Chapter 161 Everything must prioritize the overall situation!
Not long ago.
The US, The Pentagon.
In the solemn and grave meeting room, the dim lights could not hide the tense atmosphere.
The Secretary of State had both hands pressed onto the massive conference table, his body leaning forward, as he gravely explained his thoughts to the President.
"Mr. President, I believe it is time, and we absolutely must take action against the Dragon Kingdom."
"Nowadays, their military development has severely threatened our international standing! If we don't do something now, the ownership of Blue Star will change hands; we will be relegated to second place, and our former position will be replaced by the Dragon Kingdom!"
"By the time that happens, it will be too late!"
The high-ranking officials below looked somewhat nervous!
The White Sea incident had only just passed, and they were still immersed in the shock brought upon them by the Dragon Kingdom!
The strength displayed by the Dragon Kingdom during this incident had filled them all with some panic!
For a moment, they were somewhat lost and at a loss for what to do!
President Biden was currently supporting his head with both hands, deeply conflicted!
"Secretary of State Jack, of course I know we should take action!"
"But... you have also seen that the Dragon Kingdom's current military combat capability is no longer what it used to be!"
"We used to be able to barely match them by relying on our advanced weapons!"
"Now their weapons are countless times more advanced than ours; how do you expect us to take action?"
Speaking of which, President Biden thought again, wasn't it because the Secretary of State had been clamoring for action during this White Sea incident that they ended up in this state?
And now he wants to take action again?
He was afraid that they would end up shooting themselves in the foot again!
"Mr. President, listen to me!"
"Currently, of course, I would not be so stupid as to use military means to go head-to-head with the Dragon Kingdom!"
"I believe we can start with public opinion, guide the direction of international public opinion, put the Dragon Kingdom in the spotlight, and then find the right opportunity to impose sanctions."
The Secretary of State's eyes revealed determination and confidence, as if everything was under his control.
The President sat in his chair, arms crossed over his chest, slightly frowning as he considered the Secretary of State's proposal.
He knew deep down that the relationship with the Dragon Kingdom had always been intricate and complex, and any decision could trigger a series of chain reactions.
"Are you sure this is wise?"
"The Dragon Kingdom's current influence on the international stage cannot be underestimated, and rash action could lead to unexpected consequences."
The President's voice was low and steady.
The Secretary of State straightened his back and raised his voice, saying:
"Mr. President, we have powerful public opinion manipulation capabilities. As long as we plan carefully, we can definitely put the Dragon Kingdom in a passive position!"
"Moreover, although the Dragon Kingdom's navy is powerful, their comprehensive strength is not as good as ours!"
"Our military strength is still the most powerful in the world; the Dragon Kingdom will not easily clash with us head-on."
"Otherwise, do you think our aircraft carrier fleet could have retreated so easily back then?"
As he spoke, he picked up his briefcase.
Inside was a battle declaration!
It was something he had prepared to boost morale!
However, not long after he took out the declaration and was about to read it, the Intelligence Director Smith hurried into the meeting room and whispered a few words into the President's ear.
The President's expression changed slightly, then he looked at the Secretary of State and said slowly:
"Wait a moment, before deciding whether to take action..."
"Let us first listen to the latest intelligence brought by Smith!"
The Secretary of State was stunned for a moment, looked at Smith, and found his expression unusually grave!
It seemed something bad had happened again!
As he presented a video on the big screen in the meeting room.
On the screen, the Dragon Kingdom warships that were originally in sight had disappeared as the sea fog cleared!
This sudden scene startled everyone present!
The level of shock was no less than performing a magic trick in front of the whole world!
The meeting room, which was originally filled with passionate discussion, instantly fell silent, leaving only the faint humming of the air conditioner.
After a long while, the Secretary of State's voice slowly rang out!
"The Dragon Kingdom fleet... just disappeared like that?"
As his voice fell, everyone present came back to their senses!
There was an uproar in the room!
"It disappeared, it really disappeared. Is it haunted? How did three perfectly fine warships disappear into thin air?"
"Oh my god! What technology has the Dragon Kingdom invented this time that can actually make three warships disappear?"
"Stealth technology, or hyperspace jump technology?"
"Damn it, how can we still play this game! Each technology they invent is more impressive than the last. I suggest we just surrender to the Dragon Kingdom!"
A sense of unease also welled up in the Secretary of State's heart regarding a fleet that could appear and disappear mysteriously.
His previous plan seemed to have suddenly become full of holes.
He slowly sat back in his chair and stopped speaking.
The President broke the silence, his tone carrying a hint of worry.
"If the Dragon Kingdom fleet can really operate so secretly, then if they sail near us to launch a sneak attack, can our defense system handle it?"
Cold sweat broke out on the Secretary of State's forehead; he knew the power of the Dragon Kingdom's Electromagnetic Railgun.
According to data provided by experts, the effective striking range of the Dragon Kingdom's Electromagnetic Railgun is around 4,000 kilometers.
This means that if the Dragon Kingdom fleet launches an attack from outside this range, they could suffer heavy damage without even noticing.
"Our naval bases are widely distributed, but precisely because of this, they are more difficult to defend."
"Once the Dragon Kingdom fleet launches a surprise attack, our fleets, military facilities, and coastal cities will all face a huge threat."
A naval general stood up and said.
His expression was grave, and his eyes were full of worry.
The Secretary of State silently put away the battle declaration he had prepared!
Better not fight!
Damn it, self-preservation is a problem now!
He knew that before fully understanding the true strength of the Dragon Kingdom's fleet, he had better keep this declaration to himself!
Otherwise, not only would it fail to boost morale, it might even be treated as a joke!
"It seems... we need to re-evaluate our relationship with the Dragon Kingdom and cannot proceed according to the original plan."
"Especially regarding the White Sea secret base, we must completely distance ourselves from it!"
The President said firmly.
The Secretary of State was very resistant to this decision deep down; the dignified hegemon of Blue Star had actually become so humble.
But there was no other way!
Even if he resisted, it would be of no use!
Everything must be for the greater good!
Otherwise, the consequences would be unimaginable!
He nodded, then secretly threw away the battle declaration he had prepared!
He knew that this thing was useless now!
They had to prepare...
To concede!
Subsequently, they drafted a statement!
Title: "Combat Pirates! Every Nation Has a Responsibility!"