Go back in time and be a chaebol

Chapter 1702 An Old Friend Who Can Explode Gold Coins (Third update, please subscribe)
In the official residence's study, soft light shines on the cork floor, and the neatly arranged books on the bookshelf and the maps on the wall add a touch of solemnity to the room.

Li Yian sat behind a large desk, flipping through the report while listening attentively to Li Guoren's report. Li Guoren sat on a soft chair in front of the desk and reported on the visit of the South African president:

“Your Excellency, the upcoming visit of the South African President is an opportunity for us to further deepen our relationship with South Africa.”

Li Guoren looked at His Excellency and continued to report:

"Considering the actions of various countries, we should increase our support for South Africa and increase investment in South Africa, especially in the development of mineral resources. South Africa has extremely rich mineral resources, many of which we need, and South Africa is also the world's number one gold producer. After all, gold is a basic reserve."

Li Yian nodded, frowned slightly, and asked:
"South Africa's mineral resources are indeed coveted. But what about their internal situation? Will the turmoil caused by apartheid affect our investment?"

Li Guoren opened the file, glanced at it quickly, and then replied:
"South Africa's apartheid policy did spark serious internal conflict and international condemnation. The United Nations passed Resolution 1963 in 181, imposing a non-binding arms embargo on South Africa.

Now, they are seeking a further embargo to prevent South Africa from obtaining weapons. In addition, the United Nations has called on companies from all countries to divest from South Africa.

He paused, with a hint of caution in his tone:
"This visit by the South African president is clearly intended to win support. They hope to prevent further sanctions while ensuring the supply of arms. This is why our relationship with South Africa has continued to deepen over the past few years - the tougher the UN sanctions on South Africa, the closer our relationship has become."

Li Yian put down the documents, crossed his hands on the table, and a sharp look flashed in his eyes:
"So, from the perspective of the Department of External Affairs, where do we stand? Is it in our interest to support South Africa?"

Although the strategy of "making friends with tyrants" has been decided long ago, it is often necessary to comprehensively analyze the pros and cons.

At this time, the analysis department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs needs to conduct a comprehensive analysis and then make a final decision based on its own judgment.

Li Guoren nodded, his tone firm:

“Your Excellency, it is in our own interest to support South Africa. Firstly, South Africa’s mineral resources, especially gold, are vital to us.

Secondly, South Africa’s geopolitical position in Africa cannot be ignored. Just as you said a few years ago, we need Africa, and to a certain extent, South Africa is our most powerful helper in Africa!
Among the three countries in South Africa, Central Africa and East Africa, only South Africa has the ability to protect itself. Its white population accounts for more than 22% of the total population. In the whole of southern Africa, they are the only white regime capable of protecting themselves. "

Although many local white people were unwilling to give up their wealth and land during the wave of African independence, they had to face reality in the end due to limited population.

But South Africa is different. The proportion of white population in South Africa is very high. In addition to white people, there are also colored people, who are the descendants of intermarriage between Dutch whites and indigenous Nama people in the 17th century.

The Jews were classified as white people, the Chinese were classified as a sub-group under the white people, and together with the Japanese, they were classified as "honorary white people".

In addition, there are several basic ethnic groups including Indians, Malays and blacks.

If people of color are included, the white population exceeds 35%, and if Indians are included, it will even exceed 40%.

This is also the fundamental reason why the white regime in South Africa is so stable. Without external sanctions and political pressure, the rule of the white regime in South Africa will continue.

"In a way, South Africa is like Israel. Supporting it will help our overall layout in Africa. Our interests in Africa require us to have such a country."

Li Yian pondered for a moment, then said slowly:

"It will become our indispensable helper, or thug, in Africa."

Goons!

This is the role that South Africa needs to play in Africa in the future, just a black glove.

“Your Excellency, you are right. But we cannot ignore the pressure from the international community. The influence of the United Nations cannot be underestimated. If we openly support South Africa, it may cause some diplomatic troubles.”

While reminding you, Li Guoren said:

"Your Excellency, we can adopt a more flexible strategy. On the surface, we can remain neutral, or even express 'concern' about South Africa's apartheid policy.

But in fact, we can increase investment and arms supply to South Africa. Between countries, what is said is not important, what is important is how to do it. "

Li Yian nodded, with a hint of approval in his eyes:
"This is a good strategy. But we also need to be careful about what we say and what we should stand for."

Li Guoren nodded and said:

"Understood, sir. I will arrange for the relevant departments to formulate a detailed plan."

Li Yian stood up, walked to the window, and looked at the night view in the distance, with a hint of emotion in his tone:
"The situation in South Africa is indeed complicated, but it is also an opportunity for us. In the context of the Cold War, Africa has become a chessboard for major powers. Britain's retreat, the expansion of the United States and the Soviet Union, and the wave of independence in Africa are both opportunities and challenges. As long as we grasp the right measure, we can occupy a favorable position in this game in Africa."

After a brief pause, Li Yian added:
"Africa is related to our future, so we cannot retreat no matter what."

"I understand, Your Excellency!"

Li Guoren nodded, and then whispered: "Sir, during the South African president's visit, we can arrange a private meeting to further discuss the details of cooperation."

Li Yian nodded and said:

"Well, let's do it."

Li Yian stood in front of the window in silence for a moment. The night outside the window was dark, and he stared at the night sky and whispered to himself:
"South Africa's Nord is the acting president. He has only been in office for a few months, but he has already visited Chang'an. This in itself speaks volumes - South Africa needs our support. As relations with Britain have cooled, we are the only one willing to support them. They need our support in diplomacy, politics and military. In fact, this is also our important bargaining chip."

“Yes, sir, whoever the president of South Africa is, they cannot do without our support.”

Li Guoren added:

“That’s why they need us, and this is a good time for us to expand our influence in South Africa.”

Li Yian didn't say anything, but just stood quietly by the window, his eyes still looking into the distance.

A few days later, South Africa's Acting President Joshua Francis Nord arrived in Chang'an on a South African Airways C707 passenger plane.

As the plane slowly lowered its altitude, President Nord looked down at the city from the air through the window. The towering skyscrapers sparkled in the setting sun.

The glass curtain wall reflects the light of the setting sun, as if countless golden mirrors are inlaid on the earth. The towering buildings appear particularly magnificent in the interweaving of light and shadow, and their outlines are clearly and sharply outlined by the setting sun, like golden giants.

“This is what people call the city of the future!”

Nord stared at Chang'an silently. He had just taken office three months ago, and the reason he chose this place as the destination for his first visit was to seek help.

"Pique, will they veto UN sanctions as they have done in the past?"

As the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Pique listened to the President's question, thought for a moment and said:
“This is exactly why we came here, Africa. SEA now has extensive interests in Africa, including farms in East Africa and mines in Central Africa and South Africa. These are what they need and what they cannot do without. What they need is a stable and well-ordered government. Only in this way can the security of their investment be guaranteed, not those independent, chaotic and corrupt black governments!

us……"

Pique glanced at the city outside the window and said with certainty:

"We are their best and only option, and they will support us and reject the proposal, but that doesn't mean we don't have to pay a price."

"cost……"

Nord pondered for a while, then nodded and said:

"Yes, everything in this world requires a price."

Before the plane landed, looking at the city in the sunset, Nord said:
“I hope we can get what we want!”

"Most definitely!"

Pique said:

"After all, we have prepared a big gift package for them!"

As they finished speaking, the plane slowly landed at the airport. When the plane landed, Li Yian was standing next to the airport, quietly watching the C707 aircraft of South African Airways. In the past ten years, the C series aircraft have been sold all over the world, and South Africa is also an important customer.

In fact, countries like South Africa and South America are the most important markets for C-series aircraft in the Cold War environment. These countries have a certain degree of autonomy and certain funds.

Of course, this also includes weapons. In fact, over the past decade or so, these markets have been the most important arms markets in SEA.

This time, they should also prepare a big gift package!
At this time, President Nord walked out of the plane. After he went down the boarding stairs, Li Yian walked over and extended his hand to welcome him.

"Welcome, my friend!"

This is not wrong. For Li Yian, anyone who can drop gold coins is a friend. Even if they were not friends in the past, they will definitely be old friends in the future.

"Thank you for your hospitality, Your Excellency."

Just like that, the two held hands together, and the South African President immediately began his visit to SEA.

(End of this chapter)