The United States, in another time and space, boasts military bases scattered across the globe. Its aircraft carriers sail through the world's major oceans, asserting America's hegemony and showcasing its immense military power. Other nations, unable to resist, are compelled to bow to America's influence. One might say that the United States is, without question, the most powerful nation on this blue planet.
Germany, while having risen to the status of a global superpower, is still far from reaching the level of the United States in later years. To put it simply, the numerous adversaries it faces are already a significant headache. To establish its dominance, Germany must first defeat these rivals. Only then can its hegemony be securely established.
Moreover, the American presence in various countries is not without cost. Nations must contribute financially, covering at least half of the military expenses. This arrangement essentially means that those countries are paying to maintain America's military presence, enabling the U.S. to project its power across the globe and dominate the world stage.
In Qin Tian's view, these are aspects worth emulating. Once Germany has vanquished its foes, it could follow the example of the United States, stationing military forces worldwide to enable its armed forces to directly control global affairs.
"Your Majesty, what if we were to extend help and guidance to the Kingdom of Nezh and the Kingdom of Kuwait, similar to our arrangement with Kuwait?" asked Chancellor Brolow. In such a case, these two nations would effectively fall under Germany's control.
"It is a viable model. However, we should allow them greater autonomy over their internal affairs. That said, their foreign policy must align with the Empire's. Their military must be equipped with the Empire's weapons, and their officers and generals must undergo training in the Empire. Additionally, the police force must be under the Empire's guidance. The Empire shall also have the right to exploit the mineral resources in their territories. The oil extracted, after deducting costs, will yield them twenty percent of the profits," Qin Tian responded.
"Yes, Your Majesty!" Chancellor Brolow and Foreign Minister Vasik nodded in agreement. Since they were overseeing the negotiations with the representatives of the Kingdom of Nezh and the Kingdom of Kuwait, Qin Tian, as Emperor, would not have the time to personally handle these detailed discussions. His meeting with the princes of the two kingdoms had been a rare occasion for him to make time.
"Your Majesty, with the support of the Kingdom of Nezh, our military operations in the Middle East will proceed smoothly. We estimate that by next month, we will be able to launch an attack on India," Marshal von Falkenhein said with excitement.
Compared to Egypt and the Middle East, Germany's military and political leaders were far more focused on India. India, after all, was the real treasure trove. In the past, Germany had been forced to watch as the British reaped enormous wealth from India, unable to do anything but salivate. Now, India had become a prime target within Germany's grasp, just waiting to be seized with some effort. This was a prize they had long coveted.
"Yes, the progress in Egypt and the Middle East has exceeded our expectations. With this, we will be able to save significant time for our campaign against India. However, the Eighth Army alone may not suffice. We should also deploy the Fourth Army," Qin Tian said.
Although the British had been withdrawing troops, they still maintained one of the largest military presences in India, with over 200,000 troops stationed there, not counting the British Indian Army. The British Indian Army, composed of Indian soldiers enlisted as regulars and junior officers under British command, had over a million soldiers during the Great War. They had been active on both the French and British homefronts. However, the fighting ability of these Indian soldiers was notoriously poor. If the German soldiers' combat effectiveness was rated at one hundred, the British soldiers' at eighty, then the Indian soldiers' combat effectiveness was a mere forty or even lower. Their role on the battlefield was mostly limited to not retreating, a feat in itself.
Though the Indian soldiers were of low fighting quality, the sheer number of them presented a significant challenge. According to German intelligence, the British were arming the Indian soldiers furiously, intending to delay the inevitable for as long as possible to grant the British more time. Additionally, countless American merchant ships were ferrying weapons and ammunition to India, signaling that the U.S. was also involved, hoping to see Germany stumble in India or even become mired in a prolonged conflict with the Indian forces. Such a scenario would undoubtedly benefit the United States.
"Yes, Your Majesty!" Marshal von Falkenhein nodded in understanding. He was well aware of the British efforts to expand the British Indian Army. However, he was unfazed. He had seen the fighting ability of Indian soldiers firsthand. How much combat effectiveness could a group of Indian farmers, who had just put down their hoes to pick up rifles, possibly have? He was confident that, should the German forces land in India, they would easily crush these Indian soldiers.
While Qin Tian and his ministers were discussing strategies for the Middle East and India, a German light cruiser was passing through the Strait of Gibraltar, returning to the homeland. Though it was just a regular cruiser, the ship carried a special group of passengers. Dressed in traditional Arabian robes, the delegation was composed of envoys from the Kingdom of Nezh and the Kingdom of Kuwait. Since it was a secret visit, the group was small, consisting only of Prince Abdul from Nezh, Prince Salim from Kuwait, their respective foreign ministers, and a few attendants.
"Salim, brother, will we soon arrive in Germany? Will that great emperor meet with us?" the younger Prince Abdul asked eagerly.
At just thirteen years old, Prince Abdul saw Qin Tian as a living legend. Despite being only twenty-eight, Qin Tian ruled the most powerful empire in the world. Moreover, Qin Tian had not been born to the throne; he had fought his way to the top, which made his story even more inspiring.
"I've asked the crew, and we'll reach Germany in two days. As for whether we'll meet with His Majesty the Emperor, I'm not sure. But we should be able to, I believe," Prince Salim replied. At over thirty, he was much more mature than the youthful Abdul.