r18novel Chapter 449 Changi's Refusal
Chapter 449 Changi's Refusal
A month has not been enough to quell the global turmoil caused by the "mysterious storm" in the western Pacific.
Within the United States, grief and confusion gradually fermented into an urgent need to assert power and consolidate existence.
Singapore's Changi Airport, which guards the Strait of Malacca, has become a key node that Washington needs to further control.
In the early winter of 1994, a high-level U.S. delegation arrived in Singapore.
The commander of the delegation was Major General Thomas Hudson, Director of Strategic Planning at Pacific Command, and the deputy commander was Richard Klein, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs.
Among the entourage were two aloof-looking officials from the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA).
The Prime Minister's Office Confidential Meeting Room.
The U.S. representative carried an air of pressure, a mixture of camaraderie and the backing of power.
Prime Minister Lim Kah Woh was dressed in a suit and tie, with a humble and gentle demeanor, like a typical leader from a technocratic background.
Major General Hudson's opening remarks were direct and forceful:
"Mr. Prime Minister, based on our shared strategic interests and the recent complexity of the regional security situation, the United States formally proposes to deepen cooperation at Changi Naval Base and establish a more fully functional and sustainable forward deployment node for the U.S. Navy. This will enhance joint response capabilities and represent a substantial upgrade to Singapore's security commitment."
Klein added with a smile:
"This will be a milestone in the special relationship between the two countries. The U.S. is willing to advance cooperation in high-tech fields and trade facilitation in a complementary manner."
Lin Jiaze listened patiently, nodded slightly, and then spoke:
"Thank you both for your suggestions. Singapore highly values its friendship with the United States and understands the importance of maintaining the safety of shipping lanes."
He changed the subject:
"However, the establishment of the permanent, comprehensive naval operations support base in Changi, as described by you, contradicts Singapore's long-standing strategy of balancing great powers and its fundamental policy of neutral defense. We cannot agree to it."
The temperature in the conference room dropped sharply.
Hudson frowned: "Mr. Prime Minister, please face reality. The security landscape in the Asia-Pacific is changing, and without firm commitment and concrete deployment, security promises are just empty words. Singapore's unique location means it cannot remain unscathed in this storm."
Lin Jiaze met Hudson's gaze. Deep in his eyes, there seemed to be still water, calm and deep, yet it made the seasoned Hudson feel a strange pressure, as if he had bumped into a flexible wall.
"Singapore's security is based on its own defense resolve, friendly relations with other countries, and joint maintenance of international law and regional order norms, rather than surrendering sovereignty in exchange for military protection from a single country."
Lin Jiaze spoke calmly and unhurriedly.
"Changi can provide commercial services for international maritime cooperation, but it must never become a military springboard exclusively for any major power. This is our bottom line."
Klein attempted to deflect the question: "The specific form can be negotiated, such as a transparency mechanism, joint command..."
"On matters of principle, there is no room for compromise."
Lin Jiaze gently raised his hand.
Hudson's face was ashen, his body leaning forward, radiating an oppressive aura.
"Mr. Prime Minister, rejecting this proposal would send the wrong signal. It could seriously damage mutual trust between the two countries and affect cooperation in a wide range of areas. Some of the consequences might be too much for a city-state like Singapore to bear alone."
The threat was palpable.
Lin Jiaze slowly stood up.
His gaze swept over the American group, and an indescribable air of authority quietly permeated the air.
"General Hudson, Mr. Klein, Singapore's position stems from a clear understanding of its own path and a genuine responsibility for the long-term peace and stability of the region. We will not become a pawn in the confrontation of any great power."
His gaze inadvertently swept over the two DARPA officials, who immediately felt a chill run down their spines.
"The Pacific Ocean, vast and deep, contains power that humanity has not yet fully comprehended. Respecting its depths and maintaining necessary awe and restraint will bring more lasting stability and security. This is a well-intentioned reminder from Singapore, a small country, to all the major powers."
Hudson opened his mouth, wanting to rebuke the other party for being deliberately mysterious, but he swallowed the words back.
Hudson finally said curtly:
"It seems the Prime Minister has made up his mind. We will report this truthfully to Washington. We hope Singapore will not regret today's decision in the future."
"The future of Singapore is decided by the people of Singapore." Lim Kah Chee nodded slightly, making a gesture of seeing the guest off.
"We believe that choices based on mutual respect for sovereignty and independence will never lead to regret."
The negotiations completely broke down.
The atmosphere was heavy and strange as the US delegation left.
Two days later, Washington issued a public statement expressing "disappointment," and think tanks and media outlets began criticizing Singapore for being "short-sighted" and "risking itself," attempting to create a sense of diplomatic isolation.
Singapore announced increased "freedom of navigation" operations in the South China Sea and surrounding areas, and deployed a carrier strike group to conduct exercises in areas far from Singapore's mainland and closer to international waters and the high seas, significantly increasing the safety distance.
The exercise instructions specifically emphasized "anomaly detection" and "avoiding unnecessarily close proximity".
DARPA and its affiliated intelligence agencies have elevated "anomaly assessments" of Singapore, especially its senior figures, to the highest priority.
While some collaborative projects between the United States and Singapore have slowed down, no overt and devastating sanctions have been imposed, thus avoiding pushing Singapore to the opposite side entirely.
Unlike in the past, all actions strictly avoided direct military provocation against Singapore's sovereignty.
The carrier strike group operated in distant waters, and the commander received repeated orders: "Maintain presence, demonstrate resolve, and absolutely avoid creating any pretext or incident that could trigger unpredictable conflict."
Courtyard houses on Dongxinglong Street.
After listening to Lin Yi's report, Lin Yan smiled slightly: "Lin Jiaze handled it very well. He neither admitted nor threatened, but only stated the facts and showed his attitude, leaving enough room for imagination so that the opponent would be afraid on his own."
True deterrence never needs to be shouted out.
He looked south: "The Americans are now like people in a dark forest who have heard some unknown sound. They dare not advance rashly, nor are they willing to retreat."
That's enough. Changi must remain absolutely neutral. Singapore cannot afford to lose face.