Chapter 0762: Vigilance Against Japan
"Your Majesty, the Japanese have capitulated. It seems General Spee's bombardment of Tokyo has proven highly effective, thoroughly terrifying them," said Foreign Minister Wahit, his face beaming with satisfaction.
"Yes, but I believe it wasn't the bombardment itself that struck fear into their hearts, but rather the resolve displayed by General Spee. Not only did he shell Tokyo, but he also bombarded the Imperial Palace. I imagine Emperor Taishō must have been frightened out of his wits. The Japanese must understand all too well that if they refuse to yield, they will face even harsher reprisals from the Imperial Expeditionary Fleet," Qin Tian remarked.
He was well aware that Vice Admiral Spee's contingency plans involved an offensive against all major coastal cities in Japan. If those plans were enacted, Japan would pay a far heavier price. A conservative estimate placed potential casualties in the millions, and the devastation inflicted upon the nation would be beyond imagination.
Regrettably, the Japanese opted for compromise at the last moment. In his heart, Qin Tian had almost wished they had persisted in their defiance. If so, even at the cost of bearing some infamy, he would have ensured Japan paid an unbearably steep price for their obstinacy.
Though now the Emperor of the German Empire, deep within his soul, Qin Tian could not extinguish his abiding loathing and hatred for Japan.
"This time, the Japanese were fortunate. Had they not surrendered, we would have unleashed a bloodbath upon them," declared Grand Marshal Count Tirpitz with steely resolve.
"The Japanese have overestimated themselves. Their audacity in attempting to seize our colonies, as well as those soon to belong to the Empire, is sheer folly—a path to self-destruction. If not for Britain still being an unresolved threat, we could easily deploy hundreds of thousands of troops to Southeast Asia to annihilate their forces there," added Marshal von Falkenhayn. To everyone present, Japan's concession seemed inevitable, given their national strength paled in comparison to that of the German Empire.
"Gentlemen, since the Japanese have now submitted, we will let them off the hook—for now. Our primary focus must remain on Britain. Only by defeating them can this war be brought to a truly satisfactory conclusion," Qin Tian asserted. The war had raged for an entire year. While Germany's position was far better than in another timeline, prolonged conflict would still inflict considerable losses on the Empire. To ensure Germany's development remained unhampered, Qin Tian was eager to bring the war to an early end.
"Yes, Your Majesty," the ministers responded in unison.
"However, we cannot afford to relax our vigilance against Japan. The Expeditionary Fleet must temporarily remain in the Far East to oversee their withdrawal from our colonies and Southeast Asia. We must not allow them to stall for time. Additionally, when their troops retreat, they are to take nothing but their weapons and personal belongings. Everything else in Southeast Asia belongs to the Empire. The Japanese are to leave empty-handed," Qin Tian commanded firmly.
He understood all too well the extent of Japan's dependence on resources. Their incursion into Southeast Asia had been motivated by the quest for these very resources. But Qin Tian was determined to obstruct Japan's rise at every turn. He knew such actions would deeply antagonize them, potentially prompting future assaults on Southeast Asia during Germany's other engagements. Yet Qin Tian had no choice. He trusted that the future German Empire would grow even mightier—powerful enough to face any challenge. Should Japan persist as an enemy, Germany would simply crush them in wars to come.
"Yes, Your Majesty," Count Tirpitz responded resolutely.
"Your Majesty, according to our latest intelligence, relations between the United States and Japan are warming unnaturally. The Americans have even extended a $200 million loan to Japan, ostensibly for restoring their livelihoods and military capacity. Clearly, the Americans harbor ulterior motives," noted Wahit.
"I'd wager that every cent of that $200 million will be funneled into military recovery. The Americans are sparing no effort to craft a formidable foe for us. It won't be long before Japan once again possesses a powerful navy, posing a significant threat to us," Qin Tian replied grimly.
"Your Majesty, regardless of how Japan develops its navy, the Imperial Navy remains the most formidable. We do not fear the Japanese!" Count Tirpitz declared with unshakable confidence.
Qin Tian nodded. "Of course, the Imperial Navy is unparalleled. However, our forces are dispersed across multiple theaters. I foresee the next great war requiring our navy to operate simultaneously in the Atlantic, Pacific, Indian Ocean, and Mediterranean. Thus, we must grow even stronger. The future Imperial Navy must be equipped with more powerful aircraft carriers and carrier-based aircraft, maintaining an edge in these areas to secure dominance in future naval warfare."
"Yes, Your Majesty," Count Tirpitz replied emphatically. He understood that Qin Tian's emphasis on carriers and aircraft might well define the Navy's path to victory in the years ahead.
"Gentlemen, while Japan may currently be no match for the Empire, our geographical distance from them makes it difficult to project our military power to the Far East. We must remain highly vigilant. I believe Japan will inevitably become a significant thorn in our side, particularly targeting our colonies in the Pacific. The Empire must prepare in advance," Qin Tian warned once more.
"Yes, Your Majesty. After this war concludes, the Empire will strengthen its military presence in Southeast Asia and the Pacific to ensure our forces there can withstand any enemy assault—at least until reinforcements arrive after we secure victory in other crucial theaters," Marshal von Falkenhayn assured him.
Qin Tian nodded. Given the geographical constraints, Germany would initially have to adopt a defensive posture in Southeast Asia and the Pacific.