"What method?"
The military brass asked with urgency.
"Cooperation."
Chen Feng replied calmly.
"Cooperation? Chen Feng, did I hear that right? Regarding strike-attack integrated drones, looking at the world, only China and the United States are truly advanced. Drones of other countries lag far behind China. What problems can cooperation with them solve?"
Hearing Chen Feng mention cooperation, the military brass felt a chill in their hearts.
"Sir, on the surface, besides the United States, no other country has the capability to cooperate with China in the field of strike-attack integrated drones. However, if you think carefully, it's not entirely true. There is a country that has a specific niche area within the field of strike-attack integrated drones where deep cooperation is possible. Once the two countries cooperate deeply, China's strike-attack integrated drones can quickly widen the technological gap with those of the United States."
Chen Feng explained unhurriedly.
"Is there such a country?"
The military brass asked with confusion.
"There are always people better than you, and things beyond the heavens. Of course, there is such a country! In today's world, the United States, the European Union, and China monopolize most technological innovation. However, this does not mean that the US, Europe, and China can monopolize all technologies in the world. In some technological niches, individual countries still have distinct advantages. For example, the strike-attack integrated drones of Country X are far superior to those of China and the United States in the area of deep integration between satellites and chips. Although Country X is inferior to China and the United States in engines and chips, Country X has taken a different path, transforming its weaknesses in strike-attack integrated drones, relying on satellite communications and navigation, into strengths. Precise satellite communication positioning, coupled with deep chip technology integration, has instantly propelled Country X's strike-attack integrated drones to the top three in the world. If Country X had engines and chips like China and the United States, it could absolutely dominate the global market for strike-attack integrated drones."
Chen Feng explained patiently.
"Chen Feng, hearing you say that, I suddenly recalled. ... Over there, the strike-attack integrated drones of Country X are definitely a sensationally impressive existence. However, the problem is, Country X is not foolish. How could they possibly transfer their chip and satellite integration technology for strike-attack integrated drones?"
The military brass asked with concern.
"We can organize a technical research and development team, in essence, high imitation. The Han Chinese are renowned globally for their intelligence. No matter how difficult or advanced the technology, they can imitate it flawlessly. Therefore, the immediate priority is to acquire one of Country X's latest sixth-generation strike-attack integrated drones."
Chen Feng stated his thoughts frankly.
"This is likely impossible. Sixth-generation aircraft, whether they are strike-attack integrated drones, fighter jets, or bombers... are all top secret. Country X would absolutely not allow other countries to know."
The military brass replied with disappointment.
To have a glimmer of hope and then lose it so quickly was the most disheartening.
"Sir, I have a bold idea, and I'm not sure if I should say it..."
Chen Feng spoke hesitantly.
"Speak your mind! It concerns China's lead in strike-attack integrated drones; there's nothing that cannot be said."
The military brass's eyes blazed with intensity.
"The Chinese military can trade our third-generation missile technology for Country X's deep integration technology for strike-attack integrated drone chips and satellites."
Chen Feng explained calmly.
"Chen Feng, do you know what you're saying? Although China has phased out its third-generation missile technology, and we are now at the seventh-generation technology, China's third-generation missile technology still leads the world. Have you considered the consequences of transferring such a leading technology?"
The military brass asked emotionally.
"I know. Firstly, it would enable Country X to possess modern missile technology overnight, and then they would continuously upgrade it. Secondly, it would certainly enrage the United States."
Chen Feng explained calmly.
"Chen Feng, since you are so clear about these points, you shouldn't have proposed such an idea. China cannot bear these two consequences. Therefore, the matter of China maintaining its leading position in strike-attack integrated drones requires long-term consideration."
The military brass sighed deeply.
"Sir, your idea would have been perfectly acceptable in the past. However, times have changed. Present-day China has long caught up with the United States, so there's no need to be overly subservient to the United States. The United States can sell weapons to any country in the world without considering China's feelings. China can do the same; we will exchange military technology with whomever we wish. If the United States is unhappy, then we fight. Who is afraid of whom?"
Chen Feng said with a calm expression.
"Chen Feng, you are still too young. China prioritizes its economy and cannot afford conflict."
The military brass explained anxiously.
"Sir, you worry too much. China will not initiate conflict for the sake of its economy. The United States is in the same boat. Their economy is even better than China's, so they are even less likely to start a war with China. Let me put it this way: China might not necessarily defeat the United States, but China can definitely drag the United States down with it. Americans are not fools; they certainly won't engage in a head-on confrontation with China. Therefore, rest assured and boldly proceed with exchanging our third-generation missile technology for Country X's deep integration technology for strike-attack integrated drone chips and satellites."
Chen Feng said with a strategic air.
"Chen Feng, we have managed the situation with the United States. However, what if Country X uses the third-generation missile technology to develop new missile technology that is even more advanced than China's?"
The military brass asked cautiously.
"Sir, if we possess seventh-generation missile technology and are still afraid of their third-generation missile technology, then I have nothing more to say. China would have no reason to compete with the United States."
Chen Feng replied softly.
If it weren't for the fact that the person before him was a high-ranking official in the Chinese military, he would have wanted to scold him fiercely.
The great China lacked such confidence, actually fearing Country X.
"Chen Feng, you are right. I am still too conservative. I will follow your lead and exchange our third-generation missile technology for Country X's deep integration technology for strike-attack integrated drone chips and satellites. With this technology, the United States will not be able to catch up to China in the drone field for at least twenty years."
The military brass said excitedly.
"By the way, Chen Feng, there's something I'm not sure if I should say."
The military official suddenly seemed to remember something.
"Sir, please say whatever you wish."
Chen Feng replied humbly.
"I feel you have a strong sense of military acumen. Why don't you come work for the military? It would definitely be better than being a director in Mingshan District."
The military brass stated directly.
"Sir, thank you for thinking so highly of me. However, I prefer to work in the political arena. Occasionally strategizing on paper is not a significant issue. If I truly joined the military, it would be extremely irresponsible towards China. I do not wish to be Zhao Kuo or Ma Su."
Chen Feng replied truthfully.
The military brass did not press the matter upon hearing this.
Perhaps if Chen Feng had joined the military, his military sensitivity would have diminished. His current state, offering valuable opinions from time to time, was more reliable.
"Right, the technology exchange with Country X is a done deal. The question is, where will the subsequent massive data center for strike-attack integrated drone technology be built?"
The military brass asked tentatively.
"It will be built in Mingshan District."
Chen Feng replied without hesitation.
"What? Built in Mingshan District? Isn't that too casual?"
The military brass was taken aback.
This time, China's data center for the deep integration of strike-attack integrated drone chips and satellites was a grand undertaking, a major national project.
Could Mingshan District, such an ordinary urban area, accommodate it?