Binjiang Police Affairs

Chapter 1458 - 246: Going the Long Way Around?

While Han Yu and some officers of the fleet were visiting Cape Horn, South African Navy Commander Simpson Anderson arrived in Cape Town to tour the "Shenzhen" Ship.When Han Yu finished touring Cape Horn and returned to the ship, he received orders from his superior to quickly dress up and attend the dinner hosted by the South African Navy for the Chinese Naval Fleet.

The tour of Cape Horn was conducted in batches, and Vice Captain Li, who stayed on the ship today, got on the bus excitedly and said: "Han Da, Adviser Wu, Commander Anderson has given a high evaluation of our Shenzhen Ship, praising our vessels not only for their large size but also for their advanced design, high technological level, and combat capabilities. It’s evident that our China’s modernization level has reached a high degree."

"Really?" Adviser Wu asked with delight, "Did Commander Anderson say anything else?"

"Yes," Vice Captain Li smiled and added, "He said our officers operating the ships possess significant professional knowledge and skills, and he genuinely admires our fleet’s courage to pass through the Cape Horn region to visit South Africa during this season."

The storm a few days ago was quite severe.

Especially after a hundred-thousand-ton oil tanker sank, large-tonnage merchant ships of international shipping companies dared not pass through Cape Horn. Some ships docked nearby to shelter from the wind, while others hovered at sea, drifting according to climate changes. South African Navy’s small boats couldn’t withstand the strong winds and waves, and had to stay at the military port obediently.

Even though the Chinese Navy isn’t very powerful and the ships aren’t very advanced, and even though there’s little previous experience in offshore navigation, they have proven themselves through actual actions, earning recognition from counterparts from other countries, which is truly not an easy feat.

Han Yu, like Adviser Wu, was genuinely delighted and felt heartfelt pride.

The dinner was held at a South African Navy base, attended not only by South African Navy generals but also by officials from Cape Town. As usual, several diplomats from various countries stationed in South Africa were also invited.

General Simpson Anderson gave a speech and looked very excited: "Ladies and gentlemen, in my life, I’ve never begun a formal speech with an apology. However, today, before formally addressing you, please allow me to apologize to General Zheng Nanwu, the commander of the Chinese Naval Fleet, and his subordinates..."

The South African Navy Commander shocked the audience, and many female guests even showed looks of horror.

Adviser Wu, who couldn’t understand English, asked softly before the interpreter spoke, "Han Da, what’s General Anderson saying?"

Han Yu regained his composure and calmly said, "He said he was late, but there’s a reason for it. Yesterday, an engine on the plane he and his wife were on malfunctioned after takeoff, forcing them to return and make an emergency landing. It was only after repair that they flew here again."

That’s risking their lives!

Adviser Wu listening was secretly alarmed, as Chief of Staff Zheng took the stage and skillfully picked up on General Simpson Anderson’s topic, saying: "When I heard about the Commander’s dangerous aerial encounter, our hearts were in suspense for him. When hearing the plane landed safely with no harm, we were genuinely relieved for him..."

The Chief’s brief opening remarks won warm applause from the soldiers of both China and South Africa.

In a free and relaxed environment, military personnel from both countries passionately conversed and laughed...

It was clear that the South African Navy, whether senior officers or regular officers and soldiers, whether white or black, began to understand the Chinese Navy.

Their friendliness and admiration were palpable.

This scenario made Han Yu truly realize that only those who are self-respecting and strong earn the respect of others!

As Adviser Wu previously mentioned, the international community is very concerned about the Russian Navy’s submarine accident, and several diplomats from different nations attending the dinner were discussing it.

The Russian diplomat stationed in South Africa quickly became the "star" of the dinner party, being surrounded by diplomats from over ten invited countries, and media reporters chased him for answers, even questioning him.

The Russian diplomat kept a stern face, responding with "no comment" to whoever asked.

Chief of Staff Zheng listened with a smile but did not offer any opinion on the matter.

Facing queries from diplomats of European and American nations stationed in South Africa and media reporters, he consistently replied that the fleet had been sailing at sea recently and was not informed of the specific situation.

Diplomats from several developed European and American nations reacted intensely, directly condemning Russia face-to-face with the Russian diplomat for not being open or transparent about this major accident concerning the safety of all mankind. They claimed to have conclusive evidence that a Russian nuclear submarine had an accident, yet Russia hadn’t disclosed any accident details until today.

If it weren’t for the host’s timely mediation, the friendly dinner might have turned into a critique session.

After attending the dinner, just as they were preparing to board the bus back to the port, Han Yu was called by Chief of Staff Zheng to a car arranged by the embassy.

This sedan was equipped with the Chinese national flag, and the driver was an embassy staff member Han Yu had met several days ago.

But tonight, Mr. Yang personally drove.

Han Yu found it strange and immediately asked anxiously upon getting into the car, "Commander, is there something urgent?"

Chief of Staff Zheng sighed heavily and said solemnly, "The Russian Kursk Submarine indeed had an accident. According to reliable information, the accident was caused by a torpedo explosion leading to a series of ammunition explosions, ultimately causing the entire submarine to sink. All over one hundred officers on board perished with no survivors."

So it’s true, and not merely rumors.

The South Sea Fleet also has submarines, with the Big Shark once part of the South Sea Fleet’s operational sequence.

Han Yu could understand the Commander’s mood at the moment, remained silent for a moment, and then asked, "The Kursk Submarine is a nuclear submarine. Did the onboard nuclear reactor explode, and did it lead to a nuclear leak?"

"Temporarily unknown, but I think probably not, otherwise countries like the US, UK, and France would certainly not sit still."

"That’s good."

Han Yu thought for a moment and then said, "Even if a nuclear leak occurs, the impact on China should be minimal, considering the accident happened in the Arctic Ocean, which is far from us. Moreover, the US has conducted several nuclear explosion tests in the sea before, even using those decommissioned ships as targets."

Chief of Staff Zheng did not expect Han Yu to say this and paused before asking, "Salted Fish, do you know why I mentioned these matters to you?"

"Why?"

"A few days ago, I arranged for you to call home, right? Did you contact the East Sea Fleet?"

"No."

"No?"

Han Yu suddenly realized what the Commander wanted to know and hurriedly said, "I didn’t call the East Sea Fleet, but I did contact the Political Commissioner of our Rescue Boat Team. Commander, did I leak any information internationally while making the long-distance call?"

"No, besides, the Russian submarine incident isn’t considered a military secret." Chief of Staff Zheng took a telegram from the captain sitting in the passenger seat and handed it to Han Yu: "This is sent to you by the East Sea Fleet Headquarters."

Unseen is unexpected; upon seeing it, he was startled.

The East Sea Fleet Headquarters highly regarded the request report from the Binjiang Naval Reserve Rescue Ship Brigade on how to rescue the submarine; they not only agreed with the ideas of the Rescue Boat Team but also, with Navy Headquarters’ approval, sent an encrypted telegram to the visiting fleet, ordering Han Yu to first visit the Fleet Headquarters after completing the communication task for the garrison.

Han Yu was thinking about adjusting the schedule after returning when Chief of Staff Zheng suddenly asked, "Since you have such a good idea, why didn’t you mention it to me? Why go far?"

"Commander, you mean..."

"Our fleet has submarines too, and there’s even a main submarine that you helped transport back in the day; you have resources and technical power, we have submarines to cooperate, we could completely work together!"

The Commander was unhappy because of this.

Han Yu realized and quickly explained, "Commander, it’s not just about rescuing submarines, even rescuing ordinary surface ships emphasizes timeliness. All my resources are in Binjiang, if this matter comes to fruition, our Rescue Boat Team, if it can possess certain rescue capabilities, could at most cover up to a quarter of the sea area under the East Sea Fleet’s defense."

Military funding is tight, and that bit of military expenditure isn’t even enough for combat units, let alone rescue construction.

Chief of Staff Zheng truly envied the East Sea Fleet, having someone like Han Yu who possesses both resources and capability, as well as being able to accomplish things as a Reserve Officer. After a moment of silence, he said helplessly, "Rescue boats need a Mother Port, and looking carefully, we’re indeed somewhat distanced."

"Commander, I’ll try to work on it once I get back; if it really comes together, some experience will be accumulated, and by then, I’ll make a summary and report to you immediately."

"Good, I trust you can get it done!"

"Thank you, Commander, for your trust. I’ll try my best."

"Actually, I should be thanking you." Chief of Staff Zheng patted Han Yu’s arm, thought for a moment, and then laughed: "Even though we’re far apart, usually wanting a joint exercise is unrealistic. But in the future, if there’s a major operation, we can totally request your cooperation. Don’t act like you don’t know me or give me no face when the time comes."

Han Yu did not expect the Commander to hold him in such high regard and hurriedly said, "Commander, our Binjiang Naval Reserve Rescue Ship Brigade is a Reserve Forces unit of Navy Headquarters, not a Reserve Forces unit of the East Sea Fleet. The outstanding officers and warriors of our team are selected by Headquarters, and you can check with Political Commissioner Shen and Adviser Wu."

"Okay, then it’s settled. If there’s a major operation in the future, I’ll definitely consult with Superiors to let your team cooperate, and then we’ll continue fighting side by side."

"Yes!"

"By the way, did you really only bring 500 RMB this time out?"

Han Yu’s brain couldn’t keep up with the Commander’s line of thought, and he didn’t expect the Commander to ask this, so he responded awkwardly, "I really only brought 500, because I left in a hurry and didn’t have time to convert it into foreign currency before leaving."

Even if he hadn’t been in a rush, how many US Dollars can 500 RMB exchange for?

Chief of Staff Zheng couldn’t help but laugh, "Salted Fish, your spouse is quite strict in economic management."

Good deeds don’t go out the door, but embarrassing matters spread a thousand miles, and they actually reached the Commander’s ears.

Han Yu felt utterly embarrassed and awkwardly explained, "Commander, it’s not about my spouse; don’t be fooled by her being a Vice Mayor in a county-level city, she’s even more frugal than I am. You might find it hard to believe, but she doesn’t even carry over a hundred RMB on her."

"She is a city leader, does a city leader need to carry money when going out?"

"..."

Facing the Commander’s unabashed teasing, Han Yu was momentarily at a loss for words.