In terms of diplomacy, unlike several other allies who are keen to show off their muscles on the international stage, Australia has always been very soy. On the one hand, this is because of its unique geographical location, and on the other hand, because its people themselves are not very interested in international affairs.
Joking aside, as the Australian government struggled to win a seat on the United Nations Security Council, opposition leader Tony Abbott mocked then-prime minister Kevin Rudd for spending too much time overseas and away from global action on climate change. .
Compared to Britain, France and the United States, which make fuss over China every time there is an election, Australia is undoubtedly like a docile sheep. However, this sheep has considerable naval power.
At present, the Royal Australian Navy has 6 "Colinth" class conventional submarines, 4 "Adelaide" class frigates, 8 "Anzac" class frigates, 8 landing ships, 8 mine warfare ships and other equipment, which are called It is not an exaggeration to say that it is the most powerful naval force in the Pacific region.
Not only that, the "SEA1400" and "SEA1000" plans currently being promoted by the Australian Navy will cost 7.5 billion and 37 billion US dollars respectively to build a total of 3 "Hobart" class Aegis destroyers and 12 "Collins" class submarines to replace the original Have equipment. Adhering to the strategy of being renewed in 2020 and reborn in 2030, we will vigorously promote the modernization of the navy...
However these all require money.
Compared with its moderate foreign policy and relatively loose finances, its determination to strengthen its navy can be described as ambitious.
It is precisely for this reason that how to properly deal with old warships has always been a problem that has plagued Canberra. If the Philippines is willing to buy back these old scrap metals, the Australian government has no reason to refuse.
As for the "additional conditions" of changing its position on the current situation in the Western Pacific, it is obviously not that difficult for Australia to accept. After all, the new country is only a small country with a population of 20,000.
And Jiang Chen wanted to take action on this arms sales agreement and disrupt this business.
... ...
Canberra, the capital of Australia.
A taxi pulled up outside a suburban Burger King restaurant.
The car door opened, and a middle-aged man wearing a gray windbreaker walked to the door. After taking a look at the store's decoration, he looked back cautiously.
After confirming that no reporters were following him. He opened the door and walked into the store without ordering anything. He went straight to the seat at the end and sat down, looking at the black man sitting opposite him.
Bakari. Department manager of Xinghuan Trading Company.
"Bakari?" The middle-aged man took out his phone and looked at it, then looked at Bakari and asked in a lowered voice.
"Yes, you must be Brody." Bakari smiled and stretched out his right hand.
Brodie, Liberal MP. The party's prestige is second only to Malcolm, the leader of the Liberal Party.
After hesitating for a moment, Brody held his hand and shook it while looking into his eyes and said.
"Manager of Xinghuan Trading Company? Australia doesn't need security guards. I'm afraid I can't help you."
Bakari smiled and put his arms on the table.
"But we can definitely help you."
Brody raised his eyebrows, signaling for him to continue.
Bakari grinned, showing his white teeth, "I heard that you have a retired MEKO-200 frigate—"
"No way. The ship has been decided to be sold to the Philippines, and it cannot be sold to you. If you came here for this matter, we have nothing to talk about." Brody immediately understood what he wanted to say. He immediately made a move.
"200 jobs for your constituency," Bakari said with a smile.
Brody just wanted to get up, frowned and sat down again.
There is nothing more important to a congressman than his own constituency. Although he was disdainful of Bakari's proposal, he still sat down and was ready to listen to what he had to say.
"You don't understand the situation, Mr. Bakari. It's impossible for me to convince the Senate to sell a warship to a country we are not familiar with, even if it is an obsolete warship, and it is impossible for anyone," Brody said.
"I didn't say it was sold to the country." Bakari shook his head.
"Not even privately."
After Brody finished speaking, he was about to stand up, but Bakari quickly stopped him. Indicate that he is giving himself ten minutes.
Seeing the congressman sitting back on his chair, Bakari smiled.
"Our boss plans to spend US$5 million to acquire a bankrupt amusement park in New South Wales, purchase the warship from the Australian government in the name of the amusement park, and then convert it into a military museum. This does not violate the arms sales regulations at all. . Because the warships are purchased by Australian companies and are for civilian use."
Having said this, Bakari stopped talking and looked at Brody's eyes that gradually brightened with a smile. He knew very well that the congressman in front of him was already moved.
After thinking for a moment, Brody asked in a deep voice.
"How much do you plan to pay for this warship?"
"11 million U.S. dollars," Bakari said.
Brody shook his head. "I can only reveal that the Philippines is asking for no less than 15 million U.S. dollars. I'm afraid I won't be able to convince the Prime Minister with your offer."
"Is it just 11 million US dollars?" Bakari asked with a smile.
"What do you mean?" Brody raised his eyebrows.
"This is an election year. Do you think voters would like to see a prime minister who sells warships to neighboring countries who are keen to destabilize the region, or a prime minister who is committed to improving employment and maintaining regional stability? Think about it. , the prime minister is not a businessman, and the people don’t care at all how much your warships were sold for, as long as the number is not too low and ridiculous.”
Because of their service time, second-hand warships are not worth much in the first place. The "Hamilton" class patrol ship purchased by the Philippines from the United States costs about US$10 million. This Australian warship may have been in service for a relatively short time, but it is definitely not worth US$15 million. The key reason why the Philippines is willing to pay US$1,500 to take advantage of the situation this time is that Australia agrees to retain the weapons, radar and other equipment on the warship.
Australia is also taking diplomatic risks when selling this warship, because it is likely to be regarded as a provocation by China, so the proposal itself has great differences in the Australian Prime Minister's Office.
As a politician, Brody would not have thought of this. The reason why he did not speak out was just to gain more benefits. Affected by the fall in iron and aluminum ore prices, Australia's economic data for 2015 was unsatisfactory. In such an environment, it is self-evident which option is more favored by voters.
Seeing Bakari clarifying his words, Brody's eyes wandered unnaturally, and he kept tapping his index finger on the table, weighing the pros and cons in his mind.
"This arms sale is led by the United States, and we cannot ignore the feelings of our allies." Brody lowered his voice and said.
Bakari smiled and stepped back from his chair.
"Mr. Brody, do you think the United States is more important or the upcoming 2016 election? If you cannot be re-elected in this election, your diplomatic efforts will only pave the way for the next Labor Party to govern. If you think my proposal is more important, It’s not attractive at all. Of course we can also go to people from the Labor Party, and I believe they will seize this opportunity.”
After saying this, Bakari stood up.
However, this time it was Brody who held him back.
Seeing the congressman's expression, Bakari couldn't help but reveal a victorious smile on his face.
He knew that he had successfully convinced him.
... ...
The rain outside the window is still heavy, and from time to time, a few silver snake-like lightnings can be vaguely glimpsed in the distance.
Jiang Chen was lying naked on the soft bed, with the quilt under his belly and his mobile phone in his hand. He looked very comfortable.
"It has been negotiated, and Congressman Brody said he would discuss the matter with the party leader."
"Very good, 16 million U.S. dollars has been transferred to your account. You are responsible for pulling the strings and buying the closed amusement park and decommissioned warship." Lying on the bed in the villa, Jiang Chen held the hand The mobile phone gave instructions to Bakari in Australia.
I wonder what the monkeys in the Philippines would think if they found that their warships had been turned into a playground. It doesn't matter whether this amusement park makes money or not, but in order to solve the new country's diplomatic dilemma, Australia, a piece of grass on the wall, must be torn off the Philippines' chariot.
Jiang Chen could still afford a mere US$13 million.
"By the way, what do you think of Brody?" Jiang Chen asked.
"Cunning." Bakari only used two words to describe it.
“What about influence within the party?”
"The prestige is second only to party leader Brody, who helped Brody win the election in 2013."
"Buy a good relationship with Congressman Brody, we will need him in the future. By the way, ask him in a subtle way if he is interested in running for party leader, and we can provide campaign funds." Jiang Chen raised the corners of his mouth. A playful smile.
"OK." Bakari replied simply.
After hanging up the phone, Jiang Chen let out a sigh of relief.
Without Australia's participation, the Philippines' so-called economic blockade will become empty talk.
At this time, the quilt curled up under his waist moved and slowly rose.
A corner of the quilt was lifted to reveal a pretty face, with a pair of bright sapphire eyes staring into his eyes, rising and falling with a very rhythmic rhythm.
Jiang Chen held his breath, smiled, stretched out his hand, and gently stroked Aisha's dark brown hair.
"Be good, I still need to make a phone call-"
However, just as his fingertips touched the edge of the hair, a tingling sensation like ants crawling over escaped from his cerebral cortex, causing Jiang Chen to tense up his back muscles as if he had been electrocuted.
Violent shaking and several "gulps" of swallowing...
Facing that cold yet fiery gaze, Jiang Chen took a deep breath and threw the phone aside.
What happens next is not understandable to outsiders. (.)