Chapter 849 Canal construction officially started
“Your Excellency Qiu Daxin, we don’t know this either. After all, this explosion was just an accident.” Rakul replied calmly.
Accident? What an accident? This was your intention, okay? Qiu Daxin frowned: "Lakul, you also know how much benefit it will bring to us once this canal is built! Our entire country's economy will develop because of this canal! Since you have already done Okay, then let’s keep doing it.”
“So, will anyone be dealt with in this accidental explosion?”
“Of course not, they will all be pardoned! They have also made meritorious service to the country, so we can give them some appropriate rewards!”
“Then if the canal is blown up and our navy puts in a lot of effort, can we get a share of the proceeds from the canal in the future?”
"Okay, hasn't your navy always wanted to purchase carrier-based fighter jets? When the canal makes money, the country will have ample funds and can allocate part of it to you."
“Then will our navy take the lead in excavation of the canal?”
"Okay!" Qiu Daxin was completely immersed in the excitement of digging the canal at this time. He almost responded to Lakul's request and forgot about other things.
“Yes, but the funding must be controlled by us. We will allocate as much funding as you need.”
"good."
“Your Excellency Qiu Daxin, since we have decided to dig, should we let the reporters in and give them an introduction?”
“Yes, of course!”
So, the reporters were let in with cheers.
They only knew that an arms explosion had occurred here, but they didn’t know the specific situation. They couldn’t tell the details when interviewing the residents of Ranong. Now that they could finally come in for interviews, they were very excited. When I came in, I was even more surprised to see Qiu Daxin.
what happened? With such important officials here, is there something important to announce?
“Everyone, what you are seeing now is a great miracle!” Qiu Daxin turned red with excitement.
"Just last night, our navy conducted a blasting attempt and successfully blasted away the mountains here. Now, a five-kilometer-long trench has appeared here. Its width is 400 meters and it is 20 meters lower than the sea level. Five meters.”
Hearing this introduction, the reporters instantly became excited.
Canal?
Who would have thought that the construction of the canal would start just like this?
I have never heard of it before. Although Siam has been planning for three hundred years, it has never been implemented. The construction plans proposed countless times were ultimately considered to be a show.
Now, they have actually become doers?
Moreover, it was actually done by blasting?
“As you may have guessed, the project underway here is the construction of the Kra Canal, and I am the planner of this project!”
In the far corner, Qin Tao, Xu Zhengyang and others were disguised as ordinary people. Listening to Qiu Daxin's introduction, Qin Tao knew that the plan of killing first and showing off later was successful.
If the construction of this canal had not started and the talk had been kept, it would have continued and the construction would not have started at all. But now, a section of several kilometers long and the most difficult part has been dug out, and it will definitely Someone jumped out to take the credit.
Did you see it? This is under my command and the most difficult section has been completed. The opening of the canal is just around the corner!
The corners of Rakul's mouth twitched a few times. He didn't expect that Qiu Daxin would be so good at taking credit. But now, he can't expose Qiu Daxin in public. With Qiu Daxin standing up, their actions will be completely legal. , the two have a mutually beneficial relationship.
What Qiu Daxin wants is political achievements, while Lakul wants his division to be famous and the subsequent benefits.
“Excuse me, do you plan to use explosions to build this canal?” The reporter below began to ask questions.
"Yes, among various construction methods, explosion construction is the simplest and most cost-effective. We just tried it for the first time last night and built the most difficult section. Next, we will plan to build the most difficult section within a year. Completely connect this canal!"
Five kilometers of canal were bombed in one night, totaling 90 kilometers of canal. A month would be enough, right? Qiu Daxin has made enough margin. Of course, he didn't know that the blasted canal could not be opened directly and had to be renovated. The amount of work in the later period was still quite large. Of course, everything is difficult at the beginning. Once you get this started, the rest will be easy.
“Excuse me, why didn’t you announce it in advance? Are you afraid of failure?”
"Over the years, we have tried to build this canal many times, but we have never been successful. On the one hand, we cannot find a suitable method, and the cost and time are not affordable. On the other hand, we will encounter a lot of interference and cannot let go. We did not announce it in advance this time because we wanted to try it without outside interference. Now the effect is very good. We can finally announce it openly. Even if we encounter resistance, we will no longer be afraid. We It will be like blasting a hole in a mountain, blasting a road through all resistance. Nothing can stop us from building the canal! This is also for the benefit of all mankind!"
As expected of a political person, he quickly sublimated this theory.
“We choose the northern route to build the canal, which will save cargo ships 1,200 kilometers of voyage and 300,000 US dollars in fuel! In doing so, we are contributing to the world economy and environmental protection!”
“Mr. Qiu Taxin, you are the most courageous Siamese official I have ever seen!”
“Someone will do what others dare not do. Our economy has been in recession since the economic crisis. This time, with the help of the canal, our economy will return to its peak again!”
Just when Qiu Daxin announced it complacently to the outside world, a group of people on the other side of the ocean were also having urgent discussions.
The canal is not a matter for one country, Siam, but a major event that affects the entire world! As world policemen, they must be treated with caution.
“There must be something Mingzhou Group is doing here! We checked the satellite photos from the past few days and found that there are a large number of vehicles working on the site, including special tunnel boring machines. This kind of machinery is only owned by Mingzhou Group!”
“Humph, this Mingzhou Group is always here to make trouble for us! We must not let this happen!”
“Yes, Malacca means a lot to us, but we don’t need to come forward for the time being. Let Singapore protest first. Let’s take a look at Siam’s reaction first.”
If this canal is opened, most merchant ships will no longer use the Strait of Malacca. Singapore, a country that relied on maritime shipping, will inevitably weaken. Therefore, when they found out that Siam actually started to build the canal, they immediately became anxious. .
Qiu Daxin, who was full of excitement, had just returned to the capital when he started to encounter trouble.
“Your Excellency Qiu Taxin, Mr. Lee Ming Yew, the representative of the Port of Singapore Group, seeks an audience.”
"No, I can't care about it for now." Qiu Daxin said: "Next we need to have a meeting to discuss the specific issues of canal construction. What is he here for? Isn't he here to protest? We build the canal, it is our own business. , has nothing to do with them.”
"Lee Mingyao said that their port group is considering withdrawing its investment in us. This is not just a consideration of their group. Other Singapore companies will also consider withdrawing their investment. Our preliminary estimate is that these investments amount to more than 3 billion US dollars. .”
The economy of Siam mainly relies on tourism. Whether it is amusement parks, hotels, etc., foreign investment is indispensable. The first place is the island country, and the second place is Singapore. They invest billions of dollars every year. Now , they started to get serious!
If Siam insists on building a canal, then Singapore and them will no longer be good friends, and of course the investment will have to be recovered.
“Threaten us?” Qiu Daxin frowned.
“They also said that the Americans had spoken to them on the phone and supported their plan.”
Qiu Daxin's face turned even uglier. He knew there would be pressure, but he didn't know it would be so great. He looked at Rakul who was following him: "Rakul, I'm very sorry. I have to go and receive Singapore first. People, please rest assured that I will stick to my principles. I have already stated my determination to reporters. If I compromise now, it will have a very bad impact on my reputation."
"Please wait a moment." Lakour stopped him: "If you insist on your principles, you will definitely break up on bad terms. I have a solution here."
"any solution?"
"Delay time and tell them that our project was just an accident. Our navy's ammunition exploded during transportation. We don't know whether to build a canal yet. This way we can delay them, and then quickly allocate funds to our navy. Let us procure more explosives and complete the blasting work of the entire canal," Rakul said.
It is not enough to blow up only one section. The entire line must be blown up. This will create a fait accompli and no one will stop it, even if it is an obstacle, it is useless.
During this period, you can drag the other person with you first!
Qiu Daxin’s eyes lit up: “Yes, this is a way. How did you come up with it?”
Of course it was Mr. Qin who told me! After the first blasting, Lakul and Qin Tao discussed follow-up issues. In response to external interference, Mr. Qin proposed this plan.
This is the most commonly used method in Eastern official circles. Now it is no problem to use it here in Siam to fool Singaporeans.
In the reception room, Li Mingyao had a serious face. He sat there and looked at the door. His mind was thinking rapidly about how to negotiate with Qiu Daxin to get them to give up the construction of the canal.
The door rang, and Li Mingyao stood up, looked outside, and saw Qiu Daxin appearing at the door, so his face continued to become a little gloomier.
However, Qiu Daxin was smiling all over his face.
“Mr. Li, when did you arrive? Why didn’t you say hello in advance? We might as well send someone to pick you up at the airport.”
What does this mean? Doesn't he know that he is here to cause trouble? Is this to please yourself? There’s no point in trying to please?
“Your Excellency Qiu Daxin, I heard that you are going to build the Kra Canal.”
“Heard? Who said it?”
"reporter."
“Can journalists believe what they say?” Qiu Daxin said: “Reporters like to concoct news. The more explosive the news, the more likely it is to attract people’s attention. Their words are not worthy of belief.”
“But this time it was you who told those reporters that you wanted to build a canal!”
"Well, this matter is very complicated to talk about." Qiu Daxin sighed: "Under the circumstances, I had no choice but to say that."
“Any inside story?”
"Yes, we are all good friends, so I won't hide it anymore. Last night, our military truck transporting ammunition had a violent explosion." Qiu Daxin said: "The mountain collapsed and he died. Dozens of people. If this matter spreads to the media, it will be a big trouble. As you know, our country has been unstable due to the economic downturn in recent years. Therefore, this news must be suppressed. It is said that By coincidence, what was blown up happened to be long, so we simply said we were going to build a canal. Think about it, how can such a big thing as building a canal be done quietly? No meetings were allowed to discuss it before? This is a national event. It’s not a three-year-old’s play house.”
This is true, Li Mingyao nodded: "In other words, you have no plans to build a canal?"
“How is it possible? How much would it cost to build the canal? Is it possible with our current economic strength?”
“But, after all, you said that in front of reporters. If there is no follow-up, won’t it affect your credibility?”
"How does it affect credibility?" Qiu Daxin said: "I am not the only one who said that we want to build the canal. How many people have claimed to build the canal, but in the end it was not built? I have done a better job than them. , at least a section of it exploded."
“You really don’t plan to build the canal?”
“We have always planned to cultivate, but there is still a gap between intending to cultivate and actually cultivating.”
“You didn’t lie to me?”
"How is it possible? I have never deceived people before." Qiu Daxin showed a harmless smile: "Please don't worry, even if we are building a canal, we will drag you to build the canal. Otherwise, where would we get so much investment?"
Lee Mingyao was finally relieved. It turned out to be a false alarm, not bad, not bad.
After seeing off Li Mingyao, Qiu Da came to the conference room happily. At this time, Rakul was arguing with a group of people.
“If the canal is really dug, it will inevitably involve many people. This project cannot be rushed and must be demonstrated slowly.”
"It's nonsense to argue. The navy blasted five kilometers in one night. As long as there are enough explosives, a tunnel can be blasted in a month!" Lakul glanced at the other party: "Trasil, don't you know how to dig? The great benefit that the canal brings to us?”
"It is beneficial, but doesn't it cost money to blow up the canal? Your navy not only has to use up all the explosives in stock, but also purchases them. Doesn't it cost money? After the canal is opened, how many years will it take for us to recover it? cost?"
Digging the canal involves many interests. Tracier originally supported the construction of the canal, but he never expected that the project would fall into the hands of the navy. He would get nothing out of it, and his support would immediately turn into opposition.
“Even if it takes ten years to recover the cost, it is worth it. After ten years, we will be able to obtain pure profits. The predecessors planted trees and future generations will enjoy the shade. If everyone thinks like you, then who will think about future generations?”
During the quarrel, Qiu Daxin walked in: "Stop arguing! Since the construction of the canal has begun, it cannot be stopped and must continue!"
“However, this will bring a huge burden to us!”
“There is also pressure from the outside world!”
These people did not sell Qiudaxin's tent and continued to quarrel.
They were just trying to undermine the navy, but they never imagined how enthusiastic Qiu Daxin was about this project. This was a good opportunity to leave a mark in history.
"External pressure? Yes, there is pressure, and I will bear it!" Qiu Daxin looked at the people present: "Now, who else is opposed to this project?"
His tone was cold, and some people who originally planned to make a noise shut up. Only Trahill continued to object: "From the current point of view, as long as we dig the canal, we will turn against Singapore. Once they withdraw, investment in our country, the consequences are unpredictable.”
“If the old doesn’t go, the new won’t come.” Rakul said: “We don’t care about Singapore’s attitude. This is our domestic project and has nothing to do with them!”
“But the impact on our economy is huge.”
"Economic blow? How is it possible? As long as this project can succeed, it will have a huge boost to our economy."
“Promotional effect? Just based on those canal tolls?”
"Of course it's not just about tolls. Everyone, as long as the canal is dug out, we can build a terminal. As a distribution center for goods, the entire Kra Isthmus can be developed. Some cargo ships will dock on one side of the isthmus, unload, and then the containers will It is transported by road to the other side and loaded on the corresponding cargo ship. The Singapore of today is us in the future!" Rakul said.
The Suez Canal does not have this condition. That is because the Red Sea is too narrow. A large number of ports can be built in the north for cargo ships to dock, but what about the south? There is no way to dock cargo ships there. If you continue to go south, it will be no problem to find a port on the coast of the Red Sea, but transportation on both sides will be too troublesome.
The conditions of Siam are unique. A canal can be dug in a long and narrow strip of land. Large docks can be set up on both sides of the canal, and then the goods can be unloaded from one side and transported on the other side.
Sure enough, many people were tempted when they heard what he said.
It is not very profitable to just charge, but if it is also used as a material transfer station, then their development will be faster!
"That's right, Rakul, you are right!" Qiu Daxin was very excited. He found that Rakul today is extremely smart and full of clever tricks. He has transformed from a naval officer to a politician. If Rakul If he then uses his wife's resources and connections to enter the political arena, his future is limitless.
Looking at everyone's eyes, Lakul felt happy, Mr. Qin is so powerful! The idea he came up with shocked everyone present.
For Qin Tao, this idea is a piece of cake. In his original time and space, there was such a project in the Kra Isthmus. Although there was no canal, ports were built on both sides, a railway was built in the middle, and then supplies were transported back and forth. A supplement to building canals.
Now that this plan is out, it will be even more perfect if it cooperates with the canal project.
Many people present seemed to have seen the future scene. The busy Kra Isthmus is simply the second Singapore. No, they can replace Singapore!
“Hmph, these are not very good either.” Tracier was still unwilling to give in.
"None of these are good? Okay, then let me tell you something new." Rakul said: "As long as the canal can be built, many oil tankers will pass through here. We can build an oil pipeline on the west side of the Kra Isthmus and transport it to To the east, build a refinery in the plain to the east. In this way, the smelted refined oil can be directly loaded on ships in the east and transported to various countries that need oil. We can also develop a petrochemical center. Everyone, don’t look at the current economic situation of our country. Tourism is the main focus, and in the future, our country’s economy will inevitably revolve around the canal project and become an industrial country!”
“Petrochemical center? Rakul, you are so loud. Do you know how much it costs to build a petrochemical center? Do we have the capital?”
“If we can’t, we can attract foreign investment.”
“It’s not that easy. Because we offended Singapore by building the canal, it’s almost enough for them to withdraw their investment.”
"There will be others after they leave. I can guarantee that as long as the canal is opened, there will be foreign businessmen investing. I guarantee it with my military honor!"
Rakul can't tell Mingzhou Group directly yet, but since Mr. Qin has agreed to this matter, there should be no problem. Mr. Qin will do what he says.
“Trasil, do you have anything else to say?” Qiu Daxin asked.
Trasil has nothing to say.
New ports on both sides, trade between materials, and petrochemicals. If they are all done, the Siam can definitely develop with these, so he has no reason to refuse.
“I hope Rakul will remember today’s promise and not turn it all into empty talk.”
"As long as no one makes trouble, all of this will come true! Of course, if someone makes trouble, we are not afraid." Lakul's words were threatening. He hoped that Tracier would recognize the situation and not continue to fight against him. Otherwise, it will definitely not end well!
“Hmph.” Trasil made a sound from his nose.
"Okay, since everyone has no objections, let's start this project! First, allocate one million from the treasury." Qiu Daxing said enthusiastically: "All this money will be given to the Navy, and they will complete the subsequent blasting work. Everyone , this project is related to our national destiny, no one should have any inappropriate ideas! Also, this meeting is top secret. If it is leaked to outsiders, especially Singaporeans, it will be a traitor to our country of Siam! Next, I I need to report to the leader and let the meeting end!”
Lakul’s face was filled with joy, “Okay, according to Mr. Qin’s arrangements, everything went smoothly!”
(End of this chapter)