chief Military Advisor, slammed the table and stood up, "Comrades, we cannot continue to chase passively as we have in the past. I suggest we immediately launch the 'Red Star' project, concentrate the nation's top scientists, and spare no cost to catch up to and surpass Star-Spangled Country's computer technology!"

"I agree," Karpov nodded, "but at the same time, we must also consider another route—industrial espionage. Strengthen our intelligence network in Star-Spangled Country and strive to obtain key technical data on transistors and magnetic core memory."

Chief Intelligence Officer Kalinin interjected: "We have already deployed several Advanced agents around Bell Labs, and they are currently contacting potential internal informants. But Star-Spangled Country's protection of such highly sensitive technology is very tight, and it is very difficult to break through."

"Regardless, we must accelerate our actions," Grushenko insisted, "What about Long Country? What is their reaction to Star-Spangled Country's press conference?"

Kalinin shook his head: "Strangely, there is almost no official reaction from Long Country, as if they are not very concerned about this news. Our intelligence personnel stationed in Long Country reported that the Long Country media only published a brief report on an inner page, without any commentary or analysis."

"They might be scared silly," a committee member mocked, "For a country that hasn't even completed basic industrialization, what other reaction could they have besides silence when faced with cutting-edge technology like transistor computers?"

A few low chuckles sounded in the conference room, but Karpov frowned: "Do not underestimate any opponent, especially the team led by that Li Mingyuan. We still cannot explain how they developed the thrust-vectoring fighter jet."

"But that is in the aviation field," another committee member countered, "Computers are a completely different technological path, requiring a precision electronics industry and materials science as a foundation, which are all weak points for Long Country."

Karpov did not argue further, but the doubts in his heart lingered. Years of Cold War experience told him that surface calm often portends turbulent undercurrents.

"In any case," he concluded, "we must act immediately. The 'Red Star' project will launch today, and all relevant research institutes will enter a state of emergency combat readiness. Our goal is to catch up to Star-Spangled Country within three years and surpass them within five! At the same time, strengthen intelligence gathering on Long Country's technological development, especially the 'Kunpeng' project at Penglai Base and Li Mingyuan's other projects."

The meeting ended in a tense and determined atmosphere. As the participants walked out of the Kremlin, everyone's face was filled with worry and resolve. A new round of the arms race had begun, and this time, the battlefield was in the invisible realm of electronics and computing.

Long Country, Jingcheng, Central Command

In stark contrast to the clamor outside, the reaction of Long Country's highest leadership was surprisingly calm. In a secret conference room, several Hexin leaders were listening to a detailed report from the intelligence department regarding Star-Spangled Country's "Dawn" project.

"According to our analysis," reported Zhang Guoqiang, the Intelligence Department Head, "Star-Spangled Country's transistor computer is indeed a major breakthrough that will significantly enhance their capabilities in military calculation and cryptography. Beijixiong Guo has already urgently launched the 'Red Star' project to catch up."

A central leader nodded: "The two great powers have started a new round of the arms race. How does this affect us?"

"On the surface, this will exacerbate international tensions," Zhang Guoqiang replied, "but in reality, this may be our opportunity. With the two great powers focused on competing with each other, their vigilance toward us may relax."

"What is Comrade Li Mingyuan's view on this?" another leader asked.

Zhang Guoqiang smiled slightly: "Chief Engineer Li had almost no reaction when he heard the news, only saying, 'Let them get busy.' According to secret reports from Penglai Base, the 'Pangu Project' is progressing smoothly, and the first batch of trained technical personnel has begun to independently operate the computer-aided design system."

"So it is correct for us to keep a low profile?"

"Yes," Zhang Guoqiang affirmed, "The most important thing now is not to arouse the vigilance of the two great powers. Letting them believe we are far behind in the field of computers will buy precious development time for the 'Pangu Project'."

The leaders exchanged a knowing look. This kind of strategic "feigning weakness" was precisely the wisdom of Long Country seeking survival in the cracks.

"Continue to monitor international reactions," the leader chairing the meeting said finally, "At the same time, increase support for the 'Pangu Project'. We do not need to publicize it, but internally we must go all out."

In the conference room, everyone understood what this silently conducted technological race meant. While the two superpowers were flexing their muscles in the spotlight, Long Country was gathering strength in the shadows, waiting for that moment to shock the world.