Chapter 141: Reminding China of the Deal
Beijing – Zhongnanhai (Chinese Leadership Compound)
The red phone in the center of the conference table rang. The Chinese President, Li Cheng, exchanged a glance with his top advisors before picking it up.
"President Blackwood," he greeted cautiously.
On the other end, Chris's voice was calm, yet there was an undeniable edge beneath it.
"President Li, I trust you've seen the news. Russia is testing the patience of the world, and I assume you remember the terms of our last agreement?"
There was a pause.
Chris continued before Li could respond.
"Let me refresh your memory. The Belt and Road Initiative thrives because Blackwood-controlled financial institutions backed your global expansion. Your economy remains stable because of strategic agreements we facilitated. And most importantly—"
His voice darkened.
"China remains independent of Western sanctions because I ensured it."
Silence.
Then, Li finally spoke.
"And what do you want in return?"
Chris smirked. "Loyalty."
He leaned back in his chair at the White House situation room, his team watching intently.
"Russia is seeking your support. They want you to back their military aggression. But you and I both know that siding with them would be a mistake. A mistake that would cost you everything we built together."
Li inhaled deeply. "And if we remain neutral?"
Chris chuckled. "Neutrality is an illusion, Li. The world is picking sides. If you want to continue enjoying Blackwood's support, I suggest you make the right choice."
Another long pause.
Then, Li sighed. "I'll discuss it with my council."
Chris's voice was cold. "I wasn't asking."
The line went dead.
---
Beijing – Emergency Leadership Meeting
Li Cheng set the phone down, rubbing his temples as his advisors whispered anxiously.
"He's forcing our hand," one of them muttered.
"If we abandon Russia, we weaken our position against the West," another pointed out.
Li remained silent. He knew the truth.
Chris Blackwood wasn't giving them a choice.
And defying him?
Would come at a cost China couldn't afford.
Chapter 142: The Power Play
Beijing – Zhongnanhai Leadership Compound
The room was tense as President Li Cheng weighed his options. His top military officials, economic strategists, and political advisors all spoke at once, arguing over the implications of defying or complying with Blackwood's demand.
Finally, he raised a hand, silencing them.
"Summon the Foreign Minister," he ordered. "Draft an official statement. We will express deep concern over Russia's military movements but will not directly support their actions."
Murmurs filled the room.
"So, we abandon Russia?" an advisor asked cautiously.
"No," Li Cheng said firmly. "We remain publicly neutral. But privately? We make sure Blackwood knows we are… aligned."
The decision was made.
Blackwood had won.
---
White House – Situation Room
Chris sat at the head of the table, listening to the latest intelligence reports. Ethan stood beside him, arms crossed.
"China just released a statement condemning 'unnecessary military escalation,'" the Secretary of State announced. "They're staying out of it."
A slow smirk spread across Chris's lips.
"Good. Now, let's make sure Russia understands they're alone."
He turned to his communications director.
"Prepare my next speech."
---
World Broadcast – The President Speaks
Chris Blackwood stepped up to the podium, the entire world watching.
"Russia has ignored diplomacy. They have disregarded warnings. And now, they stand alone."
His tone was calm, but each word was like a hammer striking an anvil.
"The United States and its allies will not tolerate reckless aggression. If Russia does not withdraw its forces within 24 hours, severe economic and strategic consequences will follow."
He let the words settle. Then, he delivered the final blow.
"Even their so-called allies have chosen peace over war. Russia, this is your last chance."
The message was clear.
China had distanced itself. England had sided with Blackwood.
Russia?
Was now a lone wolf in a world that had already turned against it.