Miller was unsure of Qin Jianguo's true intentions, so he remained silent, in a state of indecision.
Qin Jianguo changed the subject, asking in a deep voice, "Your country has seriously challenged our bottom line. Please return Chen Jinzhao to China safely and immediately."
Miller said softly, "I don't know what you're talking about, nor do I know Chen Jinzhao's whereabouts."
Qin Jianguo sneered, "We are both intelligent people. You and I both know very well whether Chen Jinzhao is in your hands or not. If your country continues to be stubborn, don't blame us in China for choosing to draw our swords!"
Miller was also enraged by Qin Jianguo's words.
He said in a deep voice, "Qin Jianguo, are you threatening us? Don't forget, we Mitly are the world's number one power, and no one has ever dared to speak to us in such a tone!"
"There wasn't one before, but now there is," Qin Jianguo replied.
"You..."
Miller's breathing became rapid with anger, and he immediately said, "Fine, then I will make things clear to you as well. Immediately have your people withdraw from the relevant waters. After three warnings and they still do not leave, it will be considered an act of opening fire against our three parties, and we will choose to respond with fire!"
"I hope your country will take care of itself!"
Beep--
Miller hung up the phone voluntarily, not giving Qin Jianguo a chance to speak.
The atmosphere in the combat command center became even more oppressive, almost suffocating.
Li Buyan and Xu Hanchen exchanged glances, and just as they were about to speak, Qin Jianguo said in a low voice, "Hanging up my call first, Miller is putting extreme pressure on me, trying to force us to retreat. Gentlemen, what are your countermeasures?"
Xu Hanchen said, "Mitly seems determined to go to war with us."
"I don't think now is the time..."
Li Buyan also said, "Mitly has indeed not encountered any worthy opponents in recent years. Coupled with their need to re-establish their hegemonic status through a war, if the conflict escalates, Mitly might actually open fire."
Having said that.
Li Buyan looked at the two, hesitating, "Are we really going to engage in a firefight with Mitly for Chen Jinzhao?"
"Can China bear the consequences of this?"
Neither Qin Jianguo nor Xu Hanchen spoke.
Li Buyan continued, "We don't have much time left to make a decision, and we need to decide quickly."
One minute later.
Xu Hanchen exhaled a heavy breath and said with difficulty, "I think we should prioritize the overall situation. I believe this is the outcome Chen Jinzhao would want to see. What we can do is to buy Chen Jinzhao some time."
Li Buyan nodded, clearly agreeing with Xu Hanchen's proposal.
Qin Jianguo sneered, "Old Ghost Xu, I always thought you were a warmonger. Why are you so timid at this critical moment? If you ask me, we should show Mitly a thing or two. Otherwise, how will the rest of the world view us? If we retreat this time, they will think of retreating the first time they encounter problems in the future."
"Qin Jianguo, this is not a time for wilfulness. Do you know the consequences of doing so?" Xu Hanchen's tone became grave.
Li Buyan also advised Qin Jianguo to calm down.
He even said, "Qin Jianguo, why do I feel like you are disrupting the situation? Are you paving the way for your precious grandson?"
"Old Ghost Li, what nonsense are you spouting?" Qin Jianguo was clearly angered.
He swept his hawk-like eyes over the two and said word by word, "We haven't fought a war for forty years, have you all forgotten that our fathers founded the country with military might? Moreover, Chen Jinzhao is a vital asset to our China. If we stand by and watch him die at the hands of Mitly, won't it chill the hearts of others in the military? If I were thinking of Qin Fengwu, I would let Chen Jinzhao die over there!"
His words left Xu Hanchen and Li Buyan stunned.
The three had been in a subtle struggle for many years, accustomed to viewing each other's decisions as attempts to gain personal advantage.
Now, Qin Jianguo's words made them realize something profound.
This was not a matter of gain or loss, but a matter of principle.
If principles were weighed against gains and losses, could they still be called principles?
One step back, and you retreat all the way.
Xu Hanchen took a deep breath and asked, "Then what is your suggestion?"
Qin Jianguo tapped the tabletop with his finger and said forcefully, "I believe we should implement a rescue operation for Chen Jinzhao, dispatch fighter jets to confront the military aircraft and warships of the three parties, and then find an opportunity to break through their defense line and reach that island to bring Chen Jinzhao back."
Li Buyan instantly understood Qin Jianguo's meaning, "You mean, we will confront them without live ammunition, indicating our lack of intent to open fire. If Mitly opens fire first, we will have grounds to retaliate."
"Precisely so," Qin Jianguo nodded.
Xu Hanchen nodded, "I agree. Let's issue the orders now. We need to act quickly."
"Alright!"
The three leaders reached a consensus and began issuing orders one by one.
Five minutes later.
In the sea west of Dongying, a large number of Chinese military aircraft and warships confronted the three parties, immediately drawing the attention of the world society to this location.
Many people broke into a cold sweat, fearing that the two sides would clash and trigger a more terrifying war.
A world that had enjoyed peace for too long could not withstand a major war.
Calls poured in from foreign countries to the Forbidden City, with almost everyone urging the leader to remain calm. However, after learning of the situation, the leader also supported the actions of the three leaders.
It was just that his tone was more gentle, indicating that there was still room for negotiation.
At the same time.
In the Mitly joint combat command center in Dongying, Miller was furious, believing that China's move had cost him face.
If he retreated, what would become of the dignity of the world's number one power?
But if he didn't retreat, should they really open fire with China?
Not to mention that he couldn't make the decision, even the higher-ups in Mitly disagreed with such a decision.
"That damned vicious dragon is right in front of us, are we just going to watch him escape?" Miller clenched his fist, unwilling to miss such a rare opportunity.
Miller knew very well how much trouble Chen Jinzhao would cause for Mitly.
As he hesitated, his adjutant rushed in, "Mr. Miller, something terrible has happened. Several Chinese aircraft have broken through the defense line and entered our blockade zone. We have dispatched escort aircraft, but they have no intention of leaving. Should we open fire and shoot them down?"
"What is the situation with Chen Jinzhao?" Miller asked with a dark expression.
The adjutant replied, "As far as we know, he has already boarded a helicopter and is flying towards Dongying. His target appears to be the Chinese embassy in Dongying."
"In another ten minutes, he will reach the Dongying coastline. Once he enters residential areas, it will be difficult to shoot him down."
"Sir, please issue the order!"