Chapter 3032
The reasons given by Roger just confirmed Li Yuande's previous speculation. Although this island chain has a very important geographical location, it has not been developed on a large scale for thousands of years. There must be some restrictions on its development. unfavorable conditions.
Even if Haihan has strong military force and shipping capabilities, if it wants to develop this island chain, it must consider the difficulties it will face and the cost-effectiveness of doing so.
Haihan definitely needs a port as a springboard to enter the Indian Ocean, but in Roger's view, this island chain is not the best choice.
"The three islands we occupy now are all very close to the mainland. Whether it is to obtain population or material supplies, the cost will be far lower than this island chain."
Roger paused and continued to express his opinion: "And precisely because it is close to the mainland, our garrison can have a sufficient deterrent effect on surrounding areas. If we choose the island chain in the Myanmar Sea as a garrison base, there will be vastness within a thousand miles." The sea, if you want to show force to neighboring countries, you have to travel two to three thousand miles to go back and forth. How meaningful is this? ”
Qian Tiandun said: "But if we give up developing the island chain, then we will have to find a port on the opposite side of the sea. This step is a bit big."
Roger smiled and said: "Is it big? I think it's okay. The distance from Phuket to the east coast of the Indian Peninsula is about the same as the voyage from Sanya to Xingdao, except that there are fewer ports in the middle for supplies. We want to To expand westward, we must take this step sooner or later!”
Qian Tiandun's campaigns in the north over the years have almost always been carried out gradually along the coastline, controlling almost all important ports along the mainland to ensure the safety of waterways and the ability to deliver troops. The long-distance and long-span expansion method advocated by Roger undoubtedly requires facing greater risks.
The situation on the Indian Peninsula is more complicated and dangerous than the Strait of Malacca. In addition to the Mughal Empire that ruled the peninsula, there were also colonial armed forces from Europe that established strongholds there, and wars between the various parties continued for many years. If Haihan were to step in, he would undoubtedly become the target of public criticism.
Of course, Qian Tiandun's attitude was to seek stability and try his best to ensure that every step he took was practical. This was obviously somewhat different from Roger's idea.
As if he sensed something from Qian Tiandun's silence, Roger gave another example: "Old Qian, don't forget that Tom Wang has now taken root in North America. Who else can make big steps?" Is it a bigger step than his? ”
Qian Tiandun said with a smile: "Tom Wang is a fierce man, I feel ashamed."
Four years ago, Tom Wang decided to resign as Navy Commander and lead his troops to North America to open up new colonies. This courage greatly impressed everyone. Especially the senior generals who hold military power are all inspired by this and are thinking of opening up new horizons overseas.
On Wang Tom's voyage across the Pacific to North America, there were no ready-made supply ports for his fleet to dock on the way, and there was no foundation at all on the North American continent. Everything had to start from scratch. However, Wang Tom successfully established a foothold in the local area, established a colonial stronghold, and extended Haihan's rule to the local area.
Qian Tiandun could not imagine how many difficulties Wang Tom encountered in this process, but one thing was certain, that is, Wang Tom's transoceanic operation was far more difficult and risky than the situation they were facing now.
Since Tom Wang can do it, there is certainly no reason for them to back down. What's more, the troops mobilized and the resources invested by the Xingdao Region this time have far exceeded when Tom Wang set out for North America.
But before that, the three currently occupied islands must be digested and an advance base established to advance into the Indian Ocean before the next step can be taken.
Pashan, the special envoy of Siam, is obviously a very stubborn person. He comes to Haihan camp every morning to ask for an audience. However, after the two parties met, there was nothing new in what they talked about. Pashan insisted that Hai Han should evacuate from Phuket immediately, while Roger continued to use the excuse of "fighting against piracy" to prevaricate the other party. Although Pashan was furious about this, he had no stronger means to use, so he could only leave angrily after an argument.
Qian Tiandun was a little confused about this. Roger could have completely avoided it and not argued with Pashan for a while, so why was he wasting time arguing with him.
Roger smiled and said: "Although we will quarrel, we still have to meet. Don't forget that there are other audiences on the island. They will see our attitude towards Siam."
Qian Tiandun suddenly said: "It seems that you are not only using the Acehnese and Portuguese as spearmen, but also the Siamese as tools when they come!"
If Roger refuses to meet Pashan, then Kaza and Lopez will see it and think that the risk of war between Siam and Haihan has greatly increased, and as participants in the so-called "coalition", they may also affected.
But as long as the two sides continue to be in contact, even if the meeting is quarrelsome, it means that the situation is still within the scope of negotiation and will not deteriorate to the point of war.
From their standpoint, of course they don't want to be involved in the war. After all, Haihan seized Phuket from Siam. Portugal and Aceh have not benefited at all so far, and they certainly do not want to be forced to become belligerents.
But Roger did not inform them in advance before dragging them into the water, and they had to worry that Roger would conceal the negotiation process with Siam.
Although there is no industry in Phuket, everyone knows how powerful Haihan is in developing islands. Ampurna Island in the South China Sea, as well as Roger's base camp Star Island, were not all developed with the same name more than 20 years ago. The similar environment in Phuket has now become a drool-worthy cornucopia.
If Phuket falls into the hands of Haihan, it might become a new regional trade center in a few years. If they miss out on the subsequent development period because they failed to participate in the initial stage, it will definitely make them regret it.
This is why Kaza and Lopez still stayed in Phuket even though they knew they were being used by Roger. If there was any benefit, wouldn't they miss it if they left?
Roger's judgment turned out to be true. Kaza lost his temper at first and took the initiative to come to him to inquire about the progress of negotiations with Siam.
And Lopez knew that Kaza was moving, so of course he couldn't continue to stand still, so he had no choice but to visit Roger to get the news.
The envoys of the three countries on the island monitor each other, not wanting to let others take advantage of the current situation, and this is exactly the situation Roger needs. Even if there is no progress for the time being, or even if there is only a quarrel after meeting, he will still be patient and wait for the situation to turn around.
(End of chapter)