Accompanied by the wry smile of Elder Wei Qingshan, the atmosphere in the conference room relaxed considerably.
The leaders from the mechanical factory could only force out a dry laugh, but they dared not laugh too loudly. They watched as their faces were about to cramp, observing Wang Ye and the senior leaders chatting amiably. Their hearts were filled with pride and delight, after all, he was their factory director!
Then, Elder Zhou Jinlie, holding a teacup, changed the subject and looked at Wang Ye, asking, "Wang Ye, what are your thoughts on the comprehensive plan for small-scale industrial development you mentioned in the telegram exchange with Kibwe?"
"Could you elaborate?"
Wang Ye wasn't surprised that Elder Zhou Jinlie raised this question. After learning from Director Li that the telegram had come directly from the Yanjing Post Office, he knew he was under scrutiny. So the content of that telegram wasn't just for Kibwe, but also for the leaders to see.
After all, achieving a comprehensive plan solely through the mechanical factory was impossible. How could a broken ship like the mechanical factory achieve much without sufficient resources? If they sold all their equipment, would there be any production left?
Moreover, military manufacturing equipment wasn't child's play like gas cylinders. Even if Wang Ye aimed to generate foreign exchange, if he dared to tamper with the production equipment of Red Star Mechanical Factory without authorization, he'd be in trouble, regardless of his background.
Because in Huaxia, all machinery and equipment related to military production under the Ministry of the Fifth Machine-Building and the Ministry of National Defense were strictly controlled!
Exactly because of this,
For Wang Ye's comprehensive plan to move forward, he needed to cooperate with the higher-ups, get their approval and authorization. Also, Wang Ye hadn't intended to take all the benefits for himself. He just wanted to tap into the Tanzanian market. As for other countries, that would be the concern of other units. Everyone had to rely on their own capabilities.
If you have the ability, you can prosper, but if you don't, you'll continue to rely on state subsidies. You won't starve, but you won't thrive either.
With everyone's attention on him, several secretaries had already opened their notebooks, ready to start recording. After a brief thought, Wang Ye organized his thoughts and words before speaking carefully:
"Actually, the initial reason I persuaded Kibwe to purchase gas cylinders was to tell him that if he bought them back, he could modify them into weapons production."
"Then he could claim that, under his efforts, Tanzania has mastered the ability to manufacture its own weapons."
"This would be helpful for his development in politics upon returning."
"Obviously, my words hit a nerve with him. After all, if he were a highly influential and popular politician, he wouldn't have been sent here for training. So, he must have concerns about his future development after returning, and needs a breakthrough."
Upon hearing this, the two elders exchanged a glance, both expressing realization and confirmation. Elder Zhou Jinlie chuckled and said, "So you appeared, slipped him a pillow while he was sleeping."
"To put it in your words, only when the product appears in front of the right customer can it have its highest value."
"So, only a mere gas cylinder can fetch such a high price?"
Wang Ye nodded with a smile and said, "You're right. So the gas cylinder created the highest value."
As soon as Wang Ye finished speaking, Elder Wei Qingshan beside him sighed with emotion and said, "So after Kibwe returned, following your advice, he began to promote himself using the production of domestic weapons."
"But obviously, his words made some people afraid and affected certain interests. This eventually led to chaos and the rebellion of the two largest factions in Tanzania?"
"If, in the future, the Tanzanian government manages to quell the rebellion and regain stability, Kibwe will inevitably rise to a high position. With his rise based on 'domestic weapons,' he will only strengthen his political foundation."
"In other words, he will definitely continue to purchase various semi-finished products and production equipment from you!"
"Not to mention, your plan has indeed produced benefits!"
"Brilliant! Brilliant!"
Finally, Elder Wei Qingshan couldn't help but marvel, and Elder Zhou Jinlie beside him couldn't help but chuckle and say, "I didn't expect you, kid, to be politically savvy too?"
"At first, I only saw your technical skills, your flexibility, and your spirit of initiative, so I approved your transfer to Red Star Mechanical Factory."
"But I didn't expect you, kid, to have such insight?"
Praised by the two elders, Wang Ye quickly waved his hand with a wry smile and said, "Please don't praise me, I'll get conceited."
With this remark, laughter erupted in the room, and Wang Ye continued, "So, actually, there's not much else I can say about the comprehensive plan. Just follow the steps, and in the end, our friends gain industrial capability, and we gain foreign exchange. Everyone's happy."
"Of course, other military factories, state-owned factories, and third-line factories can do the same."
"As long as you investigate the situation well, find the right angle, approach it practically, make the other party feel that this is how it should be, make them feel the demand, then I think it's very simple for other factories to secure similar comprehensive plans."
"Nowadays, the third world countries are awakening. Whether it's Africa, Latin America, or Central Asia, various development and independence activities are emerging one after another. They all have similar needs, and they're very eager. If handled properly, with our old resources and things, I think they might not be enough. Maybe we'll have to produce more."
"In this way, by selling off our old assets, having money in hand, and replacing them with new equipment, wouldn't that be great?"
"At the very least, we can make a living. At least we won't be freeloaders on state subsidies anymore. We won't drag down the country's economic development, and we can even bring in foreign exchange. No matter how much or how little, it's still foreign exchange. Accumulating small gains makes a big profit!"
"Moreover, when I was talking with Commander Song before, we discussed another issue, which is going global!"
"Now that our country is opening up, we must go out, and we must go out actively, not passively. Even if going out might lead to bloodshed, I still think it's worth it."
"We're the third largest country in terms of land area. We must have a place in this world. We must shoulder our international responsibilities. We're part of this planet, and we must have enough influence."
"Selling goods is also an important step in going global!"
Hearing Wang Ye's words, the two elders couldn't help but nod repeatedly. The plan for the industrial big cycle, also known as the Third World Industrial Development Plan, had been discussed several times within the ministry.
Now, coming from Wang Ye's mouth, it had a different feel, after all, he was the founder!
As for going global, it went without saying. With the confirmation of the reform and opening up plan and the advancement of the reform and opening up process, almost a consensus had been reached at the top: to actively go out and participate in the world. This point was beyond doubt, though the specific methods and approaches were still under discussion and experimentation.
"Wang Ye, you're absolutely right!"
"We do need to go out, and not just passively. We need to actively engage with the international community."
"However, some comrades are still concerned about another issue."
"If we were only selling some small industrial equipment, it would be one thing. But what if we export military equipment? Would it not raise international concerns, especially from the Soviet Union and the United States?"
"What are your thoughts on this matter, Wang Ye?"
With a casual demeanor, Zhou Jinlie took a sip of tea and posed the question. He didn't expect Wang Ye to provide a concrete answer, as there wasn't one until the situation actually unfolded. He simply wanted to hear Wang Ye's unconventional thoughts, perhaps offering a unique perspective to consider.
Under the gaze of everyone present, Wang Ye chuckled and said, "Would you like to hear my honest opinion or my diplomatic response?"
With that question, Zhou Jinlie couldn't help but laugh, replying, "Of course, your honest opinion!"
Wang Ye nodded and, after organizing his thoughts, hesitantly began, "Well then, I'll give you my unorthodox perspective."
"In my view, this isn't even a problem. We are already in this position, so what's wrong with wanting to make money?"
"What could the United States and the Soviet Union do if they have objections? Would they send their armies over here? Or would they impose harsher sanctions and embargoes?"
"I highly doubt the former would happen, as it would likely trigger a third global war. As for the latter, while there's a possibility, it's not very probable."
"Even if it did happen, we've endured hardships in the past without faltering. Why fear now?"
"In fact, I believe we're being too cautious, too timid in our steps."
"We could stride boldly, be more daring, even a little reckless, to show the world our poverty, our desire for self-preservation, our greed for money, and our hysterical willingness to do whatever it takes!"
At that moment, everyone present was shocked, utterly dumbfounded by Wang Ye's words. It was a kind of stunned silence, as they never expected Wang Ye to make such audacious and hysterical statements.
"Wang Ye, that's a bit..."
For a moment, Zhou Jinlie struggled to find the right words to describe Wang Ye's boldness, while Wang Ye smirked and interjected, "You asked for my honest opinion, and that's exactly what you're getting."
"Of course, I didn't come up with this idea randomly. I've reasoned it out."
Seemingly understanding something, Wei Qingshan frowned slightly, made a gesture inviting Wang Ye to continue, and then surprisingly spoke in a serious tone, "Please, go on."
Clearing his throat, Wang Ye organized his thoughts and continued, "I have three points to support my argument, all revolving around the same core."
"Firstly, looking at the recent upheaval in Tanzania, we can see that if it weren't for the intervention and influence of those two superpowers, wouldn't you both agree?"
"In that case, we're already in the scenario you mentioned earlier."
"But in the end, nothing much happened; it was just a war, and Tanzania descended into internal turmoil."
"I'd even venture to guess that those two giants are quite pleased. On one hand, arms sales can increase again, and on the other, they have a clear reason to engage in proxy wars."
"Who knows, if they win, they might even annex Tanzania!"
"I believe you both understand this better than I do."
A collective gasp filled the room at Wang Ye's words, and the expressions of the two elders became even more solemn. Wang Ye continued:
"Secondly, we're dirt poor, and those two giants know it. Our business is just a drop in the bucket for them. I doubt they would care much."
"After all, they're making big money, and what we earn is just peanuts."
"They might even mock us behind our backs, saying, 'Is that all you've got? Is that your ambition?'"
The two elders remained silent at Wang Ye's assertion. Wang Ye then dropped his smile, speaking very seriously:
"And thirdly, this is the crux of my argument."
"Today's world is a 'bipolar world,' where the fundamental existence of two equally strong forces is crucial. Any imbalance will lead to a 'one superpower, one hegemon' situation."
"The reason those two giants keep expanding is to prevent such an imbalance. Otherwise, it would become a game of 'one superpower, one hegemon, plus a third force.'"
"I mentioned earlier that we are the world's third-largest country by land area, the most populous, and the one with the most comprehensive industrial categories."
"Indeed, we are poor now, but our potential, especially in terms of military power, is undeniable. Especially considering our possession of ballistic missiles and nuclear weapons."
"There's an old saying: 'A single spark can start a prairie fire.' If we were to go mad, who in the world wouldn't panic?"
"Now that we've normalized relations with the United States, you both should know better than anyone that our relationship with the United States has improved significantly in recent years, and the United States is somewhat ambiguous toward us."
"As for the Russians, since this spring, there have been signs of a thaw in our relationship. And it was initiated by them, with us responding."
"Why? I ask, why?"
At this moment, Wang Ye seemed to be caught up in the excitement, standing up and tapping on the world map hanging nearby, speaking loudly:
"It's because we, in and of ourselves, are one of the most powerful forces in the world!"
"This is an objective truth that does not change just because we belittle ourselves!"
"Suppose, and I say suppose, the Soviets continue to pressure us, and we completely lean towards the United States. Can the Soviets bear the consequences? I doubt it!"
"Or if the Americans and their lackeys want to eradicate us, and we lose face, seeking reconciliation with our former big brother, or even bowing before them."
"Can America bear the consequences? I doubt it!"
"In short, the enemy's enemy is a friend. And we are currently in a cunning and perfect historical moment where everything is falling into place for us!"
Accompanied by the sound of Wang Ye's tapping on the map, everyone in the room was completely stunned, their faces filled with shock and disbelief. Wang Ye had suddenly opened up a direction and perspective that had never been noticed before!
And it was all because, with the advent of openness, China had recognized its poverty, to some extent leading to a neglect of its own value and strength, and thereby miscalculating the international situation and the world's development.
Until one day, when a few years later, the national television station broadcasted a special military parade, countless people suddenly realized!
"We are important!"
This point was also the most important premise for the beginning of the Sino-US honeymoon period.
The end of this honeymoon period was also marked by the same realization, symbolized by the lowering of the flag over the Kremlin.