Chapter 163: A Proclamation to All Citizens

Howard's complexion shifted from dark to red, then from red to pale. Dupont's fingers stopped tapping.

"Mr. Chen," Howard inhaled deeply, trying to soften his tone, "we understand your sentiment. But the international order must be upheld, treaties must be respected. The Netherlands' rule over the East Indies has lasted three hundred years; that is not easily changed."

"Three hundred years?" Chen Feng smiled. "Consul, Lanfang Company has been in Borneo for one hundred ten years. In terms of chronology, we established a regime there before the Dutch. Moreover, Dutch rule is colonial, ours is indigenous. The two are fundamentally different."

He stood up and walked to the huge world map on the wall.

"Both of you, let us make this clear," he turned around, "the Lanfang Republic's sovereignty claim over Borneo is based on history, law, and the principle of self‑determination. Today our operation in Kundian has the overwhelming support of the local residents—most are Chinese, but many indigenous peoples as well. This is the people's choice, not aggression."

"But you used force!" Dupont couldn't help but say.

"Because the Dutch first used force to suppress a peaceful assembly," Chen Feng stared at him. "If the Dutch military police hadn't opened fire, our fleet would still be at sea. They crossed the red line first; we merely responded."

He walked back to his seat:

"Now, I give both of you an official response: First, Lanfang's action in Borneo is a legitimate protection of overseas Chinese and restoration of sovereignty; we will not accept any external interference. Second, we are willing to negotiate with the Dutch government on post‑conflict matters, including the safe evacuation and property settlement of Dutch expatriates. Third, Lanfang is ready to establish normal diplomatic relations with all nations that recognize our sovereignty, including Yingguo and Faguo."

The conditions have been laid out.

Howard and Dupont exchanged a glance. They understood—Chen Feng was not seeking approval, but announcing a decision. Moreover, he offered a stepping stone: negotiations are possible, diplomatic ties can be established.

But that is not what London and Paris want.

"Mr. Chen," Howard said slowly, "I must remind you that the Netherlands is a member of the Hague International Court. This matter may be submitted for arbitration. Moreover… Yingguo and the Netherlands have a long‑standing friendly relationship; we cannot stand by while an ally's interests are harmed."

"Then submit it to the court," Chen Feng said unperturbed. "We welcome any arbitration based on international law and historical facts. As for Yingguo and the Netherlands' relationship… that is your matter. But I must remind the Consul, Lanfang also has extensive trade with Yingguo. Last year we imported machinery worth five million pounds from Yingguo and exported oil and rubber worth eight million pounds to Yingguo. If this issue harms bilateral ties, the loss is not ours alone."

The economic card has been played.

Howard fell silent. He knew Chen Feng was right. Lanfang is now one of Yingguo's biggest trade partners in the Persian Gulf, and that oil is vital to the Royal Navy.

Dupont spoke up: "Mr. Chen, the Faguo government is concerned with regional stability. If the Borneo issue is mishandled, it could trigger a chain reaction. All Southeast Asian colonies could be affected."

"Then we should even more support a legitimate, stable regime capable of maintaining order," Chen Feng said. "What has Dutch rule in Borneo brought besides resource exploitation and suppression of resistance? Lanfang's achievements in Dubai are evident: in three years we built a modern city out of the desert, established a complete industrial system, and enabled all peoples to live harmoniously. If we replicate this model in Borneo, it will only benefit regional stability."

He paused:

"Of course, if the Faguo government wishes, we can discuss concrete cooperation. For example… developing mineral resources in Borneo, building railways and ports. Faguo enterprises may bid and enjoy national treatment."

Profit, or profit.

Howard and Dupont exchanged glances again. This time their eyes held something else—not anger, but calculation.

"Mr. Chen," Howard finally said, "I need to report to London."

"I also need to report to Paris," Dupont said.

"Very well." Chen Feng made a gesturing of invitation. "But please tell your governments that Lanfang's deployment in Borneo will not cease. The transport fleet has arrived, eighty thousand troops are landing. Seventy‑two hours later we will fully assume administration. This is a fait accompli."

Fait accompli. In diplomacy the term carries great weight: the act is done, whether you accept it or not, it remains.

Howard and Dupont rose to take their leave. At the doorway Howard suddenly turned back:

"Mr. Chen, one final question. Do you truly believe that Lanfang alone can withstand the pressure of the entire international community?"

Chen Feng looked at him and smiled.

"Consul, when I arrived in Dubai with three hundred thousand people, everyone asked: can you survive? Now we have millions, a fleet, factories, oil fields. Not only have we survived, we are going home."

He walked to the window, pointing at the bustling city outside:

"The international community is not a monolith. Deguo will support us because we are checking Yingguo and Faguo's attention. The United States will watch, as they also wish to expand influence in Asia. The Japanese… the Japanese are eager for European powers' rule in Asia to collapse. As for other nations, they care only about profit."

He turned around:

"So the answer is: yes. Because we have not only strength, but also friends—those who, like us, want to change the old order."

Howard gave him a deep look, then turned and left.

Dupont followed behind him, and in the corridor whispered in French, "This man… is very dangerous."

"Not dangerous," Howard replied fluently in French, "but lucid. He knows the world is changing and is ready to seize the opportunity."

"What will London do?"

"I don't know," Howard shook his head, "but I know one thing—Borneo may change hands."

In the reception hall, Chen Feng stood alone for a moment.

Wang Wenwu entered: "President, they have left."

"Mm." Chen Feng walked back to his desk, "Notify all overseas missions, turn today's events into a briefing, send it to major media worldwide. Emphasize the Dutch firing on peaceful assemblies and the legality of our protection of overseas Chinese. Let the world know we are victims, forced to retaliate."

"Already in progress," Wang Wenwu said, "Deguo, the United States, Austro‑Hungarian newspapers will publish it tomorrow. Yingguo and Faguo… may need some time, but will also publish."

"Good." Chen Feng sat down, picked up his pen, "Now I will draft a proclamation to all citizens. It will be released tomorrow morning."