Chapter 2955
Compared with the Luzon Region, which took the lead in launching operations, Haihan prepared to invest a larger force on the west side of the South China Sea. Even not counting Qian Tiandun's special operations division, the naval and land forces stationed in Annan alone had a considerable number of troops participating in the war.
The Eighth Army Division has mobilized three troops from Tu Son Battalion, Da Nang Battalion, and Cam Ranh Independent Battalion to Cam Ranh Port. Together with the navy from the Second Detachment of the South China Sea Fleet, the total strength reaches about 3,000 people.
If the special operations divisions and logistics troops are also included, then there will be approximately six to seven thousand personnel participating in the operation, which far exceeds the size of the Haihan Army currently fighting in the Philippine Islands. And this is only the force assembled in the Indochina Peninsula, and the participating troops from Xingdao are not included for the time being.
There is no doubt that this will be the largest military operation in the South China Sea since the founding of the People's Republic of China, and it has even exceeded Qian Tiandun's original imagination when he planned the matter.
But what is quite intriguing is that in this vast area east of the Strait of Malacca and north of Java Island, there seems to be no opponent with comparable strength to Haihan. Especially the Western colonists from outside the region currently maintain decent diplomatic relations with Haihan, and there are no hostile forces like Spain.
Of course, even so, the actions of the Haihan Army will inevitably arouse the vigilance of others. If the Haihan Army's front is heading towards their own territory, then who can withstand the Haihan Army's offensive?
"Master Qiu, I really don't understand what your country is planning to do with such a huge military action?"
The person who asked the question was Portuguese businessman Gabriel. As early as a month ago, he had sent back to Malacca the news of Haihan gathering troops at Cam Ranh Port, but the reply he received only asked him to continue to monitor the movements of the garrison at Cam Ranh Port. , collect relevant information.
Although this arrangement seems a bit irresponsible, Gabriel can understand Malacca's difficulties.
What if we don't? Malacca City only has about a dozen old warships, musketeers, artillerymen, and local indigenous soldiers, with a total of only about 2,000 people. Such a small number of people is not enough in front of the Haihan Army. Apart from praying for the Haihan Army The target of my action is not myself, and there seems to be no better way.
Understanding is understanding, but it cannot eliminate Gabriel's strong anxiety. During this period of time, he couldn't eat well or sleep well, and every day he was wondering about Haihan's true purpose of raising troops in the South China Sea.
And the place he visited most recently has changed from his own shop to a restaurant near the military port - the fourth floor of this restaurant facing the street has a panoramic view of the military port wharf. Hai Hanjun was in Jinlan recently. The gathering situation in Hong Kong can also be seen at a glance.
According to his observation, no troop transport ships have arrived in the area in recent days, and the build-up of the Haihan Army seems to have come to an end. Moreover, there is news that the Haihan Army has begun military operations against the Spanish in the Philippine Islands. It is obvious that the launch of the Cam Ranh Port garrison is close at hand.
Gabriel didn't have the patience to wait any longer. Today he specially invited Qiu Zhiguo, the civil affairs official of Cam Ranh Port, out for dinner, hoping to get some more information from him.
Qiu Zhiguo did not respond directly to his question. He looked out the window and said, "The scenery here is pretty good. You can just see the channel in and out of Cam Ranh Bay and the naval base opposite."
Gabriel heard that the other party seemed to be referring to something, so he was not in a hurry to talk.
Qiu Zhiguo continued: "I heard from the shopkeeper here that you have been here for more than ten days in a row. Every day you ask for the position with the best view. You come in the morning and leave after dark. I think this should not be the case. Just to see the scenery, or get addicted to the food and wine here? ”
Cold sweat broke out on Gabriel's back immediately. One of his tasks at Cam Ranh Port was to collect local intelligence, but he was not a professional intelligence officer and did not realize that he had become the target of Haihan's surveillance. If he is found guilty of this crime, I'm afraid it will be difficult to escape unscathed.
Gabriel quickly explained: "It's not what you think. I have a shipment of goods that has been late for many days, so I want to wait here to see when the ship will arrive at the port..."
Qiu Zhiguo raised his hand, indicating that he did not need to say any more: "Actually, I am not interested in your reasons. I just want you to understand one thing. If we plan to do something to your country's colonies in the South China Sea, then you must There is no chance to sit in this place. Let alone more than ten days in a row, it is impossible for one day." Gabriel moved his lips a few times, but in the end he said nothing and could only nod to show that he understood. He said too much and made many mistakes. He knew that no matter how he explained it now, it would only be equivalent to sophistry in the ears of the other party.
Qiu Zhiguo continued: "From now on, Cam Ranh Port has entered a state of military control and all civilian ships have been suspended from leaving the port. Even if you see something here, there is no way to spread the news. So don't do anything and just stay calm!"
Gabriel said in shock: "Martial control? Why didn't you see the announcement?"
Qiu Zhiguo smiled and said: "I said it will take effect immediately. When you go out, you will see the announcement on the street."
Now that Cam Ranh Port has been put under military control and no news can be sent out, Gabriel is relieved and feels much more relaxed. He asked Qiu Zhiguo: "Will Cam Ranh Port be blocked until the end of your country's military operation?"
Qiu Zhiguo shook his head slightly and said: "It won't take that long, just a few days. After the troops start to leave, Cam Ranh Port will be lifted from control and returned to normal."
Gabriel hesitated and repeated the question he asked before: "What are you planning to do in such a big war?"
Qiu Zhiguo said: "Whatever you think we want to do, that's what it is."
"Occupy more territory?" Gabriel asked tentatively.
Qiu Zhiguo said nothing, picked up the glass and drank by himself.
"Establishing a route to the Indian Ocean?"
"Perhaps you want to go further afield?"
Qiu Zhiguo did not respond to his questions, but he did not deny his speculations.
Although Gabriel didn't get the answer, he seemed to understand something. Facing the sumptuous table of food and wine in front of him, he had completely lost his appetite.
Qiu Zhiguo simply ate some food and wine, and seeing that Gabriel was no longer interested in talking, he took the initiative to stand up and leave.
Before leaving, Qiu Zhiguo knocked on the table lightly and said: "If you want to know anything in the future, you can come to us directly. Don't sit here. This seat is not reserved for you."
Gabriel was shocked when he heard this, and immediately understood what Qiu Zhiguo meant.
Haihan officials certainly know that this place is a good location to monitor the military port, but it is not a bait. Before this, no one knows how many spies and spies took the initiative to bite the hook here. The reason why he hasn't been arrested after so many days is probably because his uncle Costa is the chief executive of Malacca City, and Haihan needs to give him some face.
(End of chapter)