The user wants to communicate in Chinese and have their text translated into English, with improved and more elegant language.Next, Emperor Wilhelm II engaged in a conversation with Marshal Count von Tirpitz about the current international situation, while Qin Tian quietly listened from the side. Despite his foresight as a time traveler aware of the historical trajectory, he knew it was impossible to disclose everything to Wilhelm II and Count Tirpitz, as such revelations would likely lead them to view him as a monstrosity.
Moreover, the mere opportunity to listen to their discussion signified that Qin Tian had already gained their recognition. It is worth noting that previously, apart from Crown Prince Wilhelm, who possessed the privilege due to his status, none of Wilhelm II's other sons had such an advantage. This was indeed a significant advancement for Qin Tian.
Of course, Qin Tian understood that usurping the position of Crown Prince Wilhelm would be exceedingly difficult, and he had largely abandoned such fantasies. However, if he could enhance his influence within state affairs, it would be most beneficial.
From the conversation between Wilhelm II and Count Tirpitz, Qin Tian discerned that Germany was currently facing an exceedingly grave external environment. Following the Moroccan Crisis, the alliance among England, France, and Russia had grown increasingly intimate. Although they had yet to forge a formal alliance, this eventuality was foreseen. Indeed, the three nations had already begun to constrain Germany.
This also elucidated why Wilhelm II had gradually relinquished his illusions about England and had begun to amplify investments in the navy. Otherwise, he would likely have remained reluctant to confront the British.
"Your Excellency, if England, France, and Russia were to truly establish a pact, we would face even greater pressure," Wilhelm II remarked, his brow furrowed deeply. Presently, Germany resembled a high-speed train that could not come to a halt. If they failed to break through the blockade imposed by England, France, and Russia, the inevitable outcome would be catastrophic.
"Indeed, Your Majesty! Should war commence, the Empire will endure immense strain. The combat capabilities of the Imperial Army are unquestionable, ranking first in the world. However, we may be compelled to engage on two fronts. If the Imperial Army cannot swiftly defeat its adversaries, the war will inevitably devolve into a stalemate. At that juncture, we may have to rely solely on the navy to turn the tide. Therefore, we must endeavor to fortify the navy as much as possible, striving to narrow the gap with the British navy," Count Tirpitz stated with a serious demeanor.
Wilhelm II nodded, although he believed in the fighting strength of the German army, confident that, if war were to break out, they could potentially achieve another glorious victory, akin to the Franco-Prussian War over three decades ago. Nevertheless, he had to concede that the present world situation was entirely different from that of thirty years prior. Technological advancements had brought about revolutionary changes in military capabilities and strategies. The German army would likely find it challenging to sweep through the French as it had done over thirty years ago. Hence, Wilhelm II had to prepare for the worst-case scenario. If the army failed to swiftly defeat the enemy, the navy must shoulder the responsibility of breaking the British maritime blockade and ensuring that Germany's overseas trade routes remained intact. Otherwise, the only fate awaiting Germany would be a slow and painful demise.
Of course, Wilhelm II continued to believe that if Germany could establish a powerful navy, it might compel England to refrain from entering the conflict, thereby achieving the goal of subduing the enemy without engaging in battle. Without England as a formidable adversary, Germany's burdens would naturally lighten considerably. Defeating Germany would be nearly impossible for merely France and Russia.
If Qin Tian were aware of Wilhelm II's perspective, he would undoubtedly express that it was a naive notion. The British, in their quest to maintain global dominance, would never allow Germany to triumph over France and Russia and establish hegemony on the European continent. The British had consistently pursued a policy of continental balance, meaning they would not permit a single power to dominate Europe. Whenever a nation grew too powerful, they would rally other countries to encircle and besiege it. France, Russia, and now Germany had all fallen victim to this policy.
"From now until the outbreak of war, we shall exhaust all efforts to develop our navy. Let us hope that in the next war, which will determine Germany's fate, we shall emerge victorious!" Wilhelm II sighed.
"Your Majesty, victory is assured," Count Tirpitz responded with unwavering conviction.
"Father, it is indisputable that the British intend to oppose us and may even become the core of the alliance among England, France, and Russia. To counter this, we must employ every means at our disposal to weaken their power. Beyond military development and surpassing the British directly, we must also explore other strategies," Qin Tian proposed.
"Oscar, do you have any suggestions?" Wilhelm II inquired.
"Father, the strength of Britain stems from its vast colonial empire. These territories, many times larger in area and ten times more populous than Britain itself, sustain the British Empire. However, we can also observe that British rule over these colonies is becoming increasingly tenuous. India has witnessed significant resistance against British control, and South Africa has experienced two Boer Wars. Even now, many locals oppose British governance. If we were to invest resources into supporting these factions, I believe we would yield substantial returns," Qin Tian articulated.
"Indeed, that is a commendable approach. While it may not pose a direct threat to Britain, if we can weaken their power and create difficulties for them, it would be acceptable," Wilhelm II nodded in agreement.
"Father, in addition to the British colonies, their homeland is also rife with unrest. The Irish have long sought independence. If we were to support their quest for sovereignty and they were successful, it would not only significantly weaken British power but also establish a pro-German state right beside them. This would be invaluable in our future endeavors to defeat the British. Even if the Irish independence movement fails, we would suffer little more than a financial loss, and it would similarly incite further animosity against the British among the Irish. Their resistance would surely continue unabated, eventually becoming a persistent headache for the British!" Qin Tian declared with a smile.