119: Chapter 119 Bypassing SWIFT? A Preliminary Agreement!

Lin Zhou dialed the encrypted private line of Director Zhou.

The tone on the other end was slightly impatient, perhaps due to being busy with the aftermath of the previous intelligence exchange.

"Director Zhou, it's me, Lin Zhou."

"Leader Lin, what is the matter?" Director Zhou's tone softened slightly.

Lin Zhou's status was special, and he would not disturb him easily without an urgent matter.

"I have an urgent matter to consult you about."

Lin Zhou was concise and direct, stating the financial predicament of the Cyber Freedom Republic.

He specifically mentioned the SWIFT barrier, an insurmountable chasm.

After listening, Director Zhou fell silent on the other end of the line.

Since he did not refuse directly, a glimmer of hope rose in Lin Zhou's heart.

"CIPS... That is a unique idea, and not without precedent." Director Zhou spoke, with hidden meaning in his words.

His voice was steady: "CIPS provides an alternative to SWIFT for the internationalization of the RMB. However, it cannot be easily opened to just anyone."

Lin Zhou's emotions fluctuated after hearing this.

"I understand." He lowered his voice.

"The country is just starting out, with no citizens and no diplomatic recognition, still in the exploration phase. To survive and develop, we must open up funding channels."

"Without financial sovereignty, there is no future."

"You are certainly direct." Director Zhou chuckled, appreciating Lin Zhou's candor.

"Normal state-to-state docking requires diplomatic channels, mutual recognition between two countries, and bank-to-bank connections between Central Banks. As for your current situation..."

"Indeed, we have not received formal recognition from your country." Lin Zhou did not evade the conflict.

"I am considering whether we can connect via a 'financial institution' model? Could we establish a sovereign wealth fund or a commercial bank and apply for CIPS access under its name?"

As soon as the proposal was made, the sound of paper and pen friction came from the other end of the line.

Director Zhou seemed to be taking notes, and Lin Zhou knew he was evaluating the feasibility.

"That is a way of thinking." Director Zhou expressed his approval.

"Theoretically feasible. But the issues involved are not simple. Although sovereign wealth funds and commercial banks bypass the need for state recognition, the review standards are even higher."

"After all, it involves capital security and national reputation. Your country is currently penniless and starting from scratch, so it won't be easy to dispel concerns."

Lin Zhou understood that this was the truth.

For a "country" without a real economy or population base to establish a financial institution and connect to an international payment system, there were heavy difficulties ahead.

But he possessed an advantage—technology.

"We have the best technology and the strictest legal safeguards." Lin Zhou promised.

"After connecting to CIPS, the sovereign wealth fund will be completely transparent and subject to the strictest supervision."

"The flow of funds can withstand scrutiny, and we can open partial query permissions to your department."

Director Zhou was silent for a moment, weighing these promises.

Opening query permissions—this kind of sincerity was extremely frank, and the weight of the bargaining chip was significant.

"Let's do this, I will facilitate the connection for you first." Director Zhou relented.

"Go and communicate with the Ministry of Finance and the Central Bank. I cannot make the final decision on this matter, so you need to be mentally prepared; the process will be long and complicated, and you might face rejection at any time."

"Many thanks, Director Zhou." Lin Zhou said sincerely.

"I understand the hardships involved, but this has a decisive impact on our country's development. I will spare no effort to strive for it."

"Hmm." Director Zhou advised.

"Apply in the name of an institution and register a 'sovereign wealth fund' as soon as possible. It must look the part; a shell company won't be able to fool anyone."

"Be professional, standardized, and demonstrate the strength to convince people."

"I will handle it immediately." Lin Zhou said firmly.

Hanging up the phone, Lin Zhou let out a long breath.

He knew this was the first step of a long march, but it was the most crucial one.

Returning to the office quickly, Chen Yuan and Zhang Zhe were still there, and the atmosphere in the office was tense.

"How did it go?" Chen Yuan asked anxiously, understanding that this call was of great importance.

Lin Zhou relayed Director Zhou's meaning.

Hearing that he agreed to facilitate the connection and approved the "financial institution" model, Chen Yuan's furrowed brows relaxed, and he let out a breath of suppressed air.

"CIPS... This is indeed a path." Chen Yuan rubbed his chin, a glint of light dancing in his eyes.

"If we can succeed, it is far better than begging the Americans. This is the cornerstone of our country's financial independence!"

Zhang Zhe added, accustomed to thinking from a legal perspective:

"Legally, registering in the name of a sovereign wealth fund or bank can circumvent the obstacle of diplomatic recognition."

"But as Director Zhou said, the review is strict, so we must ensure the independence and operational standardization of the fund."

"We must come up with stricter self-discipline standards than any existing international financial institution."

"These are all in the plan." Lin Zhou looked at Chen Yuan.

"Chen, the national bank's global offshore accounts need an entity to carry them."

"I have decided to proceed simultaneously under the name of the 'Cyber Free Sovereign Wealth Fund'."

"You take the lead and register and build the architecture as soon as possible. Capital security and compliant operations are the lifeline."

"Good, I will handle this!" Chen Yuan was invigorated, as if he had been reborn.

He knew that once the fund connected to CIPS, the Cyber Freedom Republic would possess financial bloodlines.

It would no longer be an isolated island at the mercy of others.

Lin Zhou looked at Zhang Zhe.

"Dean Zhang, in addition to the offshore company act, we need to formulate a set of supporting laws for the sovereign wealth fund."

"This includes regulations on anti-money laundering, source of funds review, information disclosure, etc., to ensure the legitimacy and transparency of the fund."

"Dispel the doubts of potential partners. Our laws must become the most solid guarantee."

"No problem, I will immediately organize personnel to formulate them by referring to the strictest international standards." Zhang Zhe nodded.

He understood that this was not just legal text, but a credit voucher for the Cyber Freedom Republic's international standing.

After finishing the instructions, Lin Zhou's mood did not fully relax.

Director Zhou's final words were deeply imprinted in his heart: "You don't have many citizens right now, but things won't stay this way forever. You can hire people with high salaries now, but obtaining citizenship isn't something that can be solved just by spending money. Apart from diplomatic recognition, the image of the country is also very important."

This sentence made Lin Zhou's mood heavy.

He knew that the "pioneers" and "mercenaries" were just temporary employees, not real citizens.

For long-term national development, they needed citizens who truly identified with the country and were willing to contribute.

The sense of belonging of citizens stems from the recognition of the national image.

Currently, the international image of the Cyber Freedom Republic, despite PR efforts, had some popularity.

But it was still a "suddenly appeared" micro-nation whose sovereignty was not recognized.

The perception of ordinary people remained at "emerging desert force" and "Lin Zhou's Kingdom."

This was far from enough, and even carried a sense of mockery.

"National image..." Lin Zhou paced, his fingers tapping on the desk.

He suddenly thought that the most famous person in this barren land, and the one who could best represent the country, was actually himself.

His labels: grassroots, internet celebrity, social media maniac, the man who stirred up waves in the live broadcast room.

Since the founding of the country, he had been busy with affairs and hadn't live-streamed for a long time, so his "internet celebrity" identity had almost been forgotten.

He needed to return to that identity.

Return to being the "good friend of Gao Jian" and the "internet celebrity streamer leader" for his global supporters.

Use online influence to shape a more multi-dimensional and approachable national image.

Let the online "temporary citizens" have the opportunity and willingness to convert into real citizens.

Not just to attract population, but more importantly, to unite hearts.

This was a strategy learned from the US President—internet governance.

Through live streaming and social media, he personally showcased the Cyber Freedom Republic to the world.

Showcasing every inch of land, every bit of progress, and his own unique charm.

He wanted to turn the vague concept of a country into a vivid, tangible reality.

Let people witness its huge potential and look forward to its future development.