Chapter 59: Recovery of the Nansha Islands Modern Warlord Mung Bean

  In early 1980, the US State Department had planned military aid to Afghanistan through Pakistan but a report submitted to the government noted that for the plan to succeed it would need the agreement of China and Pakistan.

  To win China over to the Western side, US Secretary of State Vance was hastily dispatched to China by President Carter, and at that time Vance was sent to China as a special envoy of the president to handle Afghan affairs because of his attitude in the Iranian hostage crisis which was contrary to that of President Carter.

  An American passenger plane landed at Beijing International Airport, and Secretary of State Vance stepped down from the cabin with a heavy heart. After exchanging pleasantries with Chinese diplomatic personnel who came to greet him, they headed to the State Council together. Premier of the State Council met with Vance, and Vance first briefed the Premier on the US policy regarding the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan, while once again condemning the aggressive behavior of the Soviet government.

  Then Vance briefed the Chinese side on the US plan to aid Afghanistan, hoping that China could do some work with Pakistani leaders so that the US could use Pakistan's channels to smoothly transport military aid into Afghanistan. After an emergency consultation, especially after Deng Xiaoping listened to Lin Feng's suggestion, China put forward a proposal to the United States: as long as the US government puts pressure on certain Southeast Asian countries to help China recover its sovereignty over the South China Sea islands, China will cooperate with the US to implement the Afghan aid plan.

  Wan Si heard China's response and then asked for instructions from the US again. Finally, the US gave an instruction saying: "The United States respects China's claim of sovereignty over the South China Sea, but this is a dispute between China and its neighboring countries, and it would not be appropriate for the US to intervene. If China wants to take back these islands, the US will not stand in opposition."

  Upon receiving the echo from the United States, China immediately dispatched the South Sea Fleet and Taiwan Fleet to form a joint fleet to head to the Nansha Islands for a mission. Meanwhile, the Chinese Foreign Ministry issued a statement: "The Nansha Islands are China's inherent territory, and countries such as the Philippines, Indonesia, and Malaysia are illegally occupying China's islands in the South China Sea. We solemnly warn these countries that we hope they will withdraw from the area by 0:00 on January 10, 1980, one week later; otherwise, our country will take military action to recover its inherent territory."

  Right after China made the statement, Western countries led by the US issued statements saying that the South China Sea issue is a just action for China to recover its inherent territory and hoped that relevant countries would resolve territorial disputes through peaceful means. The Philippines, after receiving warnings from China, hastily sought help from its backer, the US, but was disappointed as the US had clearly stated it would not assist in confronting China due to global strategic considerations.

  After knowing the US's response, the Philippine government was in a flurry, it clearly understood that relying solely on its own strength is impossible to defeat China. Today's China has initially established its dominance in Asia after defeating Japan and Vietnam and overthrowing Myanmar.

  Moreover, China's second nuclear-powered aircraft carrier fleet has joined the People's Liberation Army Navy sequence. The Chinese navy is no longer the "water army" of ten years ago, but a true blue-water navy, and also the world's third-largest naval power. It is impossible for the Philippines alone to force China to make concessions.

  In the end, the Philippines had no choice but to actively contact Indonesia and Malaysia, hoping that the three countries would unite to jointly resist China. The leaders of the three countries secretly consulted and formulated a "diplomacy first, military later" strategy, unanimously believing that even if the three countries joined forces, they might not be able to defeat the Chinese navy, so they hoped to gain some benefits through negotiations.

  Soon, three countries expressed their desire for peaceful negotiations with China through various channels. Other countries in the world also praised these countries' actions, especially Western media enthusiastically promoted peaceful negotiations. These countries even proposed a strategy of "shelving disputes and joint development", which is quite misleading. Even some so-called scholars and experts at home are cheering for it, suggesting that the government should not make a big fuss about a few small islands and neighboring countries, and show the broad-mindedness of a great power.

  However, what puzzles foreigners is that the mainland central government has remained silent to the outside world. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs only stated that General Lin Feng, Commander of the Taiwan Military Region, has been appointed by the Central Government as the commander-in-chief of this South China Sea operation, and he will be responsible for resolving all issues related to the South China Sea.

  Lin Feng is no stranger to the outside world. This Taiwan heavyweight, who has risen rapidly in the past decade, is a true nationalist and has participated in all of China's current external military actions, known for his tough and daring attitude. Legend has it that he is the father of modernization of the Taiwanese army, and many of the commanders of the Taiwanese armed forces were trained by him at the National Defense University of Taiwan. Moreover, he controls more than 70% of Taiwan's economy, so the outside world has long rumored that he is the real master of Taiwan, and even the central government cannot bypass him to intervene in Taiwan affairs.

  However, due to his good personal relationship with several current central leaders, even if someone is jealous, they dare not openly discuss it. Now that China's State Council has appointed Lin Feng as the commander of the South China Sea operations, it is clear that China never had any intention of negotiating, especially since Lin Feng said in an interview with reporters on January 8: "'Shelving disputes and joint development'? What do we have to dispute? This was originally ours, why should we jointly develop it with others? I once again warn certain countries not to play with fire, beware of self-immolation."

  The remarks of the person in charge of the South China Sea operation, once made public, immediately triggered a strong reaction, especially from the Philippines and three other countries. They did not expect China to be so tough, it seems that the road to peaceful negotiations has been completely blocked, and the three countries have no choice but to unite and jointly exert pressure on China, in order for China to fully consider the consequences of going to war with the three countries and choose to accept the current situation.

  January 10, 1980 at 8:00 AM sharp, Lin Feng prepared to form a dual aircraft carrier fleet to head to the South China Sea. The Taiwan Fleet and the South Sea Fleet each controlled one of China's two aircraft carrier fleets, while the North Sea Fleet now controlled China's massive submarine force, including China's most advanced 10 nuclear-powered attack submarines and five Type 094 strategic missile submarines modified by Lin Feng, as well as fifty-three conventional powered submarines that had been upgraded.

  Apart from the 10 nuclear-powered strategic missile submarines of the Strategic Submarine Force, almost all other submarines are concentrated in the North Sea Fleet to counter the threat of the Soviet Pacific Fleet. The East Sea Fleet is waiting for the commissioning of China's last nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, at which time the Chinese Navy will have three nuclear-powered aircraft carrier fleets, plus a huge submarine force, enough to enable China to cope with all kinds of crises.

  The Chinese government has dispatched its only two aircraft carriers to the South China Sea, demonstrating its determination to recover the region. This dual-carrier fleet is led by the two Shenyang-class aircraft carriers "Kongzi" and "Laozi", supported by three Mingjiang-class missile cruisers, eight Chengdu-class destroyers, three Emperor-class nuclear-powered submarines, three comprehensive supply ships, six missile frigates, and three amphibious assault ships. This fleet accounts for more than two-thirds of the Chinese Navy's strength. The Philippines, along with two other nations, is intimidated by the massive Chinese naval force, especially the formidable aircraft carrier fleet.

  On the one hand, they actively conveyed to China that they had no intention of occupying Chinese territory. On the other hand, they did not want to give up the benefits they had obtained. These countries put on a pitiful appearance to win sympathy from the world and at the same time strengthened their defenses in the occupied areas.

  Just as these countries were hesitating, the Chinese aircraft carrier fleet arrived in the South China Sea. The combat staff on the Confucius aircraft carrier asked Lin Feng for instructions on the next action, and Lin Feng looked at the turbulent sea surface and said: "Destroy all non-Chinese things and people on these islands, leaving none."

  The chief of staff turned to transmit the combat order. Soon, more than 100 carrier-based aircraft roared towards the enemy on the island for an air raid, while the landing troops charged towards Zhongye Island and other places under the cover of the fleet's firepower. The Filipino soldiers on the island had never thought that China would "launch a surprise attack".

  The Philippine government, after receiving intelligence that China was attacking Zhongye Island, realized that all its efforts in recent years would be in vain. Malaysia and Indonesia also received distress calls from the South China Sea troops, but these countries faced with China's strong military pressure mysteriously remained silent, leaving the troops on the islands to fend for themselves.

  An hour later, Lin Feng reported to the central government that all lost territories had been recovered, and all non-Chinese personnel on the island were killed. China then announced to the world that the South China Sea has always been China's inherent territory, and the Chinese Navy has the ability and strength to strike against any force that covets Chinese territory.

  After China successfully concluded its military action in the South China Sea, it negotiated with Pakistan on matters related to the US using domestic channels to assist Afghanistan. In order to compensate for Pakistan's losses, China agreed to sell production equipment and technology related to the Chinese export third-generation fighter jet "Fierce Dragon" to Pakistan.

  Due to the outstanding performance of China's "Hai Dongqing" fighter jets in successive border wars, many countries have taken notice. However, Lin Feng has been working to maintain the Chinese Air Force's leading edge, and as a result, China has consistently prohibited the export of its fourth-generation fighter jet, the "Hai Dongqing".

  To meet the air defense needs of China's allies, Lin Feng brought out the JF-17 fighter jointly developed by China and Pakistan in the future. After upgrading and modification, its combat capability can already be compared with the US F-16 and Soviet Su-27 that are about to enter service.

  Since the introduction of this fighter, it quickly entered the air forces of Cambodia, Thailand, Myanmar and Pakistan, among others, and gained unanimous approval from these countries. The aircraft also became an export model for the Chinese Air Force. Now that China has allowed Pakistan to produce the aircraft domestically, it will greatly enhance the country's military strength. They have always been fond of this plane, and since the JF-17 took to the skies, the Indian Air Force has not achieved a single victory. Soon after, Pakistan and the United States reached an agreement on aid to Afghanistan under China's mediation.