Galaxy Domination Guide

Chapter 171: 164 Dominator of Oil



The situation in the Middle East is now so intricately complex that, for the most part, blame can be laid at the doorstep of Eagle Sauce.

Regardless of the origins and processes, the current specific situation is that from Iran to Iraq and Syria, an alliance between Shia and Alawites has already formed what one might call a "heretic corridor." The Sunnis, led by the nouveau-riche Saudis, are doing everything possible to oppose them.

Yemen is a stage for the sectarian conflict within Islam, currently embroiled in a confusing and messy war, one that is unlikely to lead to any result without the strong intervention of external powers, and, more likely than not, it will continue to be muddled and messy.

Our Chancellor, Mr. Bai Zhongqi, with one eye on the Galaxy and the other on "bug hunting" on Earth, no longer cares about international politics. China is still not ready to step out as the big brother and is holding back to focus on its transitional transformation.

However, when one grows big enough, others will inevitably come to pay their respects.

That's exactly what the oil-rich tycoons are thinking.

Traditionally anti-American Iran has some closeness with China, albeit superficial, but it's enough to greatly unsettle the nouveau-riche. These tycoons subscribe to a principle that goes, God above, any problem that money can solve is not a problem.

If the big boss Earth is unhappy, just throw some money to sweeten the deal. Though the population of these oil bosses isn't large, nor do they have any great ideas for benefiting the populace, their traditional mode of paying protection money is very fixed and unoriginal—buying weapons and equipment.

And these are things they could use lately, given that Houthi rebels have been launching missiles into military camps in Riyadh.

Besides taking the initiative in paying protection fees, there's another concern for the oil magnates—that's oil prices.

What makes an oil magnate an oil magnate is undoubtedly the vast reserves of crude oil, but since China joined the UN, it immediately started building six massive fusion power plants domestically. Although this cut mainly impacted coal, it's foreseeable that the demand for oil will decline.

After all, China is the second-largest consumer of oil and has made various strategic moves for oil security, from which Middle Eastern countries have also benefitted.

For the time being, the vast demand for automobiles and petrochemicals in China is not likely to decrease, but if oil's significance diminishes for China in the future, the oil magnates will definitely suffer. Therefore, they have to think of solutions no matter what.

For example, China doesn't want to pay for oil in US dollars anymore—Iran has already settled in RMB. Shouldn't you guys be a bit more proactive?

The demands of the big boss are the pursuits of oil magnates. They came in groups to discuss this major issue. Moreover, according to China's stance, once the Belt and Road Free Trade Agreement is finalized, the oil magnates will see a significant reduction in tariffs on their crude oil exports, which they hope will be an excellent opportunity to stimulate their oil exports.

The oil magnates are sincere. The Saudi Minister of Defense, Abdullah, during his meeting with Chinese officials, sincerely stated, "Whatever our friends from China think we need, we'll purchase this time."
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This kind of statement made the fastidious Chinese blush, like someone rushing to the counter with a wad of cash, stuffing it into the merchant's hands, and saying whatever you give me, I'll take.

The United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, and other second-tier and smaller oil magnates are just as sincere—the only question is how much money they're stuffing.

Chinese military enterprises used to find foreign trade difficult—customers were picky, and there was prejudice against Chinese goods. To pursue a customer, a lot of work was needed, sometimes involving grey-area tactics. Often, it was even necessary to develop specialized technology, laboring day and night. Customer service and after-sales couldn't be taken lightly.

Who knew that overnight, the tables would turn—now I'm the daddy. Customers now scramble to be the first to be fleeced, leaving the sharp sales teams of military enterprises feeling lonesomely skilled, their swords unused.

Saudi Arabia even brought the little brother Pakistan to better work with China. Pakistan needed to replace its fighter jets, so the oil magnate whipped out one billion US dollars, saying: "Brother, take this and squander it, but remember to put in a good word for me with daddy."

For Pakistan, a billion dollars is like manna from heaven, and given that Chinese jets are so cheap, it's absolutely a good deal. The only downside is that China isn't too keen on using the US dollar for transactions. A J-10 fighter jet costing 50 million RMB would shoot up to 25 million US dollars if paid in dollars—a matter of pricing, not based on the current exchange rate.

After much thought, Pakistan chose the J-10. They had planned to replace their old fleet of Gaul Phantom jets, but China now offered them a better choice. One billion dollars to purchase a package of 100 upgraded J-10A fighters, each upgraded to have combat capabilities comparable to a fifth-generation fighter. Pakistan also acquired 24 Yilong drones through barter trade and loans.

After this update, the Pakistani Air Force will inevitably achieve dominance over the Indian Air Force.

The military procurement pace of the wealthy Saudi Arabia is even faster than that of Pakistan.

Mr. Abdullah, the Minister of Defense, said, "We want to continue aerial strikes on the enemy."

Representative from Country C said, "We have designed the latest attack drone by absorbing Iridium Star Technology, the 'Pterosaur-III'. It has an endurance of up to three days and can carry more than 6 tons of strike ammunition. We are currently having a promotion on the ammunition at a 20% discount."

Mr. Abdullah, the Minister of Defense, was very satisfied, "Bring us 100 units."

Representative from Country C responded, "At a generous price, each for 15 million RMB."

Mr. Abdullah, the Minister of Defense, said, "During last year's battles, our tanks would always get hit and then throw their turrets."

Representative from Country C said, "Our VT-4 Main Battle Tanks, built with new design and technology, are suitable for use in desert terrain, have fully upgraded armor material, and possess an active defense system. They can automatically defend against incoming rockets and anti-tank missiles.

Equipped with anti-infantry combat modules, they can identify hidden enemies within the attack range directly through electronic devices, especially suitable for urban warfare and guerrilla tactics."

Mr. Abdullah, the Minister of Defense, was very satisfied, "Bring us 1,000."

Representative from Country C responded, "At a generous price, each for 20 million RMB."

Mr. Abdullah, the Minister of Defense, said, "Our enemies keep attacking our cities with ballistic missiles, killing civilians. It's despicable."

Representative from Country C said, "Our newly upgraded Red Flag-19 all-weather defense system can counteract all current ballistic and cruise missiles on Earth, with a successful interception rate of over 90%."

Mr. Abdullah, the Minister of Defense, was very satisfied, "We'll take 50 sets."

Representative from Country C responded, "At a generous price, 1.2 billion RMB per set."

Mr. Abdullah, the Minister of Defense, said, "Our Air Force must maintain its lead in the Gulf."

Representative from Country C said, "Shenyang's fifth-generation fighter jet, the FC-31 Gyrfalcon, is a stealth aircraft comparable to the Raptor stealth fighter of Lighthouse Country."

Mr. Abdullah, the Minister of Defense, was very satisfied, "Good, let's start with 72 units to see the effectiveness."

Representative from Country C responded, "At a generous price, each for 50 million RMB."

Mr. Abdullah exclaimed, "That's too cheap, way too cheap! I feel like we've been wasting money buying Western weapons in the past."

The representative from Country C just smiled and did not respond. Getting customers to feel that they are spending money very efficiently, even as they are being taken for a ride, is indeed a novel experience.

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