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Chapter 2589 War is All-Out Effort (Third Update, Please Subscribe)

April 1, Bangkok.

The ASEAN Allied Command Operations Center was brightly lit.

The nautical chart spread out on the conference table was densely marked with red and blue pencils, and the triangular outline of Night in Gale was repeatedly circled with a marker.

Night in Gale is a small island in the middle of a bay. It was once a place where fishermen and European navigators took shelter from storms at night, hence the name Night in Gale, which means night of strong winds or stormy night.

Zhang Kun, the SEA's Chief of Staff, has taken over military command of member states in accordance with ASEAN principles.

This is the biggest difference between ASEAN and NATO. It is not a coordinated alliance among allies like NATO, but a highly centralized military group controlled by the Ministry of Defense of Chang'an. However, unlike the Warsaw Pact's military command system, which was "Soviet-led integration," ASEAN is a coordinated alliance in peacetime, emphasizing standardization and coordination, and respecting the independent command authority of each country's armed forces.

However, in the event of war, military command would be directly handed over to the SEA. This was stipulated in the treaty, legally granting Chang'an the leading authority. In normal times, however, each country would establish a joint command and integrated forces, mainly composed of elite troops from each country, with their command, training, equipment, and logistics entirely controlled by the commander of the coalition forces.

Zhang Kun has arrived here to secure "wartime command." Theoretically, "no war has taken place yet," so the military representatives from various countries have not yet arrived in this conference room.

However, it won't be long before this place becomes the headquarters of the coalition forces—chiefs of staff and generals from various countries will arrive here to participate in the implementation of the war plan.

Zhang Kun tapped the table with his finger, and the noisy conference room instantly fell silent.

"I need to remind everyone that the US military's B-52s suffered corresponding losses over Shoryu, and we must avoid such losses."

Then his finger landed heavily on the location of Night in Gale Island, and he said:
"The root of the problem lies here—on this small island, which Shoryu calls the 'First Fortress of the East China Sea,' they built a radar base to monitor the American bombers that were bombing Shoryu, which were stuck in the heart of the island. The radar station on the island was equipped with the most advanced early warning radar in the Soviet Union, with a monitoring range of more than 500 kilometers. Our bombing routes were transparent to it."

Major Dai Mingde, the operations staff officer, pushed up his glasses and got up to switch the images on the television screen.

Satellite images of Night in Gale Island immediately appeared on the screen: the central hills rise up, with the highest elevation reaching 61 meters. Several gunboats are moored in the natural harbor on the south side of the island, with wide beaches on the east and west sides, and numerous reefs under the cliffs on the northwest side.

"Intelligence indicates that the 952nd Garrison Regiment of the Thang Long Army is stationed on the island, with a strength of approximately 300 personnel, comprising a mixed force of infantry, coastal artillery, anti-aircraft artillery, and armored units. Their equipment includes 85mm cannons, anti-aircraft guns, and PT-76 amphibious tanks..."

"We must remove this nail first."

Air Force Staff Colonel Ma Pengzhi leaned forward, staring at the map, and said:

"Although our electronic jamming can suppress an operational radius sufficient to cover Shoryu, it would be suicidal without air superiority cover. Night in Gale is the early warning center of Shoryu and also an air defense command node. If we take it down, we can cut off Shoryu's early air defense warning."

Zhang Kun nodded, signaling Major Dai Mingde to begin developing tactical plans.

"We plan to proceed in three steps."

Dai Mingde moved the telescopic pole in his hand, drew a line on the nautical chart, and said:
"The first step is a naval blockade. The carrier battle group 'Western Irian' will be dispatched to establish a blockade 200 kilometers southeast of the island to intercept and prevent the Russians from supplying Rising Dragon. At the same time, a strike force will be dispatched to seize Storm Night when the opportunity arises."

“The reef area is too risky,” someone immediately objected, saying:

"The currents there are complex, and the water is only 10-60 meters deep. Sending landing craft to transport special forces would not only be risky, but also risk running aground. In addition, there are gunboats patrolling the island, making such infiltration extremely dangerous."

"That's precisely why we need to use the reefs for cover," Dai Mingde said, pulling up the hydrological data.
"According to the tide forecast, 3 a.m. is the low tide period, when the reefs are exposed above the water, which will become a natural barrier. We can send our SEAL team to infiltrate along the edge of the reefs from underwater, avoiding the patrol boat's route."

"What about troop deployment?" Zhang Kun pressed. Dai Mingde pulled up a troop deployment map:
"A 12-man SEAL Team Three infiltrated and launched an attack. At the same time, two amphibious assault teams were dispatched to attack the enemy after they had cleared the shore perimeter."

Ma Pengzhi still has concerns:
“The island has fresh water and strong fortifications, which the Thang Long Army has been building for many years. If a stalemate occurs, the commando team will face trouble.”

"Therefore, we must act swiftly and decisively."

Dai Mingde emphasized.

"The commando team will break through the breach, then guide carrier-based aircraft to bomb the remaining targets. Once the breach is secured, the commando team can launch a large-scale landing."

Then someone added:

"We also need electronic warfare support. Electronic warfare aircraft will jam the island from 100 kilometers away, suppressing the Thang Ryong Army's communications and radar, preventing them from requesting assistance from Thang Ryong. The bomber group will take off four hours after capturing the island, using the air defense blind spots provided by the radar stations to strike directly at Thang Ryong's industrial targets..."

Zhang Kun tapped his fingers lightly on the nautical chart, his gaze sweeping over the officers present:
"This island is not only a military stronghold, but also the throat of the entire region. By controlling it, we can control the entire sea area and cut off Thang Long's maritime perimeter and supply lines. But remember, the operation must be covert and swift, leaving no opportunity for Russia to intervene."

He paused for a moment, then emphasized his words, looking at everyone as he spoke:

"D-Day, 3:00 AM, Operation codename 'Hawkeye.' Dai Mingde, you're in charge of perfecting the details. I want zero mistakes—take Night in Gale and pave the way for our bombers."

Major Dai Mingde drew up the final timetable:

"D-Day 3: Carrier battle group in position, electronic reconnaissance ships collect communication signals from the island; D-Day 1: SEALs board submarines, submarines stealthily move to designated areas..."

The sound of pens scratching across paper filled the conference room as officers jotted down key details.

Looking at the small triangular island on the nautical chart, Zhang Kun knew that the outcome of this battle would directly determine the success or failure of the entire operation.

"Immediately after the meeting, relay the orders to all units."

Zhang Kun stood up, checked the time, and then looked at everyone and said:

"We have 48 hours left."

Forty-eight hours—that was the final deadline for the Rising Dragon, but preparations for war would obviously not be limited to those few dozen hours.

Time ticked by. The whole world was watching Shenglong's final decision.

Shortly after the 72-hour ultimatum was issued, Moscow not only expressed its support for Thang Long through TASS, but also stated that it would faithfully fulfill its treaty with Thang Long and provide him with all possible assistance.

At the same time, they submitted a proposal requesting the United Nations to convene an emergency meeting to discuss the situation in Thang Long and condemn the SEA's unwarranted oppression of Thang Long and its attempts to bypass the United Nations to invade other countries.

However, the confrontation between the two sides did not stop at the stage of verbal battles.

Meanwhile, on the very day the ultimatum was issued, several Soviet An-124 transport planes landed in Shoryu, carrying with them the Soviet Union's most advanced S-300 air defense missile system. To demonstrate its support for Shoryu, the Kremlin decided to provide emergency aid, and the first batch of aid was the S-300 air defense missile system.

This is a state-of-the-art air defense missile developed by the Soviet military industry over many years to counter the threat of Tomahawk cruise missiles.

Having been in service for less than a year, and now being the first country to receive the S-300 system, it is clear how much support Moscow is giving them.

After these missiles arrived at Sengyong Airport, the Russians did not deliberately hide them; they even intentionally left them at the edge of the airport.

The purpose is to allow reconnaissance satellites passing through space to take relevant photos.

This is itself sending a signal to ASEAN – we are strengthening their defenses, and you must be careful!
"Not only have they acquired this latest type of anti-aircraft missile, but according to our intelligence, several Soviet warships are now rapidly sailing south from the Far East and northern Japan. There is no doubt that their destination is Cam Ranh Bay."

In the study of the official residence, Li Yi'an listened to the intelligence department's report while he sat there silently smoking a cigar.

In the upcoming war, where will the greatest threat come from?

That's Moscow.

Moscow's attitude will directly determine the course of this war.

The only suspense is whether they will intervene in this war, and the extent of their involvement.

Should they intervene personally, or provide assistance?

"Jinlan Bay..."

Li Yi'an pondered for a moment, then said:

"This is indeed a tricky problem."

Cam Ranh Bay was once a military base built by the United States, with not only a modern airport but also a modern port. After the US military withdrew, Cam Ranh Bay became a Soviet military base.

This also means that, both in the upcoming war and in the future, Cam Ranh Bay will inevitably become a focal point of conflict between the SEA and the Soviet Union.

Of course, it was also an important base for the Soviet Union to provide aid to the Rising Dragon side.

So what to do?
Li Yi'an pursed his lips and then said:
"Although the problem is somewhat tricky, I believe the military will handle it properly."

Why do you say that?
Because, as he has said before, politics is politics, and war is war. Once war breaks out, what generals need to consider is how to win the war.

As for other issues, they don't need to consider them.

Therefore, Li Yi'an will fully support whatever actions they take toward Jinlan Bay in the future.

Your answer made Jia Wentao nod. Having followed you for so many years, he certainly knew your temperament.

That concludes the discussion.

This is Your Excellency's motto. For Your Excellency, you will never let your subordinates take responsibility. You will take all responsibility yourself, and your subordinates only need to do their own jobs.

Therefore, regarding the Golden Bay incident and even the Russians, the military only needs to formulate operational plans based on the development of the situation.

As for other questions, they don't need to take the exam.

"Your Excellency, based on the intelligence we currently possess, the Rising Dragons will absolutely not compromise after receiving Moscow's support. Therefore, we have ample reason to believe that after the 72 hours have passed, they will certainly refuse to accept our demands."

Nodding slightly, Li Yi'an said:

"As expected... Next, all we need to do is prepare for war."

Then, Li Yi'an asked:
"Also, how is the market reacting now?"

Any war will impact the market. The idea that stocks will skyrocket when war breaks out is a false proposition. Apart from military-related stocks, the market is mostly on a winning streak.

"The market reaction was intense, given the precedent set by the United States, market confidence was low."

Although he was in charge of intelligence, Jia Wentao also paid some attention to the market. After thinking for a moment, he added:
"Moreover, in such fluctuations, it is inevitable that some people will engage in speculation."

Nodding slightly, Li Yi'an said:

"This is inevitable. Where there is a market, there will naturally be speculation. They can speculate, and so can we. You should coordinate with Hydra and make the necessary investments. You should be able to reap substantial returns."

Any covert operation requires funding. This is why the CIA even participated in the domestic drug market during the Reagan era – in order to obtain funding for their operations. When the authorities couldn't provide funding through direct channels, they would resort to various gray or even black methods to obtain funds.

For this reason, as early as when the Investigation Department and Hydra were established, Li Yi'an instructed them to set up some peripheral agencies to obtain corresponding financial support through the investment and operation of these agencies. Of course, those agencies and enterprises were all subject to the supervision of the Official Residence. After all, it has always been a basic principle that no department can directly control financial power or generate its own revenue.

"I see."

Jia Wentao nodded, hesitated for a moment, and then said:

"There's another thing, the mastermind behind the London attacks... We haven't found him yet. He seems to have cleaned up everything. We started tracing the flow of funds, but it stopped in Beirut. The remittance agencies were destroyed in the war, and the owners and employees all died in the war..."

"They all died in the war..." Li Yi'an asked, looking up at Jia Wentao.
Do you believe it's such a coincidence?

“I don’t believe it. Although they died in the explosion, I’m more inclined to think that the mastermind was eliminating potential threats. So far, his elimination has been very successful. Our trail went cold in Beirut.”

Nodding slightly, Li Yi'an said:

"No rush. Nothing stays hidden forever. They'll eventually come out. Right now, the most urgent thing is..." He tapped the report lightly with his finger and said:
"Still here!"

(End of this chapter)