Chen Jing and Yao Yimin were settled in a fairly good hotel. Due to the enthusiasm for the recent arms sales, the Chileans were quite polite and arranged comprehensive services for them. However, these two people did not care about these at all.
As soon as we sat down, we summoned all the members.
Chen Jingyin said to everyone with a sullen face: "Everyone, it is obvious that the Chileans do not intend to purchase warships from us, but I believe that opportunities are earned. We must work harder to convince them, and we must not embarrass the country.
"
Yao Yimin also said: "We have two main tasks. One is to figure out what kind of warships the Chileans want, and at the same time, we also need to figure out what plans are provided by other countries, so that we can know ourselves and the enemy and win every battle. Let's go now.
Let’s split up.”
After they made arrangements, with the cooperation of the embassy staff, the delegation began active activities. If they want to compete for orders, they must understand the combat needs of the Chilean Navy and also understand what the Chilean leadership is thinking. Only by prescribing the right medicine
, in order to obtain recognition from Chile.
At this time, there were three powerful navies in South America, namely Brazil, Argentina, and Chile. These three countries were all voluntarily rich countries. They relied on purchases to build relatively powerful navies.
When the navy entered the era of dreadnoughts, these three countries also successively ordered warships from the West. The first one was Brazil, which ordered two Minas Gerais-class battleships from the United Kingdom, which were built by British shipyards. In 1910
Completed in 2011, it is equipped with a 12-inch main gun and has a full load displacement of more than 20,000 tons.
The first was the Minas Gerais, and the second was the Sao Paulo. After these two dreadnoughts joined the Brazilian Navy, Brazil became the dominant navy in South America.
Then the Argentines also took action. After collecting proposals from more than a dozen European and American shipyards, they placed an order for two battleships to the American shipyard, namely the Rivadavia-class battleship. This class of battleship is basically
Construction began after the Brazilian battleship was launched, so the displacement was also expanded, reaching a full load of about 30,000 tons.
It is also equipped with 6 twin 12-inch main guns with a caliber of 50 times. Its side firepower is obviously stronger than that of the Brazilians. Coupled with the advantages of armor and speed, the Argentineans surprisingly came from behind.
The two old enemies have both developed new battleships, and the Chileans, who were belatedly arriving, also joined the action. They chose to place an order with the British and build Chilean super battleships with reference to the British Iron Duke-class battleships.
There is a slight time gap between the three countries, which determines that the Chileans have a higher starting point. The battleships are also more advanced, which should have been an advantage. However, unfortunately, due to the outbreak of World War I, Chile originally planned to use the battleship Admiral Latorre.
It was requisitioned by the British and turned into the Canada, and also participated in the Battle of Jutland.
As for the second battleship, it was also converted into the Eagle aircraft carrier. Although the British sold the first battleship to the Chileans for half the price after the war, it was already a second-hand product after all. And as the saying goes, a single tree cannot make a forest.
, Chile is thinking about getting another battleship.
After figuring out the cause and effect, Chen Jing and Yao Yimin were thinking: "I didn't pay attention in the past. It turns out that South America still has such a large arms market. It seems that it should be managed well. Compete with the United States and Britain."
Yao Yimin said with a smile: "I don't think so much. The most important thing at the moment is to figure out what the Chileans want. According to my judgment, their warships do not need to be too large, just around 30,000 tons, but they must be seaworthy."
The performance must be good, and the cruising range must be outstanding. After all, Chile is a long and narrow country. In addition, the main gun must exceed Brazil and Argentina, that is, it must reach 14 inches, and the price must be as cheap as possible. After all,
For such a small country, its ability to bear is limited."
Chen Jing smiled and nodded: "General Manager Yao, you already know what's going on?"
"Well, we have prepared three plans. Now it seems that we can make some adjustments to the second plan. It can be done in one afternoon."
"Okay, Chief Engineer Yao, you go ahead and get busy. I'll contact the officials in Chile to see if there's a back door."
After saying that, Chen Jing left the room. As soon as he came out, a guy wearing a tuxedo and holding a civilized stick walked up to him in a few steps and bowed deeply.
"Captain Chen, I am a representative of Japan's Sasebo Shipyard, called Panasonic Rokei. I am also bidding on behalf of the empire. I hope to invite Commander Chen to have a brief chat."
When Chen Jing saw that he was Japanese, he was also a little impatient, but he couldn't say it directly. He could only say: "It's okay to chat, but I'm very pressed for time."
"It doesn't matter, just a few words will do. We are all Asians and yellow people. In this country of white people, we should have a common language."
While talking, Panasonic Rongqing pulled Chen Jing to the seat next to him, ordered two cups of coffee, and then said with a smile: "As a rising maritime power, China has made remarkable achievements, especially Guizhou."
The development of China’s aircraft carriers is even more impressive. I wonder what Chen Sang thinks about future naval battles, whether aircraft carriers will dominate or battleships will rule the roost!”
"Who has the advantages and who has the disadvantages can only be known by fighting on the battlefield. But I can only tell you one thing, that is, the Chinese navy has the confidence and ability to safeguard its own maritime rights and interests, and its maritime territory of thousands of miles is like an iron wall.
"
"Hey Xi, Chen Sang is really courageous, but as far as I know, one aircraft carrier can only control a few hundred kilometers of sea area, and even three aircraft carriers cannot protect thousands of miles of sea territory. Does that mean your country has to build more
Where are the warships?”
As soon as he heard this, Chen Jing's vigilance increased to 120. It was obvious that this guy had no good intentions and wanted to get information about the development of the navy from him.
Chen Jing sneered: "The war is fought by the navy, land and air force. What is the Chinese army like? I believe your country has already experienced it in North Korea. As I said, anyone who wants to die can come here!"
After Chen Jing said this, Panasonic Rongqing was choked immediately, and the atmosphere was extremely dull. Chen Jing grabbed the coffee, drank it all in one gulp, and then said with a smile: "Mr. Panasonic, I am still a little busy, excuse me."
Chen Jing turned around and was about to leave. Panasonic Rongqing sneered and said: "Chen Sang, I think you should stop being busy. Do you think China has any hope of grabbing the order? To tell you the truth, it has already been decided internally. We are just
Just come here to take a look at the scenery. I advise you not to have any wishful thinking. Some things cannot be taken away."
"You have to grab it even if you can't get it. Just admitting defeat like this is not the way of the bushido!" Chen Jing said with a sneer, and then left without looking back. As he walked, he said: "When we get the order, we will also
Invite Mr. Matsushita to a wedding banquet."
"Baga!" He didn't ask anything and was teased. Matsushita was furious, but there was nothing he could do.
Chen Jing was not as calm as he appeared on the surface. Panasonic Rongqing's words still revealed something. The tender had been decided, and there was no doubt that it would fall into the hands of the American and British shipyards. It failed before it even started, leaving Chen Jing, who was full of hope,
Somewhat unwillingly, he immediately found Bachelet.
"Old friend, I want to know if the bidding has been decided?"
"How is that possible?" Bachelet said with an unnatural smile: "Of course the bidding will continue, but to tell you the truth, Mr. Antonio, the Secretary of the Navy, prefers to purchase warships from the United States."
"America?" Chen Jing frowned: "Can you tell me the reason?"
As Chen Jing pushed a check over, Bachelet glanced at it. One 1 was followed by four 0s, and a smile appeared on his face.
"Mr. Minister has purchased a lot of stocks in the United States, one of which belongs to a shipyard. If he increases his orders, his stocks will rise, and he can also get rebates."
"Absurd!" Chen Jing was dumbfounded when he heard this: "Battleships are important weapons of a country, how could they be decided for such a ridiculous reason?"
"There are even more ridiculous things. Forget it, old friends. Stop arguing. As long as you operate well, you may even purchase more aircraft, which can be considered as compensation."
"No, we are determined to get this order. Old friend, can you do me a favor? I want to see your president. To tell you the truth, China has authorized me. For this order, China will launch more diversified cooperation with Chile.
, we can come up with something that is enough to make you tempted.”
Bachelet glanced at Chen Jing, who took out four more checks from his sleeves, all worth 10,000 yuan. After getting the money, Bachelet shrugged, and then said with a smile: "Okay, today
There will be a dance tonight, I wish you a long journey."
After Chen Jing said goodbye to Bachelet, he immediately worked hard and began to study the president of Chile. This guy is called Carlos Ibáñez Del Campo. He has been in the military for 30 years.
, served as the Minister of Munitions and the Minister of the Interior, holding real power. He came to power through a coup in 2027 and became the dictator of Chile.
In fact, this kind of drama was very common after the independence of South America. First, the democratically elected government came to power, but then encountered troubles and had economic problems, so it had to step down. At the same time, a military strongman came to power. As a result, it was difficult for this dictator to solve the problem and maintain it for a period of time.
After a while, he was kicked out again.
That's it, it's going on alternately, and the political arena has become a mess. In the final analysis, if the economy is not independent, there is no hope of political independence. Chen Jing has no interest in these things. He only thinks about how to impress the dictator.
Soon it was time for the dance. Under the feasting and feasting, those mixed-race beauties from South America danced gracefully like a group of elves, but Chen Jing was too lazy to take a look. At around 9 o'clock, President Campo finally came. This old guy
Hug those ladies warmly.
After dancing for almost an hour, Bachelet took Chen Jing to the lounge at the back to meet the president.
After Campo saw Chen Jing, he looked him up and down and said with a smile: "Friends from the East, I only give you five minutes to convince me. In fact, I prefer those fairies outside to these boring negotiations.
