Chapter 611: Foreign Minister of Nanko

As Nanko's territory in Southeast Asia continued to expand, its military‑civil system gradually took shape and national construction got on track, a thorny problem landed on Jiang Anguo's desk.

During several previous large‑scale operations, Nanko captured a total of over 89,000 British officers and soldiers.

In fact, the prisoners were received from the Japanese.

These numerous POWs are now all stationed at the railway construction sites from Huadu to Yangon, working on infrastructure all day.

Temporarily using the POWs for construction is merely a stopgap measure.

Gathering tens of thousands in one place consumes huge manpower and supplies for daily control; with public sentiment unsettled, riots and escapes easily arise, and prolonged detention is not a lasting solution.

After all, the United Kingdom and Chongqing are Allies, and Nanko now allies with Chongqing, while the United States is also an Ally.

There's no need to make the bilateral relationship too strained.

The crux is that the British prisoners can't understand why, if we're not allies, we're still being held to build railways.

Especially the British‑Myanmar troops, since that unit fought alongside the Expeditionary Force, even though they were retreating all the way.

When they saw troops with Huaxia faces, they felt friendly, but unfortunately, before they could be happy for long, they were seized again for railway work.

Jiang Anguo knew very well that these British Army prisoners remained a lingering threat over Nanko.

The longer the delay, the more variables arise; better to seize the moment of a stable front and Nanko's absolute initiative to resolve the matter promptly and definitively.

To properly handle the POWs, delineate borders abroad, and seek international recognition, the newborn Nanko regime urgently needs a veteran, top‑tier, internationally renowned diplomatic talent to steer the overall affairs.

Scanning the résumés of renowned diplomats at home and abroad, Jiang Anguo immediately zeroed in on one name—Gu Weijun.

On the modern Sino‑foreign diplomatic stage, Gu Weijun is an undisputed iconic figure with an unshakable standing.

He went abroad to study at a young age, mastered multiple languages, and is well‑versed in Western political systems, diplomatic protocols, and great‑power power‑play tactics.

In his early years he repeatedly represented the nation at international conferences, argued forcefully on the world stage, never yielding to a host of Euro‑American powers, defending national territory and dignity, leaving a diplomatic scene that shocked both China and abroad.

During his several‑decade diplomatic career, Gu Weijun served in many countries, handled countless treaties, territorial negotiations, and international mediations, gaining a broad outlook and meticulous mind.

His negotiation style is steady and seasoned, able to move opponents with reason and emotion while holding the line in profit‑driven contests.

Whether regarding Far‑East affairs, the European configuration, or colonial interest disputes, he possesses profoundly insightful and unique views.

Within the entire Western diplomatic circles he enjoys great fame and network prestige, being one of the few Chinese who truly belong to the world's top diplomatic echelons.

At this moment Gu Weijun is fifty‑four, having weathered half a lifetime, and his conduct has become ever more steady and lucid.

Currently he serves the Chongqing National Government, holding the post of Full Ambassador to the United Kingdom, stationed in London.

He regularly deals with the British Cabinet, Parliament, and senior military officials.

He is fully aware of the United Kingdom's domestic politics, public sentiment, and the Prime Minister's governing style, making him the best choice for handling diplomacy toward the United Kingdom.

Since the matter concerns the nation's diplomatic foundation, Jiang Anguo did not make a rash decision; he immediately contacted President of Nanhua Chen Jiageng, and the two held a closed‑door, long, knee‑to‑knee discussion, repeatedly weighing the merits of candidates.

Looking at the current talent pool, no one can match Gu Weijun in diplomatic experience, international reputation, or negotiation ability.

Now Nanko controls vast territories including Myanmar, the Malay Peninsula, Singapore, and Sumatra; to obtain internationally recognized sovereign status, resolve the British Army POW crisis, and open diplomatic channels, only Gu Weijun can shoulder the role of Minister of Foreign Affairs.

After discussion and finalization, the two aligned their views.

Jiang Anguo decided to send his trusted Special Envoy Jiang Tianyuan to London, to personally persuade Gu Weijun, sincerely inviting him to leave his current post, join the newborn South China Republic, and assume the position of Chief of the Foreign Ministry.

Jiang Tianyuan, bearing the heavy mission, carried Nanko's Official Appointment Letter and generous terms, and sailed across the ocean to London.

To be safe, the cargo ship took a route via South Africa, passing Cape Town, then heading north across the Atlantic toward the United Kingdom.

Along the way it repeatedly encountered British‑American merchant ships sunk by U‑shaped submarines, but fortunately arrived in London safely.

At that time Gu Weijun was in the British Embassy office, daily shuttling among foreign envoys, handling complex diplomatic affairs.

With the turbulent situation, he was constrained everywhere; many legitimate appeals were repeatedly ignored by great powers, and his lofty ambitions could not be realized.

On the day of the meeting, the study was quiet and solemn; Jiang Tianyuan, observing the courtesy due to a junior, got straight to the point and stated his purpose.

Gu Weijun's expression was calm, he listened quietly, already having guessed the other's intention.

"Mr. Gu, I have crossed the ocean at the command of Nanko's Highest Decision Maker General Jiang Anguo and President Chen Jiageng, specially to visit you," Jiang Tianyuan said earnestly and respectfully.

"Now the Southeast Asian situation is settled; Nanko has established a solid regime, controls vast lands, and seeks national stability and regional peace. Yet, as a fledgling regime, it lacks a helmsman to command foreign affairs. Looking across the world, only your prestige and talent can bear this great responsibility."

Gu Weijun naturally knew President Chen Jiageng, and he had also heard of Jiang Anguo, for nowadays the most talked‑about and famous general at home is not Xue Yue.

It is Jiang Anguo, who won battle after battle on the Myanmar front.

The West even calls him the 'Mysterious General of the East.'

Because before that there was no information at all, and suddenly he appeared on the Southeast Asian battlefield, securing a series of victories.

Gu Weijun gave a slight nod, his tone casual: "I understand your intentions, but I am within Chongqing's overseas system, holding a public office; abruptly changing allegiance is no small matter."

Jiang Tianyuan understood Gu's concerns and then slowly outlined Nanko's generous terms, each offered with full sincerity and great appeal.

First, the position of Foreign Minister of South China is granted directly, placing him among the nation's core senior leadership.

He would have full authority over all external diplomatic relations, territorial negotiations, Prisoner of War negotiations, International Trade, International Treaty Signing, and all other diplomatic affairs.

He would possess independent decision‑making power, without layers of constraints.

Jiang Anguo believes Gu Weijun has his own judgment, and moreover, they hold a very important bargaining chip.

Second, the remuneration is highly honored, with salary several times higher than his current post, and his residence, security, and travel arrangements all set to national senior official standards.

At the same time, his family and relatives would be properly settled, ensuring their safety and removing any lingering worries.

As for Gu's romantic past, that is his personal matter.

In these days, which celebrity doesn't have a bit of a nickname!

Beyond that, Nanko promises to fully support Gu's diplomatic ideals.

Over the years, Gu Weijun repeatedly fought for his nation's interests at negotiation tables, but often hit walls due to weak national power.

Now Nanko's military is strong, its territory vast, and its economy resource‑rich, enough to be a solid backing so he need not compromise any longer.

He can stand upright on the International Stage, with firm resolve to defend Chinese interests and fulfill his lifelong diplomatic aspirations.