135: Chapter 135 The Collapse of Hegemony: On the Eve of the Restructuring of the World Order

New York, United Nations Headquarters.

Seven o'clock in the morning. Usually, at this time, the building only holds cleaning staff and early-arriving employees. But today, the area outside the main conference hall was already packed with reporters from all over the world. Their cameras and microphones were set up densely, and the flashlights illuminated the corridor as if it were broad daylight.

At eight o'clock sharp, the emergency meeting of the UN Security Council officially began.

But unlike in the past, the person sitting on the podium today was not a representative of one of the fifteen UN Security Council member states, but the United Nations Secretary-General Guterres himself. The seventy-year-old diplomat's face was grave, and his opening remarks were unusually brief:

"Ladies and gentlemen, today we are not discussing the agenda, nor are we holding a vote. I only want to ask you all to watch a video."

The big screen lit up.

The footage was an edited version of Zhang Cheng's live stream last night—satellite imagery of an F-35 being shot down (which the USA was later forced to admit), full footage of a "tomahawk" cruise missile being intercepted, and Zhang Cheng's final "twenty-four-hour ultimatum."

After the video finished playing, the conference hall was silent.

Guterres took off his glasses and spoke slowly:

"In the past twenty-four hours, the world has witnessed a… military revolution. A brand-new air defense and anti-missile system has destroyed thirty-two of the world's most advanced cruise missiles with a one-hundred-percent interception rate. And before this, it had already shot down four fifth-generation stealth fighters."

He paused, his gaze sweeping across the representatives from various countries in the audience:

"I am not a military expert, but I know what this means. It means that the military doctrine built over the past thirty years on the foundation of 'stealth technology' and 'cruise missile precision strikes' may… be obsolete."

In the audience, the USA permanent representative Linda Greenfield turned pale. She raised her hand to speak several times, then put it down.

The British representative kept his head down, the French representative was rapidly taking notes on a laptop, and the Russian representative had a faint, ambiguous smile on his lips.

The Chinese representative Li Hui sat straight, his face expressionless.

"What is even more worrying," Guterres continued, "is that the one who possesses this technology is not a country, but a… non-state entity. An armed force that did not even exist a year ago."

He looked toward Greenfield:

"Representative of the USA, as a party involved, do you have anything to say?"

Greenfield stood up, took a deep breath, and tried to keep her voice steady:

"Mr. Secretary-General, distinguished representatives. The USA has indeed suffered a… setback regarding the Myanmar issue. But I want to emphasize that Zhang Cheng's actions are a serious violation of international law and the United Nations Charter. He attacked missiles launched by USA vessels legally navigating in international waters; this is an act of war!"

"An act of war?" The Russian representative couldn't help but laugh. "Ms. Greenfield, if I recall correctly, it was your warplanes that first violated Myanmar's airspace, and it was your cruise missiles that first attacked targets within Myanmar. According to Article 51 of the United Nations Charter, Zhang Cheng's actions are entirely within the scope of self-defense."

"Myanmar is a sovereign state! Zhang Cheng is an illegal armed force!" Greenfield retorted.

"Is that so?" Chinese representative Li Hui slowly stood up. "According to the Myanmar constitution, ethnic states possess a high degree of autonomy. The North Myanmar Joint Autonomous Region led by Zhang Cheng is a political entity that naturally formed during the process of clearing out transnational criminal syndicates and rescuing imprisoned citizens. Furthermore—"

He looked at Greenfield, his gaze sharp:

"In the legal dictionary of the USA, does the term 'illegal armed force' only apply to armed forces that do not listen to the USA? Are those that do listen to the USA, such as certain opposition groups in Syria, considered 'freedom fighters' even if they use chemical weapons?"

"You—" Greenfield trembled with anger.

Li Hui ignored her and turned to the entire room:

"The Chinese side believes that the Myanmar issue is essentially an internal affair of Myanmar and should be resolved by the Myanmar people themselves. External forces, especially certain countries that operate under the banners of 'democracy' and 'freedom,' are the root cause of the escalation by continuously shipping weapons to Myanmar, dispatching mercenaries, and even directly conducting military interventions."

He paused:

"As for the military technology possessed by Mr. Zhang Cheng… the Chinese side is not aware of its origin. But I would like to remind everyone: on the world's black market for arms, you can buy anything if you have money. Especially when certain countries intentionally leak or sell sensitive technology for geopolitical interests."

This was said subtly, but the meaning was clear—it implied that the USA might have leaked the technology itself, or that other countries were supporting him from behind the scenes.

There was a commotion in the hall.

Greenfield was about to retort, but Guterres tapped his gavel:

"Quiet."

He looked at the representatives of various countries:

"The question of the technology's source can be left to the International Atomic Energy Agency or relevant verification mechanisms. But the more pressing question now is—what happens next?"

"Zhang Cheng has issued a twenty-four-hour ultimatum. There is now… left," he checked his watch, "sixteen hours. If the USA does not withdraw its troops, he might really attack the aircraft carrier. And if the USA withdraws its troops… what does that mean?"

It means that the USA's military hegemony in Asia has developed a crack.

It means that from now on, small countries and non-state entities might all possess the ability to challenge superpowers.

It means that the world order might really be about to change.

The conference hall fell into silence once again.

This time, even the Russian representative couldn't laugh.

Washington, Pentagon.

In a top-secret conference room, the highest levels of the USA military and intelligence community gathered. The atmosphere was so oppressive it made people struggle to breathe.

Secretary of Defense Esper slammed a thick assessment report onto the table:

"This is a joint analysis from the National Reconnaissance Office, the National Security Agency, and the Defense Intelligence Agency. The conclusion is in one sentence: Zhang Cheng's 'Sky Dome' system is at least… ten years ahead of our technology."

Ten years.

The word hit everyone's heart like a heavy hammer.

"Impossible!" Air Force Chief of Staff General Charles Brown blurted out. "We have invested hundreds of billions of dollars in air defense and anti-missile fields! 'THAAD,' 'Patriot,' 'Aegis'… how could we be ten years behind a warlord?"

"But that is the fact." Esper pointed to a section in the report. "Their radar can stably lock onto an F-35, with a detection range exceeding one hundred kilometers. Our AN/APG-81 radar only has a detection range of… thirty kilometers for similar targets."

"Their missiles have a speed of Mach 6; our 'Standard-6' is only Mach 3.5."

"Their interception system can handle thirty-two cruise missiles simultaneously; the theoretical maximum of our 'Aegis' system is… twelve."

With every piece of data mentioned, the temperature in the conference room dropped by a degree.

Finally, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Milley spoke slowly:

"Then there is only one explanation—behind Zhang Cheng, there is a source of technology we do not know about. A… country or organization more advanced than us."

"China?" someone asked.

"Doesn't look like it." CIA Director Haspell shook his head. "Our insider reports indicate that the Chinese military is equally shocked by Zhang Cheng's technology. They even held an emergency meeting to discuss whether to… actively approach Zhang Cheng to acquire the technology."

"Russia?"

"Russia's S-500 hasn't entered service yet, and its performance parameters don't reach this level."

"Then who could it be?" General Brown grabbed his hair in frustration. "It can't be aliens, can it?"

The conference room fell silent again.

After a long while, Esper said:

"Regardless of who it is, the question now is—do we withdraw?"

"If we don't withdraw, Zhang Cheng really dares to attack the aircraft carrier." Chief of Naval Operations Admiral Michael Gilday smiled bitterly. "And… with the capabilities he has displayed, he might actually be able to do it."

"If we withdraw, the USA's global credibility will be swept away." Milley said. "From now on, who will still be afraid of us? Who will still listen to us?"

A dilemma.

An absolute dead end.

Just then, an officer hurried in and handed Esper a document.

After reading it, Esper's face became even uglier.

"Latest intelligence… Zhang Cheng's troops are advancing toward Lashio's urban area. The Myanmar Army… is almost unable to hold on."

He passed the document to the others:

"Once Lashio falls, the gateway to Mandalay will be wide open. And once Mandalay falls…"

He didn't need to finish.

Everyone understood—Myanmar might be about to change hands.

And a Zhang Cheng who has unified Myanmar, holds advanced military technology, and is backed by China…

That would be the USA's nightmare in Asia.

"What is the President's decision?" Milley asked.

Esper sighed:

"He has already ordered… the 'carl vinson' battle group to retreat five hundred kilometers. Reconnaissance planes are to stop patrolling. Satellites are to adjust their orbits."

"Retreat?" Brown's eyes widened.

"They've withdrawn." Esper gave a bitter smile, "And... he asked me to convey a message to you all: starting from today, re-evaluate all overseas military deployments. Especially... those around the Dragon Country."

This sentence exploded in the conference room like a thunderclap.

Re-evaluate overseas military deployments?

What does this mean?

It means the USA might... be facing a strategic contraction.

"Just because of one Zhang Cheng?" someone asked, unwilling to accept it.

"No," Esper shook his head, "because Zhang Cheng has proven that our military superiority... is no longer absolute. If we continue to flaunt our power, and happen to get slapped in the face again..."

He didn't finish the sentence.

But everyone understood.

One slap in the face could be called an accident.

Two, three times... then it's a gap in strength.

By then, the USA's global hegemony will completely collapse.

...

Moscow.

The President sat behind his desk, looking at the large screen on the wall. On the screen was the topographic map of Myanmar, along with the advancing posture of Zhang Cheng's troops.

"The USA has withdrawn," reported Defense Minister Shoigu, "The 'carl vinson' has retreated five hundred kilometers. The Pentagon has just announced the cancellation of the originally scheduled military exercises in the South China Sea."

The President smiled.

It wasn't a happy smile, but... a playful one.

"The USA has finally realized that the world isn't theirs to dictate alone." He lit a cigarette, "However, this Zhang Cheng... is truly a surprise."

"Should we reach out to him?" Foreign Minister Lavrov asked.

"No rush." The President exhaled a smoke ring, "Let's see the Dragon Country's reaction first. After all, Zhang Cheng's source of technology... is very suspicious."

He paused:

"However, we can let out word: Russia is willing to establish friendly relations with the North Myanmar Joint Autonomous Region. Arms trade, energy cooperation, infrastructure construction... everything is open for discussion."

"With the USA retreating, someone must fill the vacuum." He looked toward the East, "And between us and the Dragon Country... whoever secures Zhang Cheng's friendship first will gain the initiative in Southeast Asia."

...

Dragon Country, Capital, Zhongnanhai.

A higher-level meeting was being held.

"We must clarify the source of Zhang Cheng's technology," an elder wearing a Zhongshan suit said in a deep voice, "If it was developed by him personally... that would be terrifying. If not, then the forces supporting him are even more terrifying."

"Comrade Zhao Gang, you have had the most contact with Zhang Cheng, what is your opinion?" another leader asked.

Zhao Gang stood up and respectfully replied:

"Chief, I believe Zhang Cheng's technology must come from a... channel unknown to us. His growth trajectory is too bizarre; from a factory worker to a warlord, and then to possessing advanced military technology, there is a lack of a reasonable transition in between."

"But he has feelings for the Motherland," Zhao Gang added, "He rescued over twenty thousand Dragon Country citizens, handed over all captured USA equipment and technical data to us, and has repeatedly stated publicly that his 'heart is with the Motherland.' I think we can attempt deeper cooperation."

"Cooperation?" someone frowned, "Cooperate with a warlord?"

"He is not an ordinary warlord," Zhao Gang said, "He has unified Northern Myanmar and is about to unify Myanmar. Moreover, he has broken the myth of the USA military's invincibility. What does this mean? It means he could become... our strongest barrier in the southwest direction."

There was a murmur of discussion in the conference room.

After a long while, the elder sitting in the main seat spoke slowly:

"Observe for now. If Zhang Cheng can take Mandalay and establish a firm foothold... then we should redefine our relationship with him."

He looked at Zhao Gang:

"Keep in touch. When necessary, we can provide him with some... support that does not involve core technology. For example, infrastructure, food, and medical supplies."

"Additionally," he paused, "if he really conquers Myanmar... tell him: the Dragon Country is willing to be the first to recognize the legitimacy of the new government."

This sentence carried immense weight.

Zhao Gang took a deep breath:

"Understood."

...

Lashio, front line.

Two in the afternoon, the sun was scorching.

The thirty M1A2s of the 1st Heavy Tank Regiment of the "Titan" Division had already advanced to the outskirts of Lashio. Ahead was the Myanmar Army's last line of defense—barricade fortifications built relying on urban buildings.

Regiment Commander Liu Tiezhu stood in the command vehicle, watching the footage sent back by the drone.

Lashio, a major town in Northern Myanmar, with a population of three hundred thousand. At this moment, the city was in chaos. Civilians were dragging their families and fleeing south, Myanmar Army soldiers were setting up roadblocks on the streets, and snipers could be seen on some high-rise buildings.

A typical urban defense battle.

"The Division Commander's order: avoid civilian casualties as much as possible," the Chief of Staff said, "But the enemy is fighting from civilian houses, making it difficult to distinguish."

Liu Tiezhu was silent for a moment.

"Order the artillery to conduct precision strikes on confirmed enemy strongholds. Tanks and infantry fighting vehicles are to advance steadily and clear the streets one by one."

"Also..." he paused, "bring up the 'Iron Claw' company. For this kind of street fighting, they are more useful than people."

The order was issued.

Ten minutes later, one hundred mechanical dogs entered the city.

Their four mechanical legs moved flexibly among the ruins, and infrared sensors scanned every building. When they spotted enemy troops, they opened fire; when they encountered solid fortifications, they called for artillery or drones.

Coordinating with the mechanical dogs were the "Swarm" drones—they flew into the interior of the buildings, dropping micro-bombs or releasing tear gas.

The Myanmar Army's resistance, in the face of such tactics, appeared clumsy and powerless.

Four in the afternoon, the Lashio City Hall was captured.

Five in the afternoon, the Myanmar Army city defense headquarters surrendered.

Six in the afternoon, the last organized unit of the Myanmar Army laid down their weapons.

Lashio, changed hands.

...

Pangkham, when Zhang Cheng received the battle report, he was eating dinner.

"Lashio has been taken," Old K reported, "About four thousand enemies were annihilated, and twelve thousand were captured. Our casualties... were slight. We lost twenty-three mechanical dogs, fifteen drones, and seventy-eight personnel casualties."

Zhang Cheng nodded and took a bite of rice.

"What about Mandalay?"

"The Myanmar Army is gathering its last forces," Old K pulled up the satellite map, "Min Aung Hlaing has moved all the garrison troops from Nay Pyi Taw, plus the remnants retreating from various places, the total force... is about one hundred and fifty thousand. They intend to fight a decisive battle with us on the outskirts of Mandalay."

"One hundred and fifty thousand..." Zhang Cheng smiled, "It seems they want to make a final stand."

He put down his bowl and chopsticks:

"Order all units to rest and regroup in Lashio for three days. Replenish ammunition, maintain equipment, and treat the wounded."

"Additionally, bring up ten battalions of garrison troops from the rear to take over the defense of Lashio. All main forces are to assemble in the direction of Mandalay."

"Three days later..." he looked toward the West, his eyes sharp,

"we will be at the gates of Mandalay."

Old K paused and asked:

"Master, the USA side... has really withdrawn. Our twenty-four-hour ultimatum still has two hours until it expires, but they have already retreated five hundred kilometers."

Zhang Cheng smiled.

A meaningful smile.

"They withdrew not because they fear me, but because they fear... the thing behind me."

"The thing behind you?" Old K was puzzled.

Zhang Cheng did not explain, only saying:

"This world is about to change."

He walked to the window and watched the sunset.

A day ago, the USA was still an arrogant superpower, and the F-35 and "tomahawk" were still symbols of invincibility.

A day later, the myth was shattered, and the hegemony was shaken.

And he, Zhang Cheng, had turned from a Northern Myanmar warlord into... someone capable of changing the world order.

This feeling was wonderful.

But also... very heavy.

Because he knew that next, he would not only have to face the remnants of Myanmar. There was also the entire world's gaze, re-examining and re-positioning him.

How would the Dragon Country treat him?

How would Russia treat him?

How would Europe treat him?

Would the USA... be willing to accept this?

"Old K."

"Yes."

"Notify Li Lanzhi, speed up the construction in the rear. We must build Northern Myanmar into a... real country within three months."

"Also, pass a message to the Dragon Country through Zhao Gang."

Zhang Cheng turned around, his gaze firm:

"If the Dragon Country is willing to recognize the new government of Myanmar, I am willing... to share some technology at the appropriate time."

A red light flashed in Old K's eyes:

"Master, that technology..."

"Giving them some scraps is enough," Zhang Cheng said indifferently, "The core things must remain in our own hands. But... we must give them a little sweetness to earn their support."

He looked at Mandalay on the map.

That millennium-old ancient city would be his next step.

And above that step...

is an even higher place.

"Alright, go get busy."

Zhang Cheng waved his hand,

"I also need to... prepare for the next war."

Old K exited the room.