196: Chapter 196 The Ultimatum, On the Brink of War

"This is what has happened in the Sam Region over the past 72 hours. This is not a military conflict; this is an organized atrocity against civilians! The government of India, and its armed forces, are committing crimes against humanity on that beautiful land!"

Zhang Cheng's voice suddenly rose, filled with strength and anger:

"Here, I, Zhang Cheng, in the name of the President for Life of the Greater Myanmar Federation and Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, formally issue an ultimatum to the Prime Minister of India—"

He looked up slightly, as if his gaze could pierce through space and stare directly at New Delhi:

"I demand that you, and your government, immediately stop all atrocities! Within 48 hours, withdraw all newly added suppression forces in the Sam Region, lift the blockade and persecution of local civilians, and open all humanitarian corridors!"

"The people of all ethnic groups in the Sam Region are the overseas compatriots of my Greater Myanmar Federation, connected by blood! Protecting their lives and dignity is my inescapable responsibility!"

"If, after 48 hours, we have still not seen the government of India take concrete and effective action, then I will have no choice. To save our compatriots from fire and water, the Defense Forces of the Greater Myanmar Federation will reserve the right to take all necessary measures! All consequences shall be borne by the Indian side!"

As soon as he finished speaking, the whole room was in an uproar! Reporters frantically pressed their shutters, and the sound of questions almost overturned the temporary venue. "Overseas compatriots" and "reserve the right to take all necessary measures"—this was almost a naked threat of war! Moreover, it was reaching out to disputed territory generally accepted by the international community as being under the effective control of India!

Almost at the same time as Zhang Cheng's speech, the response from New Delhi arrived at the speed of light. The Prime Minister's Office of India issued an extremely strongly worded statement, accusing Zhang Cheng's remarks of being a "rude and aggressive declaration," "serious interference in the internal affairs of India," and a "blatant provocation against a sovereign state." The statement reiterated that "the Sam Region is an inseparable and sacred territory of India" and stated that "the government of India has the right to take any measures to maintain national unity and security."

On the military front, General Rajesh Singh's roar quickly spread across the world through a "leak" to media close to them: "That upstart president is daydreaming! Our military is on full alert, and the launchers for the BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles have already been erected! The target? If necessary, the Presidential Palace in Naypyidaw could become a testing ground for us to verify the accuracy of our missiles! Let him try to bring it on!"

In the capital of the Dragon Country, the spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs was asked about this matter multiple times at a regular press conference and gave a standard and cautious answer: "We are following the developments in the border region between Myanmar and India, and we call on both sides to exercise restraint, resolve disputes peacefully through dialogue and consultation, and avoid escalation. Protecting civilians from harm is a universal consensus of the international community."

However, in private, Zhao Gang, who had just returned to Naypyidaw, walked into Zhang Cheng's temporary office.

"President Zhang, you spoke very toughly." Zhao Gang smiled and handed over a specially supplied cigarette. "Some old comrades back home heard it and all called it satisfying. However, the higher-ups asked me to bring a message."

Zhang Cheng took the cigarette and gestured for him to continue.

"The Sam issue has a complex historical context, and pulling one hair affects the whole body." Zhao Gang lowered his voice, but his tone was very clear. "Publicly, we must follow international law and our existing stance. However, protecting civilians and opposing atrocities are universal values. If... I mean if, certain forces disregard humanitarian disasters and act willfully, then, as a friendly neighbor and comprehensive strategic partner, when necessary, we can ensure that the logistics supply lines to the border region between Myanmar and India... remain clear, and even, regarding the supply of certain non-sensitive materials, there could be some 'accidental' and 'excessive' shipments. After all, guaranteeing humanitarian relief corridors is the responsibility of the international community."

Zhang Cheng lit the cigarette and took a deep drag. Amidst the swirling smoke, his eyes were bright and sharp.

"Thank the higher-ups for their understanding and support on my behalf." Zhang Cheng said slowly. "Please rest assured, I know the limits. To beat a dog, you don't necessarily have to use a golden cudgel. Sometimes, a thorny stick, whipped across the face, hurts more, and leaves the onlookers... with a deeper memory."

He looked out the window, toward the direction of the refugee camp, his voice dropping:

"Moreover, this time, we are standing on the moral high ground. Since some people have stuck their faces out, if I don't whip them until they are swollen, how can I face those compatriots who died?"

Zhang Cheng's "ultimatum" press conference in Myitkyina was like a depth charge, stirring up huge waves in the ocean of global public opinion. Official diplomatic rhetoric and military threats were broadcast on news channels, while on another battlefield—the global internet and social media—a more intense, more vivid, and more cruel war had already fully begun.

At first, Indian netizens, relying on their massive population base and "mysterious self-confidence," launched the offensive first.

On Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram, a large number of crudely Photoshopped images began to spread virally:

- Zhang Cheng was Photoshopped into a ridiculous image of him kneeling on the ground, offering "Dawn Technology" chips to Indian Prime Minister Modi.

- Myanmar Army soldiers were drawn as emaciated cartoon figures carrying rusty AKs and brooms, with dilapidated bamboo houses in the background.

- There was even a widely circulated GIF: Zhang Cheng's head was placed on a dancing bear, with the caption: "The Myanmar President's Victory Parade."

The comment sections of some mainstream Indian media were also flooded with fanatical remarks like "The world's fifth-largest military power teaches a warlord who doesn't know the immensity of heaven and earth a lesson," "The Myanmar Army is vulnerable, we only need one mountain division," and "Dragon Country lackey Zhang Cheng is about to step down." It was as if as long as these words were typed on a keyboard, victory was already within reach.

However, this time, they kicked an iron plate.

Zhang Cheng's Propaganda Department (which had absorbed a large number of Death Soldiers and local young talents proficient in network technology) had long been waiting in full battle array. Under Zhang Cheng's instruction to "counterattack moderately, slap the face precisely, and focus on breaking defenses," a carefully planned "meme (internet meme) counterattack" quietly unfolded.

The first wave, a comparison of weapons, was not very harmful, but extremely insulting.

An account named "World Military Equipment Humor Ranking" simultaneously released a series of well-produced short videos and images on Twitter, TikTok, and YouTube.

The first video title: "On Army Mobility."

The left half of the screen: A classic shot from an Indian military parade—a motorcycle carrying seven or eight soldiers posing in various high-difficulty acrobatic stances, with cheerful traditional Indian music playing.

The right half of the screen: Footage of the Myanmar "Titan" heavy armored division exercising, with dozens of M1A2 main battle tanks rolling forward in a neat wedge formation, the steel torrent kicking up clouds of dust, with the low and shocking music "The Dawn" (Undead Overture) playing.

Subtitles slowly appeared: [Certain forces: Our vehicles carry acrobatic dreams. Our forces: Our vehicles carry steel and fury.]

At the end of the video, it thoughtfully placed the Indian motorcycle acrobatics and the tank muzzles of the "Titan" division in the same frame for comparison, with the muzzles appearing to be aimed directly at the motorcycle.