Chapter 600: Universal Governance

"What proposal?"

"The 'Universal Governance Treaty'," Li Mingyuan took a thick document from his drawer, "a framework to reshape the world order."

Minister Zhang took the document and flipped through it casually, his expression growing increasingly astonished: "This... this is too grand! Are you proposing the establishment of a global governing body? With Long Country at the core?"

"Not just that," Li Mingyuan said calmly, "this treaty will require all signatory nations to dissolve existing military alliances, unify global scientific research resources, and jointly advance space exploration programs. Simply put, humanity will move toward the stars and the sea as a whole for the first time, rather than as mutually hostile camps."

Minister Zhang looked at him in disbelief: "Do you think other major powers will accept these conditions?"

Li Mingyuan sneered: "Under the shadow of 'Chiyou', they have no other choice."

One month later, the headlines of major global media were occupied by unprecedented news—the heads of major global nations, including Star-Spangled Country, Beijixiong Guo, the United Kingdom, and France, would gather at Penglai Base to attend the signing ceremony for the "Universal Governance Treaty".

This news caused a massive stir globally. Ordinary citizens had not yet recovered from the shock of the Sakura Mountain disaster, and the world landscape had once again undergone a dramatic change. Long Country, previously viewed as a "remote eastern country", leapt to become the center of global attention, and the name Penglai Base became synonymous with power and technology.

Penglai Base, conference hall.

This hall, built specifically for the signing ceremony, adopted a perfect combination of classical Long Country architectural style and futuristic technological elements. The tall red pillars were carved with exquisite dragon and phoenix patterns, while the ceiling was a massive holographic star map, displaying the real-time status of the entire Taiyang system.

In the center of the hall, a huge circular conference table gleamed; it was crafted from a special alloy, said to be able to withstand a nuclear blast without deforming. The flags of various nations were placed on the conference table, but at the very center and highest point was the Red Flag of Long Country, bright and eye-catching.

Li Mingyuan stood by the window, watching luxury cars drive into the base. Those world leaders who were once high and mighty were now like pilgrims, arriving at this place they had once mocked with awe and fear.

Minister Zhang walked to his side: "Lao Li, you should feel proud. In less than a year, you have completely changed the world landscape."

Li Mingyuan shook his head: "This is just the beginning. The real challenge is still ahead."

"What challenge?"

"How to make humanity cast off thousands of years of infighting mentality and truly unite," Li Mingyuan's gaze cast into the distance, as if he could see the future decades later, "because only through unity can we face the true challenges in the universe."

The meeting began. The President of Star-Spangled Country, the Premier of Beijixiong Guo, the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, the President of France... these world leaders who had once stirred up winds and clouds now appeared unusually humble, even somewhat reserved. Their eyes glanced from time to time at a device standing quietly in the corner of the venue—it was a miniature holographic projection of "Chiyou", vividly displaying the terrifying majesty of that steel giant, silently reminding everyone of the current reality of power.

After the President of Long Country gave a brief address, Li Mingyuan, as the primary drafter of the "Universal Governance Treaty", stepped onto the podium.

"Respected leaders," he got straight to the point, "today, we stand at a turning point in human history. Over the past few centuries, Earth has been divided into mutually hostile camps, with countless resources wasted on arms races and ideological disputes. But today, we have the opportunity to redefine the direction of human civilization."

He pointed to the star map above his head: "Look there—the endless universe, waiting for us to explore. But to achieve this goal, humanity must move forward as a whole, not as scattered, mutually hostile fragments. The 'Universal Governance Treaty' was born for this very reason."

Li Mingyuan explained the core content of the treaty in detail: establishing a Global Science and Technology Committee led by Long Country to coordinate global scientific research resources; gradually reducing national armaments to establish a unified Earth defense system; jointly advancing space exploration programs, building a lunar base, and preparing for Mars colonization; and establishing a new global economic order, restructuring the energy system based on fusion energy.

"In short," he concluded, "this treaty will end the zero-sum game between nations and open a new era for a community with a shared future for mankind."

The venue was silent. These proposals were too radical, almost equivalent to requiring all nations to abandon the international order established over several centuries and accept a new system with Long Country at the core. Under normal circumstances, such a proposal would be immediately scoffed at.

But now, the situation was different. The lesson of Sakura Mountain was still fresh in memory, and the shadow of "Chiyou" loomed over everyone's heart. No one knew how many more "Chiyou" units Long Country had, nor did they know which volcano or fault line would be the next to be "tested".

The President of Star-Spangled Country cleared his throat, breaking the silence: "Mr... Mr. Li, your proposal is very... forward-looking. However, is it not a bit too idealistic to completely abandon national sovereignty and accept a unified global governance system?"

Li Mingyuan smiled slightly: "Mr. President, let us be realistic. The existence of 'Chiyou' has already proven that traditional concepts of national security are outdated. When a nation possesses the ability to alter Earth's physical environment, traditional military means lose their deterrent significance. Rather than struggling within an outdated framework, it is better to build a new order together."

The Premier of Beijixiong Guo interjected: "Our concern is that this 'joint governance' is actually unilateral dominance by Long Country."

"Comrade Premier," Li Mingyuan looked him straight in the eyes, "everyone present knows that technology determines the right to speak. The reason Long Country is able to propose this treaty is precisely because we are already far ahead in key technological fields. But this does not mean we seek hegemony—on the contrary, what we offer is a path of common progress."

He paused for a moment and looked around the room: "Of course, you may also choose to refuse. But please remember, the progress of technology will not stagnate. Long Country's 'Yanlong' project, Quantum Computing, and space exploration plans will all continue to advance. The only difference is whether you are participants or bystanders."

The threat in these words could not be more obvious. The leaders present exchanged glances, all seeing the helplessness and submission in each other's eyes.

Finally, the President of Star-Spangled Country sighed deeply: "I think cooperation for mutual benefit is indeed the only wise choice. Star-Spangled Country is willing to sign this treaty."

Other national leaders also expressed their agreement to sign the treaty one after another. The signing ceremony was solemn and grave; as each leader signed their name on the document, it was as if they were shedding the burden of an era while simultaneously accepting the beginning of a new order.

Six months later, the world had changed beyond recognition.

The signing of the "Universal Governance Treaty" completely reshaped the global political and economic landscape. The Global Science and Technology Committee, with Long Country at its core, became the de facto highest decision-making body in the world, and Li Mingyuan, as Chief Scientific Advisor, wielded influence that surpassed that of most heads of state.

Penglai Base was rapidly expanded, becoming the veritable capital of the "Human Federation". Magnificent buildings rose from the ground, gathering the world's top scientists and engineers. The achievement of the "Yanlong" project—miniaturized fusion reactors—became the energy source for all of this, providing almost unlimited clean energy.

Most eye-catching were the four giant space elevators under construction on the outskirts of the base. These seemingly impossible engineering feats, supported by new superconducting materials and fusion energy, were becoming reality step by step. They would become the superhighway for humanity to reach space, completely changing the economic model of aerospace launches.