Chapter 405: Chapter 390: The Prime Minister Summons_1
Negotiating with these foreigners, it’s important to have solid evidence. With a clear case on one’s side, it doesn’t matter what country or background they’re from, nothing irreversible would happen as a result.

Nie Zhenbang feels the weight of how in his past life, Huaxia’s military power was relatively much weaker. But now, with the military technologies Nie Zhenbang had obtained from the former Soviet Union as a foundation, and subsequent acquisitions of various industrial equipment and resources.

In this life, Huaxia’s comprehensive national power, especially in terms of military strength, is far stronger than it was in the past. Technologies for the fifth-generation fighter jet, which should have only emerged twenty years later, have already begun to be developed. Also, all the technical reserves related to aircraft carriers have been completed. As long as the Huaxia government is willing, domestic shipyards can immediately build a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier.

Given such a background and strength, Huaxia’s international standing is much better. Nie Zhenbang is sure that the United States won’t sever ties with Huaxia just because they are at odds, let alone when he has just cause.

However, Nie Zhenbang also understands that the Americans are definitely capable of maintaining a facade, which is why he’s working on securing proof regarding Wilgang Pharmaceuticals and several other factories, ensuring a solid footing no matter what happens.

While Nie Zhenbang was making preparations, back in Jingcheng, the country’s highest decision-making body, the Political Bureau, had gathered for a meeting.

Jingcheng, Imperial Palace Huaguang Pavilion

This is the core of the whole Huaxia. In the eyes of the people, it seems that the central government’s office building is where all the important decisions are made. However, in fact, meetings of the counter steering committee of Huaxia, except for those broadcast to the public, are all held here.

All nine standing committee members were present, except for CPPCC Chairman Guo who was visiting abroad. Zhuang Aiguo, the Party’s Discipline Secretary, sat sternly, his face expressionless.

At the head of the table, General Secretary Yuan Kangan scanned the room with a calm gaze, then began: “The purpose of this meeting should be clear to everyone. This is primarily about the sudden inspection and subsequent suspension of several American-funded factories in Jiangbei Liangxi City. As of now, the U.S. Embassy has lodged a formal protest, and President Kerwin even gave me a call.”

“These Americans, always making a mountain out of a molehill. It’s a simple matter, yet they had to call me. This is happening in a Huaxia factory; we should be the ones laying down the rules. Otherwise, what would we even amount to?” Zhuang Aiguo spoke nonchalantly.

Upon hearing Zhuang Aiguo’s statement, the other standing committee members showed understanding. Nie Zhenbang was the orchestrator of the Liangxi City incident. Given Zhuang Aiguo’s mentorship of Nie Zhenbang, it would be strange if he didn’t step forward.

Beside them, Prime Minister Yun Bo frowned slightly. As the Premier of the State Council, conventionally, he should take the lead in handling foreign disputes.

He understood the stance that Zhuang Aiguo wanted to express. After a moment of consideration, the Prime Minister also added his opinion: “Secretary Aiguo, from our perspective, the behavior of the United States is indeed exaggerated, even slightly unreasonable. However, their protest claims otherwise. I suggest that we call in Mayor Nie Zhenbang of Liangxi City and ask him to clarify what exactly happened. If we were in the wrong, we would rectify our actions and offer an apology. We cannot allow this to tarnish our country’s international image.”

After pausing for a moment, Prime Minister Yun Bo suggested again: “Of course, if it’s the United States’ fault, we must fully support the decisions made by the local cadres. Sustainable development isn’t just about rhetoric. If we’re in the right, I think, we can seize this opportunity to convey the Central Government’s stance to the world and all local governments within our nation. We will never trade environment for development, or people’s livelihoods for economy.”

“Good, Prime Minister Yun Bo, your proposal is excellent. It fully embodies our independent, peaceful coexistence, foreign policy. We should be courteous and respectful. I believe Prime Minister Yun Bo should personally handle this matter. The State Council Office can then issue a document asking comrade Nie Zhenbang to return to Jingcheng to report on duty, and explain the situation.”

The national response was extremely swift. The sudden suspension of operations at Wilgang and other companies had already attracted worldwide attention. Foreign media even described the incident as a faceoff between China and the United States.

Under the scrutiny of the world and pressure from the United States, it would have been impossible for our nation to delay any further. After the central political bureau meeting, that very afternoon, a call from the State Council Office was placed directly to the Jiangbei Provincial Committee Secretary, Shen Yanshuo’s office.

After hanging up the phone, Shen Yanshuo frowned. Nie Zhenbang was making him truly worried. Nie Zhenbang was even gaining a reputation as a provincial committee buster in Huaxia’s official circles.

In Xibei Autonomous Region, a provincial tax bureau director stepped down, and an autonomous region chairperson retired. Nie Zhenbang was behind all these ‘achievements’. Now, he had just been elected mayor and he provoked an international dispute that alarmed the central government. Shen Yanshuo even began to worry if he would be able to maintain his position.

With a sigh, Shen Yanshuo picked up the phone and dialed Nie Zhenbang’s number. The phone was quickly picked up. Nie Zhenbang’s voice came through: “Secretary Shen, you wish to speak with me?”