1905: Beer Hall Speaker

Page 97

While the export of revolution is not a contagious disease, it is far more terrifying than a contagious disease for all countries, especially monarchies. After all, the Black Death only took their lives, but revolution uproots them!

This matter is very difficult for all countries because the key members are all using Zhao Yan's name. Lower-level members can be arrested or killed as needed, but the core leaders are either diplomats or core members of the Revival Party. Taking action against them is tantamount to touching Zhao Yan's sore spot, which is really difficult.

Komura Jutaro broke down immediately: "What if we reject this freedom of belief and insist on suppressing and eliminating these illegal revolutions?"

Zhao Yan was blunt with the Japanese: "Then your country will be considered by our government as a totalitarian state and an undemocratic country. Freedom of religion is the core of universal values ​​and an important part of human rights!"

"If your country persists in its course of action, our country will reserve the right to intervene. If necessary, the Chinese people have the courage to defend the freedom of people all over the world. China will never sit idly by while any country tramples on human rights!"

"Hiss!" The representatives of the various countries gasped in shock; such words were truly a shock to their values.

Zhao Yan's words once again shocked the world. He was the one who started the trouble, but in the end, he was the one who was right. Zhao Yan once again stood on the moral high ground and fired the shot.

Ironically, this kind of talk is very much to the liking of European and American countries. They even feel that they should be the ones saying these things!

The US ambassador to China, Frank, was almost won over. He was determined to bring Zhao Yan's words back to the United States, as they were so in line with the American spirit!

"Gentlemen, freedom and human rights are the most fundamental and indisputable principles. Anyone who opposes human freedom and basic human rights is an anti-human regime!"

"Let's not waste time on such uncontroversial issues; let's get back to practical matters!"

Zhao Yan skipped the sensitive topic of exporting revolution because he had also been hastily put into the fray. His apprentice had caused the trouble, and he could just clean up the mess. Expecting a fundamental solution was impossible, let alone Zhao Yan; even if Marx were resurrected, he couldn't do it.

Once everyone came to their senses, they all tacitly skipped the topic, since although the flames of revolution had spread, they had not yet become a prairie fire.

The next person to ask a question is Grand Duke Mikhail, the Russian Plenipotentiary and Ambassador to China, an old acquaintance of Zhao Yan, and the younger brother of Nicholas II!

When Zhao Yan was on his expedition to the northern desert, it was Grand Prince Mikhail who signed the Sino-Russian Treaty of Friendship with Zhao Yan in Irkutsk. Later, Grand Prince Mikhail also came to Shanghai to participate in the negotiations, and later even signed the Treaty of Peace in Shanghai as a representative of the signing. Zhao Yan also met with this old acquaintance many times, and the two had a good relationship in private.

Subsequently, Grand Prince Mikhail was stationed in Beijing as Russia's ambassador to China and plenipotentiary representative for East Asian affairs. His main task was to ease tensions between China and Russia and prevent the Chinese from poking holes in Russia's Far East again.

The Russians themselves know very well that the so-called "Sino-Russian Treaty of Friendship" and "Shanghai Peace Treaty" are just empty words about friendship and peace, while in reality they are secretly sharpening their knives and preparing to do something underhanded at any time.

The Russians themselves have done this many times, and they believe that the Chinese will not pass up the opportunity to stab them in the back. The China of today is no longer the weak and easily bullied China of the past.

The Chinese project power in the Far East far exceeded that of Russia. Every night before going to sleep, the Tsar had to confirm that no cannons were being fired in the Far East before he could sleep peacefully.

As expected, after being granted permission to speak, Mikhail's first question was sharp: "Your Excellency, what is the purpose of your country's adoption of Russian-made broad gauge on the newly built railway in the north? Can our country assume that your country is preparing to invade our country at any time?"

When Zhao Yan saw his old friend Mikhail stand up so impolitely, he was immediately displeased. "I only asked you to ask a question because we have a good relationship, but you start by making things difficult for me. This is outrageous!"

Zhao Yan once again began to distort the truth: "Your accusations are baseless slanders. How can your country accuse our country of things that haven't even happened yet?"

Regarding your question, I've learned a bit about it. The main reason is that our engineers made a calculation error, slightly miscalculating the track distance. Once construction began, they discovered that correcting it would have been too costly, so they had no choice but to leave it as it was.

Mikhail was so angry his mouth twisted into a crook: "You've miscalculated! Are all your railway engineers Mongolians? If you've miscalculated, why did you calculate the wrong result as exactly 1524mm?"

Zhao Yan argued illogically: "Why is your country so sensitive about the gauge of a mere railway? Why must you assume we are hostile?"

"Personally, I think this is clearly irrefutable proof of Sino-Russian friendship! A standardized railway is very meaningful for economic and trade exchanges and transportation connectivity between the two countries!"

"The friendship between China and Russia is not just lip service; the Chinese people have proven it with real money and actions. I personally prefer to call these broad-gauge railways the Friendship Railways, which means that the ironclad friendship between China and Russia can proceed without hindrance in the future!"

Mikhail understood completely, and the other representatives from various countries also grasped the meaning.

Whenever Zhao Yan utters phrases like "in my opinion" or "in my personal capacity," it means he's about to lie through his teeth!

Zhao Yan's answer was filled with words like friendship and trade, but he refused to mention that the railway could also transport guns and troops, in addition to transporting goods for friendship and trade!

Listen to Zhao Yan's description of Sino-Russian relations: an ironclad friendship! First, the ironclad bond, then the friendship!

Who the hell knows if you'll be bringing a massive army of soldiers to deliver friendship?

Once again, all countries understood Zhao Yan's underlying meaning. Like Japan, Zhao Yan also did not intend to let Russia off the hook. Mikhail was very frustrated and disappointed by this outcome, while Japan felt much more at ease.

Meanwhile, countries like Britain, France, and Germany were secretly applauding, believing that targeting Russia was politically correct.

Even though Russia is now showing signs of aligning itself with Britain and France, neither country has ever truly regarded Russia as an ally. When the time comes to take advantage of Russia, they must act decisively.

Mikhail himself was already somewhat disheartened. He was planning to return to his country next month to report to his Tsarist brother that there was no hope for peace in the Far East, as the Chinese were unwilling to give up their interests in the Far East, especially those lost territories.

Mikhail even secretly speculated that Zhao Yan probably wasn't satisfied with just recovering the lost territory; he likely wanted to extract more benefits from Russia, such as Siberia!

The Russians don't have enough people to develop Siberia, but China does. Since there's an opportunity, why not give it a try?

If Mikhail puts himself in China's shoes and thinks about it, he can't help but drool over the millions of square kilometers of land to the north.

Russia's industrial strength is not much stronger than China's, and in terms of overall national strength, China is even stronger.

Mikhail was so frustrated and disappointed because he had truly witnessed Zhao Yan's governing ability and prestige, as well as the patience and cohesion of the Chinese people during this period.

China's development speed will far exceed that of Russia. Zhao Yan dares to carry out radical reforms, but Tsarist Russia does not. There are many things that China can do, but Russia simply cannot.

The more he learned, the more pessimistic Mikhail became. Compared to the decadent nobles and aristocrats of St. Petersburg, Mikhail was the first high-ranking official in Tsarist Russia to clearly recognize the threat posed by China.

But often the more you know, the more painful it becomes. Mikhail would rather he knew nothing at all, like that ignorant Grand Duke in St. Petersburg, living a life of debauchery.

Chapter 166 Offers a Condition You Can't Refuse

After Zhao Yan made his statement regarding Japan and Russia, China's two neighbors with the deepest conflicts of interest, the international community has largely figured out China's future diplomatic stance.

For at least the next decade, China’s main focus will be on the north. Britain and France need not worry too much about the Chinese army launching a major southward offensive within ten years. During this period, their colonies in Asia will remain safe.

Even if Zhao Yan is incredibly powerful, it's highly unlikely that he could launch a major war simultaneously in the North and South.

His stance was clear: the interests in the north involved China's core interests, and China had no intention of moving south before dealing with Japan and Russia.

This is what Britain and France are most reassured about. As for the entanglement of interests among China, Japan, and Russia, Europe and the United States are watching with open arms, and the most perfect ending would be if all three countries were to perish together.

Zhao Yan's public display of this attitude was also intended to appease Europe and the United States, especially Europe, so that the current Republic of China is not incapable of taking action against the South.

Leaving aside distant examples, simply attacking the Indochina Peninsula would be an easy task. This would be fighting on China's doorstep, and the south is rich in resources and has well-developed waterways and transportation. The main industrial production areas of the Republic of China are also located in the south.

Logistics would be much easier, and as for troop strength, it goes without saying that active duty troops don't even need to be deployed. Half of the hundreds of thousands of retired troops could be recalled and that would be enough to pacify the Indochina Peninsula.

Britain and France, the two countries with major interests in the Indochina Peninsula, needed to send their troops across continents and thousands of miles to be deployed. No matter how powerful an industry is, it cannot withstand such a long transportation route.

The benefits of attacking the Indochina Peninsula are far greater than those of fighting to the death in the north, at least in terms of material benefits.

The purpose of attacking the north was to completely eliminate China's defense crisis. As long as Japan was defeated and Russia was driven back to its home in Europe, China would be in an invincible position from a geopolitical and national security perspective.

Moving south is purely about expanding living space and reaping material benefits, while moving north represents China's land power and moving south represents China's sea power. Within ten years, Zhao Yan can only accomplish half of this, or even less.

Europeans understood this crucial point clearly, and Zhao Yan himself was also aware of it. Therefore, under the premise of maximizing his own interests, he chose to fight to the death against his old enemies, Japan and Russia, in the north.

Although it is more difficult, the risk is much lower. The most crucial point is that it will not break ties with Europe and the United States, and it can continue to maintain the valuable opportunity to exchange China's huge market interests for European and American technology, capital and equipment.

Attacking Southeast Asia would be a challenge to the European colonial system. No matter how much Britain and France tried to appease them, they would never compromise by giving up their precious colonies. It was certain that war would break out.

China may gain a huge advantage in the early stages, but once Britain and France recover, it will be China's turn to suffer.

After the falling out, China will completely lose the opportunity to import advanced technology and productivity from Europe and the United States. As for the Germans, Zhao Yan could guess the answer even with his toes.

If Zhao Yan were to head south and break ties with Europe in the future, Wilhelm II would be laughing his head off. The Germans would never have to fight World War I again, because the Chinese would have fought it for them!

There's no way around it; the country's foundation is too weak. Even if China now had a steel production of ten million tons and the ability to produce its own cruisers, Zhao Yan would still dare to break ties with Europe and seize the fertile Southeast Asia.

But not now. Stalin didn't have the courage to confront the European imperialist bloc at its peak, while Hitler did, but he was still studying for art school entrance exams.

At the diplomatic press conference, Zhao Yan gave a clear answer to the concerns of Britain and France, stating that as long as Britain, France, and other European countries do not take hostile actions against China in their Asian colonies and maintain mutual market openness, China is willing to maintain the status quo and coexist peacefully.

Since the end of the Far East wars, there have been no fundamental conflicts between China and Europe and the United States. Everything is negotiable. As long as it is based on equality and respect, China is willing to understand and respect the European colonial system.

However, the Chinese people still oppose colonialism, a form of rule that deprives people of their freedom and violates human rights. Zhao Yan publicly stated that China, now and in the future, will always uphold the principles of equality and freedom in maintaining the international order, resolutely oppose all acts against humanity, and be hostile to all practices that disregard human rights.

This statement is a classic example of hypocrisy! The Germans were dumbfounded, the British were stunned, and the French discovered an even more shameless entity than the British.

First, they expressed their willingness to respect and understand the European colonial system and to maintain the status quo in a peaceful manner.

Then, they left behind a shameless statement that shocked the global diplomatic community, claiming they would defend freedom and human rights.

To put it bluntly, it's about having the upper hand while pretending to be virtuous. It's about admitting defeat for now and then turning on you later.

As for the so-called freedom and human rights that Zhao Yan mentioned, European and American countries all responded with a "heh heh!"

But they were already satisfied with this result. Although Zhao Yan's words were shameless, his expression was honest, and he did not hide his ambition and thoughts.

These things couldn't be kept secret, but the fact that Zhao Yan said it himself put everyone at ease.

Nobody cares about the future; who knows who will be in power then? As long as you don't cause trouble while you're in office, that's enough.

Zhao Yan's stance of being willing to fight Japan and Russia to the death pleased the West. Fighting Russia was the politically correct course of action in Europe, and no one would refuse the Chinese's willingness to contribute.

The US would like to see Japan attacked. Although Japan is now half-dead, its maritime ambitions and development potential have always been a threat to the US. The US wants to see a balance of power between China and Japan. Only in this way can the Pacific Ocean be the US's backyard.

After dismissing the representatives from other countries, Zhao Yan announced the end of the diplomatic press conference, but secretly sent someone to keep the German ambassador behind, inviting him to his study for a one-on-one private meeting.

German Ambassador Schulz visited the Imperial Study with a mixture of regret and anticipation. He lamented that China had not broken ties with Britain and France, and wondered what a wonderful scene it would be if China could now march south and attack the colonies of Britain, France, and the Netherlands.

The Germans no longer need to engage in a grueling arms race; they can simply watch the large-scale wars erupting in Asia as spectators, and then clean up the mess after the players on stage have finished their battles.

The Far East war was a pleasant surprise for Germany. The British were exhausted. If another war were to break out, Germany could probably dominate the European continent with peace of mind.

"Mr. Ambassador, why do I see such deep regret on your face, like you've just realized your friend didn't fall into the pit?"

Upon meeting, Zhao Yan immediately noticed that Schultz's expression was off; it was like discovering that a good friend had suddenly driven a Range Rover.

Schultz quickly adjusted his expression: "Really? No, I don't think so."

Zhao Yan asked suspiciously, "Really?"

Schultz quickly pointed to the sky: "I swear in the name of God!"

Zhao Yan's face darkened. Who said Germans have no sense of humor? This guy has even learned to use their own methods against them!

Zhao Yan speaks German, so there's no need for a translator. Once the door is closed, it's a private one-on-one conversation. Zhao Yan isn't worried about Schultz having any ulterior motives, and Schultz wouldn't dare to have any inappropriate thoughts in this setting.

Schultz, in his fifties, was no match for Zhao Yan, who was in his prime. At most, Schultz had only fought his peers with a rapier when he was young, but Zhao Yan was a ruthless character who had fought his way up from the front lines.

Schultz looked around the study and his expression gradually became more serious and solemn.

Theoretically speaking, Zhao Yan and Schultz's positions meant they couldn't possibly discuss things one-on-one like this. Even if they didn't need a translator, at least a clerk would have to be present to take notes.

"Your Excellency, I think you want to talk to me about something very important today, don't you?"

Zhao Yan nodded, invited Schultz to sit down, and then personally brewed him a cup of fine tea: "A lone man in a room, of course it's a conspiracy, right? Or is it just dry wood meeting a raging fire?"

"Your Excellency is as humorous as ever, but I also know the old Chinese saying, 'When you offer a gift, you must have something in mind!'" Schultz carefully picked up the tea that Zhao Yan had personally brewed and, imitating the manner of the Chinese officials he had met, slowly sipped it.

Zhao Yan smiled and said, "You don't have to drink. I won't force anyone."

Schulz quickly shook his head: "No, I must drink it. This is the most precious cup of tea in my life. When I return to Europe in the future, this will be my unparalleled topic of conversation."

If Zhao Yan personally brewed tea for him, even if he needed something from him, or even if the tea contained arsenic, Schultz would drink it first.

In Europe, this would be like the German Emperor personally brewing tea for him and delivering it to his hand. The only pity is that there was no camera on site, otherwise Schulz would have become a legend when he returned to Europe.

Zhao Yan tapped his fingers lightly on the surface of the golden nanmu coffee table, his eyes focused on Schultz: "Mr. Ambassador, I don't like deception when it comes to friends; I prefer honesty."

"I have one principle in doing things, which is to offer conditions that the other party cannot refuse!"

Zhao Yan spoke one of the few truths he knew, because that's how he used to scam people. The core of fraud is to offer conditions or benefits that the other party can't refuse.

Although it's not a scam now, and Zhao Yan couldn't possibly deceive a country, he's still willing to offer solid terms that the other party can't refuse.

"Please state your conditions. What is it that the German Empire cannot refuse?" Schulz put down his teacup, his expression showing emotion, his face full of curiosity and anticipation.

Zhao Yan said calmly, "China can become Germany's most steadfast ally whenever Germany needs it in the future. No matter what kind of war you launch, China will join immediately and declare war on all of Germany's enemies!"

Schultz's pupils contracted, revealing undisguised astonishment: "Your Excellency, today is not April Fool's Day, please do not play such a joke!"

Zhao Yan raised his voice: "I'm not joking. This is a solemn promise made by a head of state, and it's also a right granted to me by the laws of the Republic!"

Schulz tried his best to remain calm and said, "China and Germany are too far apart, and China does not seem to have the strength to become an ally of Germany at present."

Zhao Yan laughed and said, "We certainly don't have the strength right now, but Germany shouldn't start a war at this time, right?"

"I fully understand Germany's persistent pursuit of territory in the sunlight; Germany's overseas interests are seriously mismatched with its growing strength."

"The maritime colonial system dominated by Britain and France was extremely unfair to China and Germany. They were enjoying their meals while we were stuck washing dishes in the kitchen."

"Such a system is a blatant insult to both China and Germany. While they are dividing up the land across the seven continents and four oceans, we can only look up at the sky. Haven't the Germans had enough of this?"

Every word Zhao Yan said hit Schulz's sore spot, or rather, it hit every German man's sore spot!

The conditions Zhao Yan offered were indeed difficult for Schulz to refuse, but his basic diplomatic skills kept him calm, and he continued to bargain: "Germany has the ability to wipe out all enemies. We occupied Paris once and completely defeated France, which has proven that Germany has the strength to sweep across Europe."

"An alliance with China doesn't seem to be of much help to us. Surely the Chinese army can't just fly to Europe like migratory birds after the outbreak of war?"

"A distant ally is no different from a non-existent ally!"

Zhao Yan laughed. Those who pick out the goods are the real buyers; you can't do business without haggling.

"Mr. Ambassador, are you serious? Or are you saying that since Chancellor Bismarck's passing, Germany has not had a single person with strategic vision?"

Schultz's expression first turned angry, but faced with Zhao Yan's unchanging smile, he could only dejectedly accept it.