When Reid heard that the East Asian Republic was applying for joint Mobile Suit developnt, his brows furrowed slightly. At this ti, for them to independently develop a new MS—the East Asian Republic's ambitions were clearly substantial, sothing not at all apparent in the original work.
However, it didn't take long to understand. Among the three major council countries of the Earth Alliance, the Atlantic Federation had significantly increased its strength after annexing the South Arican Union, while the Eurasian Federation's national power had declined due to its relentless conflict with PLANT.
Given the historical relationship between Europe and North Arica, the two nations were now quite close, leaving the East Asian Republic sowhat isolated.
Moreover, it was difficult for the Atlantic Federation and Orb to conceal their new MS developnt from the other two council countries. The only reason they hadn't sabotaged each other was because they were currently on the sa side and needed to present a united front.
It was natural for the East Asian Republic to feel a sense of crisis as the Atlantic Federation's influence grew. Additionally, the relationship between Orb and the East Asian Republic was complicated, making cooperation between them difficult. Thus, it made sense for them to turn to the New Misurugi Republic, the only nation besides PLANT capable of independently developing MS and specialized OS.
After all, the East Asian Republic was indeed lagging behind in MS developnt. In the original work, they hadn't even produced an independent MA, and their only Gundam, the Thunderclap Gundam, had almost no presence. Overall, their military performance was even worse than the Eurasian Federation's.
However, Reid had no desire to be drawn into the war, let alone the political struggles of the Earth Alliance. After so thought, he declined:
"Apologies, Ambassador Zhao. The New Misurugi Republic is a neutral nation, so we cannot collaborate with the East Asian Republic on MS developnt."
Zhao Zhongjian didn't seem surprised by Reid's response. Instead, he took out a docunt and handed it to Reid.
Though puzzled, Reid accepted the docunt and examined it carefully. To his surprise, it detailed Orb's military expenditures over the past year. The first half of the year was normal, but after the New Misurugi Republic's MS was revealed, their military spending tripled in the latter half. Starting in August, it doubled again on top of that tripled amount, with all additional funds going to the Dawn Company.
After reading the docunt, Reid handed it back to Zhao Zhongjian and asked, confused:
"Orb's military expenditure details... it seems the East Asian Republic has extensive connections there. But why show this to ? The New Misurugi Republic has almost no ties with Orb. I've only heard of their governnt officials in passing."
Zhao Zhongjian took the docunt back and casually tossed it into a nearby shredder, reducing it to scraps. Then, he said slowly:
"The New Misurugi Republic may have no connection with Orb, but Orb already sees you as a formidable rival."
Reid understood imdiately and countered:
"Ambassador Zhao, are you suggesting that Orb views the New Misurugi Republic's ergence in the arms market as a threat to the Dawn Company's position, hence seeing us as enemies? But that doesn't make sense—we haven't even entered the arms market yet."
Hearing this, Zhao Zhongjian smiled and nodded.
"Leader Reid, you truly are perceptive. Orb's Dawn Company is undoubtedly the foremost arms dealer outside the three major powers of the Earth Alliance. Orb's entire national finances and political standing are essentially propped up by Dawn Company. Otherwise, with their limited territory—lacking both resources and population—how could they possibly hold the position as the leading neutral nation in Earth's sphere?
But Orb's position is now unstable. The New Misurugi Republic was the first to achieve Mobile Suit production. Dawn Company's technological advantage has been severely questioned, which is why they've gone into a frenzy, increasing military spending sixfold—all poured into Dawn Company's R&D.
However, since the New Misurugi Republic hadn't previously entered the arms industry, Orb was still debating how to approach you. But now, once Chobham Armor officially goes on sale, Orb will likely lose patience. Because the market share the New Misurugi Republic claims can only be taken from Orb—they won't back down."
With Zhao Zhongjian's explanation, Reid understood that Orb might indeed try to sabotage them. Smiling, he replied:
"So, Foreign Minister Zhao believes our New Misurugi Republic needs a solid ally on Earth.
But I have a question—why approach about this? Officially, I'm just a rcenary leader with no position in the New Misurugi Republic."
At this, Zhao Zhongjian laughed even more heartily and spoke candidly:
"Haha, Leader Reid, you jest. We in the East Asian Republic are well aware that the New Misurugi Republic's rise today is built on your technological developnt. Combined with your relationship with Princess Angelise, you are the true emperor of the New Misurugi Republic.
Let share a little insider information—the Eurasian Federation already has designs on you. They've lined up several European royal princesses, hoping to poach you before your relationship with Princess Angelise is publicly confird.
Of course, they've also fabricated a marriage contract for Princess Angelise, which will likely be delivered to the New Misurugi Republic soon."
Reid didn't doubt Zhao Zhongjian's words—this was exactly the kind of thing the Eurasian Federation would do. Internally, he cursed them outright. Did they really think they could poach him? They were trying to steal what was his! And even had the audacity to forge a marriage contract to provoke him.
Seeing the anger in Reid's eyes, Zhao Zhongjian seized the mont to press further:
"Leader Reid, there's no need to worry. Princess Angelise can simply refuse to acknowledge this contract. The Eurasian Federation's real target has always been you.
So, you need a powerful friend—and clearly, neither the Atlantic Federation, already allied with Orb, nor PLANT, with whom you have enmity, are suitable choices."
Truthfully, Reid was already sowhat convinced, but certain principles couldn't be compromised. He stated:
"The New Misurugi Republic must remain a neutral nation. Open collaboration with the East Asian Republic on Mobile Suit developnt is impossible. That's a matter of principle."
Hearing this, Zhao Zhongjian knew Reid was already swayed and smoothly replied:
"Of course. The East Asian Republic has always respected the principles of other nations."
Reid nodded and continued...
"The negotiations between the Earth Alliance and PLANT were originally scheduled for three days. I'll give you an answer tomorrow night."
"Also, there's one thing your East Asian Republic got wrong. The New Misurugi Republic isn't my personal dictatorship. Princess Angelise is the head of state, because not a single citizen would listen to ."
Reid said this deliberately to confuse the East Asian Republic's assessnt of the New Misurugi Republic's political situation. On the surface, both the original inhabitants of the Star Palace Satellite and the subsequent settlers were all forr citizens of the Misurugi Empire who had followed Ange. So from the East Asian Republic's perspective, Reid wasn't lying.
After speaking, Reid imdiately left, indicating he needed to discuss the East Asian Republic matter with Ange and Une tonight.
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