Chapter 3: White Blade Encounter

  Article 1:

  In the coastal city of North Java, Indonesia, fierce street fighting is still going on. A fleet of 12 Japanese Self-Defense Force OH-1 attack helicopters has turned the central square, which was just taken over by the "Nanyang Liberation Army", into a sea of fire with rocket bombs. The newly formed Indonesian Army's 3rd Mechanized Division, equipped with Japanese-made Type 73 armored personnel carriers and Type 89 infantry fighting vehicles, is approaching the defensive line of the "Nanyang Liberation Army" Independent 10th Corps, which is composed entirely of Chinese volunteers from all over the world.

  "Come on! Who's still got energy to follow me?" Chen Jianyang, a volunteer from Australia, shouted to his comrades, waving his Negev light machine gun. A "Iron Fist 3" anti-tank rocket fired from a building with only a broken outer wall hit the side armor of the lead Type 73 armored personnel carrier, instantly turning it into a burning crematorium.

  The remaining Type 73 armored personnel carriers immediately turned their 12.7mm heavy machine guns and poured dense fire on the building where the attacker was hiding, leaving countless bullet holes on its exterior. "Charge!" The sound of the Chinese people's attack horn echoed again on Sukarno Avenue, which had been silent just a moment before.

  Israeli-made "Iron Fist" and Soviet-made RPG rockets roared through the narrow streets, while Indonesian soldiers initially tried to resist from the shooting ports of their armored vehicles. However, they soon realized that these armored vehicles were nothing but iron coffins sent by the Japanese. Leaving behind a trail of corpses and still-burning armored vehicles, Sukarno Avenue was once again filled with the sound of Chinese people singing an old song - "Descendants of the Dragon".

  While on the northern coast of the city, another Japanese Self-Defense Force's armed helicopter was loading ammunition and preparing to take off. Ground personnel were hastily evacuating the airfield, exhausted pilots were pulling up the hatches, and the spinning propellers were stirring up clouds of red dust. This scene was all too familiar for General Uesugi Atsushi, commander of the Japanese Self-Defense Force's "Nanyang Dispatched Army". The Chinese armed forces and his Japanese-Indonesian joint military had been entangled on the northern coast for a full 48 hours. Despite having air superiority and overwhelming firepower, he was being pinned down in this small city by a group of Chinese who were just starting to learn how to use guns. Uesugi didn't know whether he should be ashamed for the Indonesians or praise the bravery of the Chinese. Although deploying the Japanese Self-Defense Force might have yielded different results, today's Japan could not afford the casualties of urban warfare. "General Uesugi! You're getting senile!" shouted Major General Shigenori Shinohara, commander of the 4th Mixed Brigade of the Japanese Ground Self-Defense Force, who had just returned from a mission with a bottle of beer in hand. "What's wrong with you? This is how you talk to your superior officer?" Uesugi glared at his staff officers, who were staring at him in surprise. "Do you really believe there are only 2,500 Chinese armed personnel inside the city? If they weren't constantly receiving reinforcements, they would have run out of ammunition and suffered heavy casualties long ago. The Indonesian military's encirclement is full of holes, and if we continue to attack, this place will become a Stalingrad for the Chinese."

  "Your meaning is that we will immediately pack up and return to Japan, right?" Although he felt that what he said was not unreasonable, Uesugi Rikizō still spoke in a rage. "We all know how many Chinese people there are in the world. As long as Sanbao Ridge is in the hands of the Chinese armed forces, they can continuously receive supplies and support until the arrival of the Chinese Expeditionary Force. But if we occupy Sanbao Ridge first, the entire line of Chinese armed forces will immediately become a scattered sand."

  Shinobu Arata pulled out a crumpled map from his pocket and explained to his superior. "Frog Jump Tactics?!"

  Uesugi Katsuhisa looked at the straight line drawn by Nouhime on the map and said with a knowing look, "How long can the combined fleet withstand the Chinese?"

  Shigenaga thought for a moment and asked, "Don't be so pessimistic, the Chinese may not dare to fight us."

  Uesugi Ryuu chuckled, like people of his age often do, remembering the past glories of the Japanese Combined Fleet. "At most 100 hours?! But that's enough."

  Shibata Shigeo muttered to himself, but Uesugi Katsuo had already agreed with his opinion. Shibata's 4th Mixed Brigade of the Japanese Ground Self-Defense Force quickly assembled and waited until nightfall before preparing to launch a surprise attack on Sanpōgaran under the cover of darkness through the loose lines of the "South Yang Liberation Army".

  The "Nanyang Liberation Army" has a total strength of 45,000 people, most of whom are Chinese born and raised in Indonesia who have sent their families away to unite against the tyrannical government for freedom and dignity. Of course, many Chinese from Southeast Asia also make up a large proportion of the "Nanyang Liberation Army", and they were mostly engaged in industries related to the military. It is said that there are even retired officers and soldiers from the Chinese National Defense Force who have come to assist in the war.

  The Voice of America even claimed that "Yang Quan, a retired officer of the 39th Group Army, China's elite land force, led an armed group of Indonesian Chinese, with more than 7,000 retired Chinese soldiers fighting for Lin Guangzhao as mercenaries under his command."

  In fact, only a handful of people in the "Nanyang Liberation Army" had actually served in the Chinese military. The "Yang Quan Colonel" who was hyped up by Western media did exist, but he was only a captain when he retired from the group army.

  It was just an accidental opportunity that allowed Yang Quan, who was doing business in Thailand at the time, to meet Lin Guangzhao and casually say something about the situation in Indonesia. "Use space to exchange for time, accumulate small victories into big ones." That's all.

  Yang Quan, the commander-in-chief of the "Nanyang Liberation Army", is only 28 years old this year and comes from Guizhou Province in inland China. His height of 1.78 meters paired with his low-degree glasses makes him look gentle and refined, not at all like a military commander. Before joining the army, he studied precision machinery and was proficient in various skills.

  At this moment, standing in a converted underground garage in Sanbao Ridge, he is commanding dozens of technicians to produce 5.56mm rifle bullets on machines that were somehow assembled from unknown parts. Although the "Nanyang Liberation Army" is under pressure on all fronts, Yang Quan firmly believes that as long as they persevere, victory will ultimately belong to them.

  "Sorry for the trouble, I'll invite you all to dinner after we finish fighting." As he loudly declared this, looking at the whirring machines, Yang Quan took off his gloves and walked out of the dimly lit underground arsenal. The thick smell of gunpowder outside stimulated his sense of smell.

  Four F-1 fighter jets from Japan's 8th Air Wing flew low overhead, opening their bomb bays just a few hundred meters in front of him.

  8 bombs weighing 228 kg pulled a red and white striped parachute clearly across the sky, exploding one after another in the distance. Faced with this scene, Yang Quan simply patted off the dirt that had fallen on his body and continued walking forward, under the evening sky of Sanbao Ridge, several doors from Taiwan's Swedish GDF

  The 35mm twin-barreled anti-aircraft gun fired in an irregular curve, and one F-1 was hit, disappearing into the sky over Sanbao Ridge with a long trail of black smoke. Yang Quan hummed a slightly off-key tune as he walked slowly back to his simple command post, gazing at the sunset on the horizon. On several laptops in front of him, the numbers of the 9 columns of the "Nanyang Liberation Army" were scattered across the circular defense ring centered on Sanbao Ridge. The organization of the "Nanyang Liberation Army" was set by Yang Quan with reference to the Chinese People's Liberation Army during the Liberation War. Each column had a basic strength of 5,000 people, with 5 independent combat brigades under it. Each combat brigade had 100 combat teams, each team consisting of 10 people, including 7-8 automatic riflemen, 2-3 anti-tank soldiers and air defense infantrymen. Using urban guerrilla tactics to resist the mechanized troops of the Japanese-Indonesian coalition army. Although such tactics had been successful on various fronts over the past 10 days, Yang Quan knew that under the tracks of the Japanese-Indonesian coalition army, the Chinese were fighting to the death with their own flesh and blood. "Motherland! What are you doing?" Although news of the Chinese military gathering in Vietnam came from time to time, reinforcements seemed to be still far away. "Commander Yang, the Indonesian attack on the North Coast has stopped." Zhang Shouzhen, who had just finished a satellite phone call, said excitedly. "Oh? Is that so?"

  The North Coast is the gateway to Jakarta, and the "South Ocean Liberation Army" has sacrificed nearly 2,000 people to defend it. Of course, the losses of the attacking side will not be lower than this number. Yang Quan was a little unbelievable in his ears. "Is there any news on other fronts?" Walking to a computer, Yang Quan carefully examined the changes in the battle lines of the two armies. "1 hour ago, the Japanese Special Task Force launched an attack again along the Magulong Highway. But wanting to cross our minefield is not that easy."

  Director Zhang pointed to a strategic highway on the south side of Sanbao Ridge and said to Yang Quan, "Yang Quan had long been prepared for Japan's move. On every road that could pass through tanks from Magelang to Sanbao Ridge, he required layer upon layer of minefields." "Should we send the 5th column to reinforce?"

  Director Zhang picked up the phone and asked, "Wait a minute! I haven't figured out the chess situation yet."

  Yang Quan shook his head, and his intuition told him that the real fierce battle might have just begun.

  On the highway from Magelang to Sanbaolong, several Japanese 90-style tanks destroyed by the "Nanyang Liberation Army" a few days ago lay on the road surface filled with gravel and potholes. On the 154 highland, which was almost plowed through by artillery fire, more than 20 simple cat holes under the mountain ridge were resting in 7 combat groups of the "Nanyang Liberation Army". Li Shuyuan, who escaped from Jakarta alive, is now considered a veteran. Lighting a cigarette, Li Shuyuan took out the photo he treasured from his pocket, which was taken when he, Kangkang and Xiaoyun went to the amusement park together after graduating from high school. Kangkang liked Xiaoyun, but in the end he gave up and entrusted Xiaoyun's happiness to himself. "Fool!"

  Thinking of Kangkang Li Shu-yen couldn't help but mutter a curse under her breath. It's been 3 days, is the injured him okay?

  Li Shuyuan's mind couldn't help but recall his old comrade-in-arms. "The enemy tanks are coming again." With the sentry's call, everyone quickly took up their positions. In the dust at the end of the highway, the rough outline of the Japanese Ground Self-Defense Force's Type 90 main battle tank had already appeared.

  2.

  Ho Chi Minh City, formerly known as Saigon, is located on the west bank of the Saigon River in the northeastern part of the Mekong Delta. It is the largest military and commercial port in southern Vietnam, with well-developed water and land transportation. Once the capital of South Vietnam, the city's development stagnated for a period after the US withdrawal from Vietnam, but it quickly revived after the Vietnamese government adopted China's open-door policy. Under the night sky, neon lights flash, and luxury cars built by China and Japan can be seen everywhere on the wide roads. Like Hanoi, General Ren Lingzhong is not unfamiliar with Ho Chi Minh City. Although the city has undergone tremendous changes in two years, the days and nights spent working and fighting here are still etched in his memory like a seal. The establishment of the Southeast Asia War Zone Command of the Chinese People's National Defense Army has basically come to an end, and the various branches of the Chinese People's National Defense Army's Southeast Asia Expeditionary Force have arrived at their attack positions. The next task is to instruct General Qian Xiao, Commander-in-Chief of the Southeast Asia War Zone. The Chinese People's National Defense Army's Southeast Asia Expeditionary Force has assembled six rapid reaction forces from the Chinese military, including the Airborne 22nd Division, the Marine Corps' 77th Amphibious Brigade, the Aviation Strike 171st Division, and the Southern Line Rapid Reaction 259th Mechanized Infantry Division. These four first-line combat units have been deployed in southern Vietnam, while the Army's Heavy Armor 173rd Mechanized Division and the "Red Army Cavalry" 129th Armored Division have arrived at their forward bases in Haiphong and Hainan Island as reserve forces for the war zone. It can be said that the speed of the army's actions is still satisfactory, but everything depends on whether the navy can quickly drive out the Japanese joint fleet from Southeast Asia and seize control of the sea. Sitting in the "Red Flag" KC-4510 luxury van transported directly from Beijing to Ho Chi Minh City, General Ren Lingzhong is viewing the latest enemy situation map transmitted by military satellites through his laptop computer. The main combat forces that the Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force can use to block Chinese fleets in the South China Sea include one "9-10 Fleet" (the 2nd Escort Group from Sasebo Naval Base) and two amphibious assault ships led by the "Osumi"-class transport landing ship No. 3, "Kunisaki", which has just transported a 2000-strong Japanese Self-Defense Force soldier and engineer unit to Morotai Island north of Java. The Japanese Maritime 4th Escort Group from Wu Port is currently patrolling in the Sulawesi Sea southeast of the Philippines. Another ominous sign is that the Chinese Navy's underwater sonar control network set up in the Taiwan Strait and the Bashi Channel has recorded signals of 6-8 Japanese submarines entering the South China Sea within the past 72 hours. Judging from the current situation, the Chinese Navy does not have the upper hand. Moreover, there are two variables to consider: the US Navy's 7th Fleet "Little Eagle" aircraft carrier formation protecting East Timor and Australia in the Timor Sea, and the US 3rd Fleet's "Nimitz"-class aircraft carrier formation heading towards Guam. Whether or not to fight and how to fight have become the main problems plaguing General Qian Xiao and General Ren Lingzhong for the past two days. Although the Chinese Navy now has the strength to engage in a strategic decisive battle with the enemy on the open ocean far from its own shore-based air support, it is undeniable that no one can guarantee the combat effectiveness of the Chinese Navy, which has not been tested in actual combat. Among the five aircraft carrier formations of the Chinese People's National Defense Army, only the "Hong Kong"-class flagship has arrived at the war zone.

  "Hong Kong" is a light aircraft carrier with a full load displacement of 21,700 tons (claimed to be less than 10,000 tons during construction). The ship is 215.9 meters long, 40 meters wide, and has a draft depth of 9 meters. It uses gas turbines for propulsion, with two shafts and a top speed of 29 knots. Its range is 7,500 nautical miles at 19 knots. The ship carries 18 aircraft: six J-13H (Chinese improved version of the Russian Yak-141M) vertical takeoff and landing fighter jets, four Ka-25 coaxial twin-screw armed helicopters, two Ka-31 electronic warfare helicopters, and six Z-9N "Dolphin" armed helicopters. The ship has a crew of 998 people, including 662 sailors and 332 aviation personnel. In the initial development stage, the strategic purpose of the Type 001A was only to maintain maritime rights and respond to near-sea conflicts, with political considerations outweighing military needs. Therefore, from many aspects, "Hong Kong" and its follow-up ship "Macao" lack the ability to independently suppress enemy fleets.

  September 8, 2007 dusk. It has been 7 days since the Chinese People's Liberation Army Navy "Hong Kong" aircraft carrier left the Yulin naval base. Standing on his own bridge, Liu Yi, commander of the South China Sea Fleet's 2nd mixed sea and air attack group, looked at a busy flight deck with a bitter heart. This journey was not easy for the "Hong Kong", as two Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force "Oyashio"-class submarines had been lurking in the shadows, closely following the "Hong Kong" aircraft carrier formation. Last night, they even broke through the anti-submarine warning zone of the 167th vessel "Shenzhen", attempting to seize a favorable attack position, forcing the "Hong Kong" to launch two Z-9N "Sea Dolphin" armed helicopters for anti-submarine operations.

  With the help of Type AIP-powered submarine "D", it was driven out of "Hong Kong"

  The combat radius of the aircraft carrier fleet. Liu Yi thought he was not a timid person, but at this moment every decision he made was related to the fate of the entire fleet and even the Republic. For a continental country, the fleet is indeed a precious burden, it can't be quickly reorganized like the army, once there's a mistake, his name might become a historical sinner, and ahead was the Natuna Islands, after passing through them, "Hong Kong" would enter Indonesian waters, Japan had already issued a statement that their fleet would defend Indonesia's maritime sovereignty, so advancing forward might await him and "Hong Kong" an inevitable fierce battle.

  "In the South China Sea, we will engage in a decisive naval battle with Japan. As Chairman Mao once said, 'This is just a half-cooked meal, but even if it's half-cooked, we must swallow it.' In the Southeast Asia War Zone Command of the Chinese People's National Defense Forces located in the suburbs of Ho Chi Minh City, General Qian Xiao's loud voice echoed through the empty office. 'The order to Liu Yi is to fight the fleet to the death, and I will also take control of the sea.' On the TV screen on the wall, the Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force's 2nd Escort Group was already heading at full speed towards the Natuna Islands to deploy defenses, while the submarine warning lines of both sides were already interlocking like dog teeth. 'The naval aviation is ready,' said General Ma Yiling, commander of the Naval Aviation, standing on the left side of General Qian Xiao, nodding slightly. The H-6, JH-7, and H-9 (TU-22) aircraft waiting to take off at Ho Chi Minh City and Cam Ranh Bay airports were his confidence. 'Our brigade has no problem, as long as the air force provides cover, I can guarantee that the first batch of airborne troops will arrive at Sanbao Ridge with 2 regiments.'"

  The commander of the 77th Marine Brigade of the People's Liberation Army Navy, Senior Colonel Yang Guohong, also patted his chest to guarantee it.

  "Twenty nautical miles from Indonesian territorial waters." With the staff's report, Liu Yidai gave a decisive order: "Carrier-based aircraft, take off!" One after another, J-13N carrier-based vertical takeoff and landing fighters on the flight deck opened their P-41S lift engines and took off from the special catapult. Above the "Hong Kong", two Ka-31 carrier-based electronic warfare helicopters had unfolded their large antennas. More Ka-25s and Z-9Ns "Dolphins" took off from their respective destroyers and frigates to provide radar guidance for shipborne anti-ship missiles. On the other side of the waves, Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force's SH-60J helicopters and F-35J vertical takeoff and landing fighters also appeared on the Chinese Navy's radar screens. "Commander Liu! I am Qian Xiao. I order you to stop attacking the Japanese fleet and turn back immediately." Just as Liu Yidai was about to give the attack order, Qian Xiao's voice suddenly appeared in his earpiece, sounding unusually hoarse and low. "Frontline aircraft are now three nautical miles from Indonesian territorial waters."

  Liu Yi Da slowly took off his headphones and ordered: "The entire fleet turns around, all carrier-based aircraft are recalled."

  Off the coast of the Natuna Islands, "Hong Kong"

  The aircraft carrier fleet drew a big "U" shape. But this letter is more like a shameful brand printed on each "Hong Kong number".

  On the chest of an aircraft carrier fleet member. The one who finally ended this mortal combat was far away in Beijing. The General Staff's prediction for the Natuna Islands naval battle was that the Japanese fleet would be annihilated, and on the Chinese side, "Hong Kong No."

  Two Type 055 destroyers of the aircraft carrier battle group were sunk (the best result was also one sinking and one being heavily damaged), two Type 052D destroyers were sunk, one Type 054A frigate suffered minor damage, half of the three Type 056 corvettes were sunk and the rest would lose combat effectiveness. The "Hong Kong" might be lucky enough to be towed back to Wusongkou for major repairs or simply scrapped. China could have afforded such losses, but the People's Liberation Army General Staff ordered the sinking of the "Hong Kong".

  The aircraft carrier fleet has stopped its advance.

  Sunset in South China Sea, magnificent and beautiful. "Hong Kong"

  The aircraft carrier fleet sailed quietly on its way back, and when it was time for dinner, the cafeteria was as quiet as a vacuum. "Comrades, you have completed your mission with excellence. The motherland is proud of you, now let us raise our glasses." Standing on the podium in the cafeteria, General Liu Yi felt the same pain as the soldiers. When J-13N landed on the deck, he saw that not only one pilot jumped out of the cockpit and his first action was to smash his flight helmet hard on the deck. Yes! For a warrior, defeat is not shameful because they have done their duty, but fleeing in battle is what soldiers would rather die than face. "I, Liu Yi, promise everyone that today's humiliation will be repaid tenfold."

  Liu Yida finished speaking and raised his head to drink the wine in his hand. It was unclear who let out the first sob, but everyone in the cafeteria quietly drained their cups of bitter wine, allowing tears to flow on their faces and in their hearts.

  (Three)

  The Republic of Singapore is located at the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula, with a total land area of only 641 square kilometers. In Southeast Asia, it can be said that it is the country with the smallest land area, but it controls the throat of the Pacific and Indian Oceans, making it one of the world's most important transshipment ports. Any country that wants to control Southeast Asia must have Singapore as an indispensable naval and air force military base, from the former "Empire on which the sun never sets" to the Japanese who dominated Southeast Asia, and then to the United States in its era of unipolar hegemony, Singapore has always been a crucial piece in their overall strategy for Southeast Asia. And what will happen to Singapore in China's "Indonesian encirclement net"? So far, Singaporean President Wee Kim Wee has not made a final decision. More than 80% of Singaporeans are ethnic Chinese, but deep down they fear China and fear being assimilated by the powerful Chinese government, just like a prodigal son who is afraid to return home after many years away.

  Unlike the lightning-fast conclusion of his visits to Vietnam, Thailand and Malaysia, Chinese Foreign Minister Li Hanwen has spent a full two days in Singapore so far, discussing more trade between China and Singapore with Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong rather than the current Southeast Asian situation. On September 9, 2007, news came that a Chinese aircraft carrier fleet was intercepted by the Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force in the Natuna Islands, making the situation even more subtle. In the morning, Singaporean President Goh Chok Tong invited visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Li Hanwen to tour the Bukit Timah Nature Reserve together and decided to lay his cards on the table with this diplomat who had been "playing Tai Chi" with him all along. Singapore does not want to and cannot continue like this, after all, Indonesia is right next door while China is in the distant East.

  "It is said that during the Pacific War, Singapore was regarded by the British government as a fortress in the Far East." Standing on Bukit Timah Hill, the highest point on the island of Singapore at 177 meters above sea level, Li Hanwen said with a hint of something. "That's right, where you are standing now was an important stronghold for the British Expeditionary Force back then."

  President Wu Yue-xuan replied, "Unfortunately, the so-called fortress didn't even last a week in front of Japanese Army General Yamashita Tomoyuki."

  Li Hanwen seemed to continue hanging on history, but the tone suddenly changed and made President Wu Yue Xuan sweat: "Singapore is really too fragile. So the Chinese government has been thinking that since we are of the same kind and language, why not merge into one country?"

  Wu Yue Xuan was taken aback for a moment before forcing out a faint smile and replied, "Are you joking?" He then let out a dry laugh, and Li Hanwen also chuckled softly before warmly hooking his arm around Wu Yue Xuan's neck and whispering in his ear, "Right now, our four snipers are aiming at you. They're all divine marksmen with 100% accuracy. With just one gesture from me, you could be dead instantly. Now listen to what I have to say, my friend."

  Li Hanwen's face still wore a smile, but Wu Yue Xuan had already felt a chill run down his spine. "After your death, Singaporean society will quickly descend into chaos, and the Chinese government will have your successor request that China send troops to help stabilize the situation in Singapore. Faced with soldiers who share their same yellow skin and black hair, the people won't refuse their protection, and the ASEAN countries won't say anything either. Singapore is not Indonesia, it only has a population of over 3 million and won't have any negative impact on China's economy."

  Li Hanwen's words were like a sharp dagger slicing through Wu Yue Xuan's chest. "You must be thinking that Western countries will not sit idly by and watch democratic Singapore being annexed, right? But today's world is one where America is exhausted from running around, and the EU countries are powerless to intervene. The people of Singapore will decide with their votes whether to join the great Chinese People's Federal Republic. However, if the government of Singapore is willing to provide aid to China's expeditionary forces, I think we wouldn't mind a democratic, independent, and friendly Singapore continuing to play its role in Southeast Asia."

  "So we hope that Singapore can provide appropriate military assistance in China's crackdown on the Indonesian rebel army. And after the war, generously support the post-war reconstruction work of the Lin Guangzhao government."

  Li Hanwen's previous threat seemed like a nightmare, and Wu Yuetian, who was used to friendly negotiations and equal bargaining in diplomatic mode, was a bit stunned, simply nodding his head. Li Hanwen shook hands with him in a friendly manner, smiling as he walked down the mountain. It should be said that such naked intimidation diplomacy is not Li Hanwen's intention, in the past 48 hours he had thought of various ways to persuade Singapore, but they were all vetoed by Li Hanwen himself, because he faced a rich, independent and completely Westernized thinking Singapore, the threat of force may be the most effective method. Only in this way can Singapore stand on the same front line as China.

  "China's fleet has slunk away with its tail between its legs."

  On the highway to Sanbōrui, at the position of the Japanese Ground Self-Defense Force's Special Task Mobile Brigade, a communications soldier excitedly ran to the side of their commander Naito Saburō's 82-style command communication vehicle and shouted loudly. "OH! MY

  “GOD!” A blonde-haired, blue-eyed Western woman poked her head out, panting, and startled the communications soldier. "What's going on?" The face of Naito Saburo, also known as "Tosa Fighting Dog", appeared with a scowl. "I'm letting those American devils taste the big guns from the East, don't be alarmed, little demon. Let the mine-clearing team take position." Amidst the roar of engines, 4 Japanese Self-Defense Force Type 92 mine-clearing vehicles and 8 Type 60 armored cars loaded with Type 70 rocket-propelled mine-clearing devices drove past idle infantry fighting vehicles and Type 90 tanks, entering the work site.

  The 92-style mine-clearing vehicle has a full combat weight of 25 tons, with a crew of 2 people, a length of 7.6 meters, and a width of 3.0 meters, equipped with two rocket launchers. Although its appearance is almost unremarkable, it is a powerful tool for the Japanese Ground Self-Defense Force in dealing with landmines. The 1300kg rocket projectile flies over the "Nanyang Liberation Army" minefield, and the long fuse ignites 26 explosive devices, instantly clearing multiple 200-meter-long, 5.5-meter-wide paths through the minefield. "Advance!" The commanders of each unit wave their hands, and the tank group of the Japanese Ground Self-Defense Force's Special Task Force begins to charge towards the high ground defended by Li Shuyuan and his men. "Brothers, let's fight the devils!"

  If it is said that there was no fear, then it must be a lie. But the blood of the Chinese nation was boiling in their veins, and the anti-tank soldiers carrying rusty Soviet-made RPG anti-tank rockets were the first to enter the battlefield, launching a desperate counterattack against the oncoming armored tide. The roaring rocket flew over the highway that had been blown up by landmines and hit the Japanese Type 90 tank head-on. One of them directly hit the weak point between the turret and the body of the Type 90 tank, and in the intense explosion, the turret of this Type 90 tank was blown off by the ammunition exploding inside the autoloader and flew tens of meters high before falling back down. At the same time, the high-explosive shells fired by the group of Type 90 tanks also exploded on the position of the "Nanyang Liberation Army", and for a while, the entire Hill 154 was filled with blood and flesh flying everywhere. Perhaps it was out of fear of the Chinese spirit of fighting to the death, all the Type 90 tanks frantically fired hundreds of shells at the hilltop, and under the cover of infantry fire, the Japanese Ground Self-Defense Force's Type 89 infantry fighting vehicles dared to charge up Hill 154, which had already been turned into a scorched earth. Just as they were about to reach the top, a Chinese man covered in blood rushed into the ranks of the Japanese Self-Defense Forces with two hand grenades... A photo that had been burned yellow was flying in the wind on Hill 154, and three young Chinese men were smiling happily at an amusement park in Jakarta.

  Here is the translation:

  About a dozen kilometers south of Weng'an, in the town that had just experienced fierce fighting. On the streets, several Japanese Ground Self-Defense Force Type 01 light armored vehicles were slowly and cautiously driving by, with "Longbow Apache" and OH-1 armed helicopters covering them from above, escorting the massive CH-47J "Chinook" transport helicopter flying towards Sanbao Ridge. Looking at the battlefield filled with ruins, Colonel Shinobu Shigenaga, commander of the 4th Mixed Brigade of the Japanese Ground Self-Defense Force, felt a sense of emptiness. The battle to control the landing site was not going smoothly. The Chinese had resisted here for an entire morning, and his next target would be Sanbao Ridge, guarded by thousands of armed Chinese. A new recruit walked past him with a blank expression, stumbling towards the UH-1H transport helicopter that had been shot down by the Chinese at dawn, its twisted rotor still smoking. "Brother!" The new recruit suddenly fell to his knees and burst into tears. "Coward!"

  Shinoda Munetaka took a step forward and slapped him twice. "You are a superior Yamato people, the child of Amaterasu ōkami. Don't cry. The Chinese killed your brother, what you should do is to take revenge, revenge! Fool!"

  Shinoda Munekage yanked up his collar, slamming him to the ground. "Get me connected with Sugiyama, I need more air support! And that Tosa fighting dog, damn it! Move faster!" He shook off the still-sniffling new recruit and bellowed at the communications soldier. In the sweltering Indonesian afternoon, the air was thick with suffocating tension.

  Article 4

  The flagship of the Chinese Navy's South Sea Fleet, the 98,000-ton nuclear-powered aircraft carrier "Shanghai", is sailing in the waters of the Nansha Islands in the South China Sea under the protection of a large escort fleet. The beautiful coral reefs and oil platforms are hidden behind the iron towers on the horizon as the sun sets. On the flight deck, a J-11N-type carrier-based fighter jet is being towed down to the elevator by a tractor, following the gestures of the ground crew. In the island-style bridge of the "Shanghai", the elegant captain's quarters are filled with the soothing melody of French composer Debussy's symphonic poem "La Mer". "I didn't know you still liked symphonies," said Captain Ma Lan, opening a bottle of red wine from the wine cabinet. "'La Mer' is a work completed by Debussy in 1905, consisting of three closely linked parts. What we just heard was the first part 'From Dawn to Noon on the Sea', mainly using string instruments to depict the sea at dawn and noon, vividly portraying the surging waves. As the night fades away, golden sunlight shines over the vast ocean. Listen! This is a cello quartet, as if praising the awakening of all things, presenting a vibrant vitality."

  Commander Xu Jie of the first sea and air attack group in the South China Sea received the wine glass handed over by Ma Lan, and began to explain music.

  "My fellow commander, what are your plans for our fleet's next move? You know the 'Hong Kong' was defeated at the Natuna Islands and it's all over domestic media! There are many people on Sina Weibo calling for General Liu Yi to be executed!" Captain Ma Lan's concerns were overflowing as he sipped his wine. "If anyone is to be executed, it wouldn't be General Liu Yi! Open up the naval chart."

  Xu Jie smiled slightly and walked up to the huge electronic sea chart on the wall.

  The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) has three main fleets deployed in the South China Sea: The JMSDF's 2nd Escort Flotilla, which is concentrated near the Natuna Islands. This is a reinforced "9th and 10th" fleet, also known as the strongest force of Japan in the South China Sea. In the past, the main force of the JMSDF was called the "8-8".

  The basic formation pattern of the "fleet" is: a "Hakugei"-class or "Haruna"-class destroyer serves as the command ship, which can carry 3 SH-60J Seahawk anti-submarine helicopters and has one octuple launcher for RIM-7 Sea Sparrow point-defense SAMs.

  K14 data link; two "Takanami"-class and "Asagiri"-class destroyers without helicopter facilities; two "Asakaze"-class multi-purpose destroyers, each carrying one SH-60J Seahawk ASW helicopter; three "Hatsuyuki"-class multi-purpose destroyers, each carrying one SH-60J Seahawk ASW helicopter. With the commissioning of the Kongō-class destroyer equipped with a helicopter

  The fleet transitioned to the "99 Fleet". However, the JMSDF argued that the "88 Fleet" was merely a task force capable of completing its mission.

  "The 10-19 fleet" is the best formation for anti-submarine warfare at sea. However, the Japanese "9-10 fleet" and the Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force's "10-19 fleet" proposed in the early 21st century are two completely different concepts.

  "Ten-Nineteen Fleet" is named after the new "Tako" class

  "Zeus shield" missile destroyer joins the original "88

  The fleet's array forms a "Yamato" or "Shiranui"-class destroyer carrying 3 aircraft.

  Two anti-submarine helicopters, serving as fleet command ships and responsible for anti-submarine warfare; one new "High Wave"

  The Type 051 destroyers and two "Qingfeng" or "Taikongfeng" class destroyers were mainly responsible for the fleet's air defense tasks;

  Five "Asagiri" or "Murakumo" class multi-purpose destroyers, each carrying one

  The B anti-submarine helicopter, used for anti-submarine and anti-ship warfare in the "ten machines and nine ships" sea battle formation. Under the stimulation of China's aircraft carrier, which is launched almost every year, Japan's Ministry of Defense also started building a new 17,000-ton DDH (helicopter destroyer) in 2004. Four are planned to be built to replace the "Haruna" or "Shirane" class destroyers as fleet command ships. That is, Japan's "Heisei four giants": Lutzow, Nagato, Yamashiro, and Fusō. However, after the launch of Lutzow and Nagato, the "Haruna" or "Shirane" class destroyers did not immediately retire from service, so a sea formation with "ten machines and nine ships" appeared in peacetime, which can quickly transform into a carrier battle formation with a total of 10 warships when necessary.

  The 2nd Escort Group of the Japanese Combined Fleet is currently formed with the new DDH "Nagato" as its flagship, consisting of 1 "Shiranui"-class destroyer (Ariake), 3 "Asahi"-class multi-purpose destroyers (Asahi, Yamagumo, and Shouyuu), 2 "Murakumo"-class multi-purpose destroyers (Samidare and Umikaze), 1 "Hatakaze"-class destroyer (Hatakaze), and 2 "Kongo"-class destroyers (Kongo and Takanami).

  One destroyer (Taiping). In addition to surface warships, it is estimated that there are 2-3 "Chien Tung" submarines providing underwater protection for this fleet.

  "The General Staff actually has the face to say that 'Hong Kong' can still win against such an opponent. I think even if we were to come up, we might not be able to move it."

  Xu Jie continued with a smile: "So far, the Japanese 4th Escort Fleet Group, which has been cruising in the southeastern waters of the Philippines, seems to be easier to deal with than the 2nd Escort Fleet Group. However, it doesn't need to guard the Natuna Islands like the 2nd Escort Fleet Group did before the completion of the airfield on Morotai Island north of Java. It can launch a multi-directional attack as soon as our troops enter Indonesian waters. The 4th Escort Fleet Group can choose to pass through the Makassar Strait into the Java Sea and engage in a decisive battle with our troops, who have just driven out the 2nd Escort Fleet Group after a fierce battle. But if I were them, I would choose to head straight for the Sulu Sea, cut off the supply lines of the Chinese naval fleet or directly attack us."

  The Japanese Navy's 4th Escort Group of the Combined Fleet was a standard "Eight-Eight" fleet.

  The fleet, consisting of one "Hatsuyuki"-class destroyer (DD-122), two "Murasame"-class multi-purpose destroyers (DD-101 and DD-102), three "Harusame"-class multi-purpose destroyers (DD-106, DD-107, and DD-109), one "Asagiri"-class destroyer (DD-151), and one "Kongo"-class destroyer (DDG-173). The fleet is currently patrolling the eastern part of the Sulawesi Sea near the Sangihe Islands. Under the fluttering Japanese naval ensign, two SH-60J anti-submarine helicopters landed on the flight deck of the "Hatsuyuki"-class destroyer DDH-142. Japanese sailors in red uniforms quickly covered the helicopters with tarps and towed them into the hangar. "They say that before a storm, there is always the most beautiful rainbow. Indeed!" Commander Inoue stood alone on the bridge of the flagship DDH-142, lost in thought. Inoue was an advocate of fleetism, believing that his fleet did not need to engage with the Chinese Navy, as its presence itself posed a threat to China's naval forces. This was the Sulawesi Sea, where any ship could freely come and go. The Chinese fleet was unable to reach them, and their leaders lacked the courage for war. Tonight, a storm would pass through the Sangihe Islands, and the 4th Escort Group should remain calm and steady! A lieutenant commander approached him with a report: "The 'Hamayuki' (DD-106) has not yet established contact with SS-584 'Natsutsumi'." The submarine Natsutsumi had been dispatched to the Sulawesi Sea two days ago under Inoue's direct order, but the fleet had lost contact with it since last night. This caused a twinge of unease in Inoue's heart; if there were no storm, he could immediately dispatch an SH-60J anti-submarine helicopter for search and rescue, but now all he could do was order continued efforts to reestablish contact. "After this storm passes, we can probably give up on the Indonesian Chinese as well. I'll be returning to Japan soon." The sky, which had been filled with rainbows just a moment ago, was now darkening with clouds. "Dinner is ready! Sir!" A sailor's cheerful voice stirred Inoue's appetite. He turned away from the window. In the direction he had been gazing out at, the Chinese wolf pack had already bared its sharp fangs.

  Nine Chinese submarines participated in the operation codenamed "Last Night's Long Wind". The Chinese submarine fleet deployed to the Indonesian coast earlier had to temporarily retreat from the surface of the Sea of Japan due to lack of support from surface warships. However, while receiving replenishment at sea outside the Gulf of Tonkin, a new mission was also issued - to launch a surprise attack on the Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force's 4th Escort Fleet Group in the Sulawesi Sea. Last night, on the ridge of the Sulu Archipelago, with three torpedoes, easily solved the Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force's Oyashio-class conventional-powered submarine SS-584 "Natsushio" which was entering its range. At this moment, the Chinese South Sea Fleet's 093D-type attack nuclear submarines "Xuebao" and "Beihu" are surfacing to periscope depth, starting to receive reconnaissance signals from space using satellite communication system antennas.

  Telemetry data transmitted from the satellite. On board "Snow Leopard"

  And ahead of the "Beihu" was the South Sea Fleet's underwater elite, silently cruising underwater, including three that were incorporated into the first attack group

  Song Dynasty

  Two Type AIP-powered submarines and four Ming-class conventional powered submarines, along with two Kilo-class conventional powered submarines and two 091G-type nuclear-powered attack submarines from the second attack group. The massive submarine fleet is rushing towards the Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force's 4th Escort Group, which is cruising at low speed on the edge of Typhoon Beri, using traditional large arc "wolf pack" tactics.

  "The latest data has been transmitted."

  The officers on the fire control system of the 093D-type attack nuclear submarine "Snow Leopard" were busy inputting various data parameters of the Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force into the computer. The sailors were busy making final adjustments to the missiles that were about to be launched.

  The 093D-type attack nuclear submarine is the first generation of truly multi-purpose attack nuclear submarines in the Chinese Navy, with a length of 101.6 meters, a width of 12.7 meters, and an underwater displacement of 9,700 tons. It has a crew of 68 people and can use its 18 Russian-made "Granite" (NATO designation SS-N-19 "Shipwreck") anti-ship missiles with a range of over 3,000 kilometers to launch long-range attacks on enemy fleets, including aircraft carriers.

  "Prepare to attack!" With the order from Captain Ke Yunnuo, all units on board the "Snow Leopard" immediately sounded the battle alarm. In the dim red light, the sailors' faces were filled with excitement and tension. This was not a drill. Above them, the forward-tilted missile launch tubes slowly opened, and with a low roar, the Chinese Navy's anger accumulated over several centuries turned into a towering pillar of water rushing towards its old enemy.

  The Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force was the first to detect the incoming missile, which was detected by the "Kaze" class destroyer DDG-169 Asakaze serving as a picket ship. Although at this time the Chinese missile was only over 300 kilometers away from the 4th Escort Flotilla, thanks to the well-trained sailors, the Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force's "Kongo"-class destroyer DDG-176

  On the "Bird Sea", the Zeus shield system led all air defense forces to act quickly. More than 60 "Standard 3" ship-to-air missiles took off under the guidance of three phased array radars, meeting the falling "Granite" like a meteor.

  The missiles flew away. Hearing the alarm, he rushed back to the bridge immediately. The thunderstorm in front of the fleet was flashing, but what was even more frightening was the miracle in front of him. 32 Chinese missiles were coming from all directions. "Do your best!"

  Inoue knew that it was impossible to intercept all of the opponent's attacks with his own strength, and now he could only pray for the protection of Amaterasu ōmikami. The successive "Granites"

  The missiles in front of the 4th Guard Group turned into a brilliant and expensive fireworks display. But there was still a fish that escaped the net, the first missile to break through the defenses flew towards the "Hatsuyuki"-class multi-purpose destroyer DD-129 "Yamayuki", the "Phalanx" close-in weapon system fired its guns in desperation, but the sea-skimming missile slithered past and hit the port side of the "Yamayuki". The high-explosive warhead instantly tore through the fragile deck of the "Yamayuki", sending flames and debris flying everywhere, with one piece lodging itself at an angle into the bridge of the "Bilge" number. Next was the "Murakumo"-class multi-purpose destroyer DD-106 "Samidare".

  The missile hit its center, triggering the SSM-1B (90-type) anti-ship missiles on board, directly "cutting it in half". The sinking May Rain's "Sea Sparrow" air defense missiles were still firing wildly. The panicked sailors cried out, and the damage control team's water guns were still spraying futilely... The bridge of the "Initial Snow" class multi-purpose destroyer DD-131 Seto Yukikaze was completely cut off by the "Granite" missile, with flames erupting from the ship. The "Village Rain" class multi-purpose destroyer DD-105 Hamayukikaze used all its strength to shoot down all the attacking missiles, but after the smoke cleared, its hull was also riddled with holes. "The Chinese attacked us, the Chinese..."

  The attack ended in a paragraph, and the bridge of the Beiliu No. was dead silent, with only the communications soldier shouting desperately at the communications system like a madman. "Enough! Order all ships that can still move to rescue and treat the wounded."

  "Inosuke gazed out at the burning fleet on the surface of the sea and said, 'In the previous attack, the 4th Escort Group's Samidare and Yamayuki were sunk, and Settsu was heavily damaged. But now is not the time for sorrow or anger; the Chinese Navy will soon launch a new offensive, and his task is to rescue the surviving warships.' Before he knew it, rain had started falling, and the lifeboats lowered by Asakaze and Chōkai were struggling through the waves to rescue the soldiers who had fallen overboard. Night would be falling soon; wouldn't China's 'Sea Wolves' be getting impatient? 'Turn south.'"

  Inoue had no time to wait for everyone to be rescued, he wanted to leave immediately and escape from here. The farther away from the Chinese wolf pack, the better!

  (5)

  As the submarine force of China's South Sea Fleet launched its first wave of strikes against Japan's Maritime Self-Defense Force's 4th Escort Flotilla in the Sulawesi Sea, the final preparations were being made in an orderly and tense manner at the forward attack bases of China's expeditionary forces in southern Vietnam: On the military airport in Cam Ranh Bay, busy ground crew members were inspecting a massive Y-8S transport plane; J-8D fighter jets of the naval aviation force and J-10F fighter jets of the air force occasionally flew over; The crew members on the green-painted Mi-17 transport helicopter were scrutinizing military maps they had looked at countless times, trying to find any possible loopholes. The first batch of troops - those stern-looking rapid reaction force soldiers - were waiting anxiously for the order to take off on their airborne assault vehicles loaded with various weapons. Meanwhile, more soldiers from the Republic stood in formation, fully equipped and standing upright in the chilly night wind of the southern country, behind them were 92C

  "Alright, listen up!" Yang Guoying, a senior colonel, stood at the front of the formation, wearing a bulletproof vest and a steel helmet just like his soldiers. "I don't want to keep this from you all," he said in his characteristic loud voice. "The Japanese fleet is still blockading Indonesia's coastlines. I can't guarantee that our air force and navy will have complete control of the skies and seas before we depart, which means we may be dropping into enemy territory without any air or naval support. Some of us might not even make it to Java Island before being shot down over the South China Sea. Maybe some of you are thinking, 'Why don't we wait until the Java Sea is completely cleared before departing?' But our compatriots can't hold on that long. All I can say is that the Republic will thank you, and the Chinese nation will thank you. I can't promise to bring every single one of you back safely, but I can promise that I'll be the first to land in Indonesia and the last to leave. I won't abandon any of you. If anyone wants to leave now, it has nothing to do with cowardice."

  Yang Guhong said calmly. All of this is also a reality, China's surface fleet is approaching the Natuna Islands, but the outcome of the decisive battle with the Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force is unpredictable to anyone. However, Sanbao Ridge, which has been subjected to fierce attacks by the Japanese Self-Defense Forces, is in danger of falling at any time. Perhaps 24 hours later, J-10F fighter jets that received aerial refueling will forcibly break through the defenses and send transport planes full of Chinese soldiers to Indonesia. But in front of Yang Guhong, all the soldiers of the People's Republic of China are still standing upright, like the oldest military array of this nation - the Terracotta Warriors. "I'll treat everyone to a drink when we get back, if we're all still alive."

  Yang Guhong raised the 95-style automatic rifle in his hand and shouted: "Prepare to depart. Target - Sanbao Ridge."

  For ordinary citizens of Ho Chi Minh City, this evening was too ordinary. The neon lights on the streets were still shining brightly when the lights first came up. But for the Chinese People's National Defense Army, today has special significance. Outside the headquarters of the Southeast Asian War Zone Command of the Chinese People's National Defense Army, sentries from directly affiliated troops can be seen everywhere, holding guns and standing guard. The long bayonets are reflecting a chilling cold light in the bright moonlight. Inside the brightly lit command center, General Qian Xiao, Commander-in-Chief of the Southeast Asian War Zone of the Chinese People's National Defense Army, and Lieutenant General Ren Lingyu, Chief of Staff, were standing shoulder to shoulder. In front of them, hundreds of officers of the Chinese People's National Defense Army were transmitting orders through various automated command systems to the hands of Chinese troops throughout Southeast Asia. "It has begun!"

  Ren Lingyu, the middle general, looked at the latest war report of the naval submarine troops sent by his staff and muttered to himself. The soldiers are in danger, Ren Lingyu knew that this conflict was not as simple as intervening in the Vietnam War 2 years ago. For the first time, New China, which has always emphasized land power, had to face a traditional maritime power in East Asia. Although he didn't like such analogies, Ren Lingyu deeply knew that this would be a high-stakes gamble, and the chips were already down. Since the war was about to begin, all he could do was try his best to win with his own abilities.

  "Submarines are our traditional strong point, and indeed they did not disappoint us - 3:0 as soon as they made their move. However, only surface fleets can take control of the seas. Even if Ke Yunnu and his team can annihilate the Japanese fleet in Sulawesi Sea, that would be just a local victory. The key is whether Xu Jie's aircraft carrier formation can gnaw down the hard bone of Japan's Combined Fleet 2nd Escort Group."

  Qian Xiao's heart was also uncertain at this moment. Perhaps China had lost its maritime rights for too long. "Open the satellite remote sensing map."

  Qian Xiao, the commander-in-chief, said to a combat staff officer beside him. Soon, in front of Qian Xiao and Ren Lingyu, the massive fleet of China's South Sea Special Mixed First Sea-Air Attack Group, with masts and sails like a forest, appeared rapidly approaching the Nansha Islands at full speed.

  The flagship of China's South Sea Fleet Air Group is the People's Liberation Army Navy's newest nuclear-powered aircraft carrier.

  "Shanghai". The Shanghai is a provincial-level aircraft carrier that China began building in 2004. If someone looked at Chinese newspapers at the time, they would probably describe it as "poor and weak". In 2003, after being exposed by Western media, the Chinese government announced that it was building an aircraft carrier and would soon launch it. Specifically, the special administrative region-level "Hong Kong" and "Macao". These two light aircraft carriers were once called the "Rubber Duck Navy of China's coastal waters" by Western journalists at the time. Of course, the completion of these two aircraft carriers also fulfilled the wishes of many Chinese people for many years. After the Taiwan issue appeared and was peacefully resolved, the Chinese government quickly proposed in that year's Defense White Paper to "build the first East Asian navy within 10 years" and "form multiple ocean-going fleets with medium-sized aircraft carriers as the main force". A large amount of financial appropriations appeared in the naval account, with France's "Charles de Gaulle"-class medium nuclear-powered aircraft carrier as a model, the Chinese government ambitiously proposed the construction plan for six 40,000-ton medium aircraft carriers and their new affiliated warships, known as the "Deep Blue Fleet" plan, namely Jiangsu-class "Jiangsu", "Zhejiang", "Fujian", "Shandong", "Hebei", and "Liaoning". However, due to the influence of the Vietnam War, the peaceful reunification of the strait, and the great change in Cuba, the Chinese government suspended the construction of the remaining five ships except for the already completed "Jiangsu" in 2005, and decided to launch the "9840" plan - starting to build a giant nuclear-powered aircraft carrier with a full load displacement of 98,000 tons, with a total plan to build four. In 2005, two were launched first, namely "Beijing" and "Shanghai". The Jiangsu-class "Zhejiang" and "Fujian", which had already laid the keel, were later retained by the navy as amphibious assault ships. The air force and navy are like a golden beast that swallows gold, without them your gold will be stolen by thieves. Chinese people still remember the continuously rising prices of those years, almost all major cities had a lottery-like activity called "aviation lottery". China's financial system spent how much money in those two years, perhaps no one will ever know. But whether such a price is worth it, probably only war can give an answer.

  "Shanghai"-class standard displacement is 74,570 tons, full load displacement of 98,540 tons, the ship length 346.5 meters, flight deck width 75.46 meters, powered by two pressurized water nuclear reactors, top speed 35 knots. Endurance of 8.5-10 million nautical miles. After its completion, it was once affiliated with the Eastern United Fleet of the Federal Republic of China, with Wusongkou Naval Base as its home port. It carries the 7th Carrier Air Wing composed of various fighter jets from both sides of the Taiwan Strait, totaling 81 aircraft. The escort fleet is generally composed of one cruiser, four destroyers, four frigates, and one nuclear-powered submarine. However, this time, the escort fleet for "Shanghai" has also been strengthened. Two Russian-made "Glorious"-class missile cruisers, Ningxia and Guizhou, which had just participated in the 2007 South China Sea Dawn joint military exercise with Vietnam, docked at Kaohsiung Port in Taiwan to receive simple replenishment before rejoining the fleet. After bidding farewell to its original two "Kidd"-class destroyers, "Shanghai" was accompanied by an unprecedentedly powerful escort fleet composed of two Russian-made "Neustrashimy"-class multi-purpose destroyers, two "Modern"-class missile destroyers, two "Traveling Sea"-class destroyers, three "Jiangwei"-class frigates, one 093B-type nuclear-powered attack submarine, and two "Amur"-class AIP-powered submarines. At this moment, the Natuna Islands are already in sight.

  "On the sea, a bright moon rises, shared by all at this moment." On the deck of "Shanghai", in the South China Sea, under the bright moonlight, everything is illuminated. It's already the second half of the night, but Major General Xu Jie doesn't feel any fatigue. "The first attack aircraft group is ready." Through the elevator, more and more aircraft with red five-star and "August 1" markings appear on the flight deck. The first J-11H fighter jet has taken its position in front of the catapult. "This is the last letter from all the pilots who are going to war."

  "Shanghai's" captain, Ma Lan, appeared behind Xu Jie with a handbag. "The key is still the air force, whoever's carrier-based aircraft is driven off the battlefield first will be out of the game."

  Xu Jie muttered to himself, "There are still 2 hours before dawn. Should I say something to the pilots?"

  Ma Lan was taken aback and asked, "Turn on the broadcast for the entire ship!"

  Xu Jie stepped forward to the microphone. "Greetings, all warriors of the Shanghai! I am Xu Jie, commander of the South China Sea Special Task Force's First Sea-Air Attack Group. It is my great honor to fight alongside you and witness the greatness of our motherland together. Today's mission is clear to everyone, so I don't need to repeat anything. Tomorrow, some of us may leave forever, but please believe that our great motherland will be proud of you all, forever. Good luck!" Although it was only a few short sentences, Xu Jie's eyes were already slightly red after finishing speaking. "Launch!" Captain Ma Lan gave the order from the bridge. With the violent shaking of the catapult, the massive body of the J-11H fighter jet accelerated forward, taking off from the inclined deck and soaring into the blue sky. As the ground crew on the deck gestured frequently, more J-11H, J-10H fighters, JH-7E electronic warfare aircraft, and E-7N early warning aircraft formed an attack formation in the air above the fleet, flying towards the distant horizon between sea and sky. On the bridge, Xu Jie and all the commanders saluted them as they departed.