Chapter 131: Representatives from the Military Commission

"Then what about our collaboration with the young man? Should we agree to his terms? I still feel it would be better for him to provide the technology directly. That would save us a significant amount of research funding; our budget has always been tight, and every bit we can save helps," remarked an elderly general with a scholarly air.

"I believe it is quite possible for him to provide the technology directly. Based on what we know, he is quite supportive of national development, particularly our national defense. As long as we meet his conditions, this should not be difficult. The boy is truly shrewd; what he really wants is independent import and export rights. From our intelligence, Soviet industry has been extremely unbalanced for years—heavy industry has developed rapidly, while light industry has lagged far behind. There is a severe shortage of consumer goods in the Soviet Union, and I suspect that is where he is aiming. Furthermore, our own country has faced shortages due to our recent focus on economic growth, and we are even more desperate for certain goods than they are. I believe he intends to trade Soviet goods back into our country, which would be a highly profitable venture. It would benefit us as well, at least by alleviating some of our own material shortages," replied another general, who seemed well-versed in commercial operations.

"The boy is already quite wealthy; why is he still thinking about making money all day long? Is there ever an end to it? So, how do you suggest we cooperate with him?" asked a third general with a hot-headed temperament.

"Let him build the solar battery plant, but it must be a joint venture between our military and him, though it will appear to be his private enterprise. We will grant him the requested import and export rights, and we will support his cooperation with the Soviet KGB. However, the personnel in his trading company must be arranged by our intelligence services. This will give us the opportunity to extend our influence into the Soviet Union. There is much we desire from the Soviets, especially their military technology. We all know our military industry was modeled after theirs, but since the Soviet experts were withdrawn in the sixties, we have been struggling on our own, which has cost us much time and resources. If we acquire their technology, we can save immense time and effort. Technology is a productive force! We must vigorously develop technology to arm our military," stated the second-generation leader.

A week later, at Qiyuan, Wei Hua received a visitor from Beijing brought by Bai Jianjun. After the housekeeper, David, served tea and left the study, Ding Peng stood guard outside the door; the guest from Beijing was his superior.

"Mr. Wei! My name is He Kangzhan. I am an official from a department directly under the Military Commission. I have come to Hong Kong under orders to discuss our cooperation with you. Our department has already collaborated with you; both Ding Peng and He Xiaoya are my subordinates. Your plan regarding Indonesia is proceeding very well; we have already trained several hundred armed personnel for the Indonesian Chinese resistance, and they are currently embedded there, secretly building up their strength. I am here today to discuss our cooperation regarding the Soviet Union," He Kangzhan said, pausing to observe Wei Hua. Seeing no reaction, he continued:

"As you likely know, relations with the Soviet Union have been hostile since the sixties, and we have even engaged in armed conflict at Zhenbao Island. Relations have yet to thaw. The current war between us and Vietnam has the shadow of the Soviets behind it, and they have stationed a million troops along our northern border, placing immense pressure on our national defense. We need political, military, and economic intelligence on the Soviet Union. Given the persistent tensions, our intelligence operations there have been less than ideal. Your cooperation with the KGB is a rare opportunity to extend our reach, which is why we wish to partner with you."

"And how do you propose we cooperate?" Wei Hua had long anticipated that domestic intelligence agencies would eventually come knocking. He was not surprised; if they lacked such sensitivity, they would be unfit for their roles.

"The state will grant you the independent import and export rights you requested, and we will approve the establishment of your trading company. The solar battery plant will be built soon, but our military will be a silent partner in a joint venture. On the surface, it will be your private business. You must provide your solar technology to us in its entirety, though the state will still purchase the batteries we require from your company; after all, our current needs are modest, and what we prioritize is maintaining technological superiority. We will place a large number of intelligence officers within your company to seize opportunities to infiltrate the Soviet Union. Naturally, we will not interfere with your legitimate commercial dealings with the KGB."

"I think you are oversimplifying matters. The Soviet KGB has been established for decades and is one of the most formidable intelligence agencies in the world. I imagine they have already considered these very possibilities. Do you really think they will give you an opening? Moreover, I have yet to receive word from the Soviet side, so I do not even know if they will agree to cooperate with me," Wei Hua replied.