Soviet Union 1991

Yanayev's words shocked Chepzakov. He believed that the general secretary was a man who would keep his word. Just like the saying "A man should keep his promises, and if he says he will kill his whole family, then kill his whole family" that has been circulating in the political arena, he had previously doubted whether this sentence was said by General Secretary Yanaev. Now it seems that it is very likely that it was written by him.

Then the general secretary made a speech in Sakhalin Oblast with a normal look on his face. It was nothing more than a major issue about promoting the economic development of Sakhalin Oblast. Although some people wanted to know why the Sakhasen oil field project was pushed to the local government finances, no one dared to ask this question when they saw Yanayev's impatient expression.

Only Chepzakov, the secretary of the municipal party committee, was submissive and followed every word Yanayev said.

He did not dare to disobey the other party in the slightest. The other party saw through all his routines and little thoughts. Since the general secretary pointed out a way for Sakhalin Oblast to prosper again, he could only follow the other party's guidance and go step by step.

Yanayev was really annoyed. He should have used whips and sticks to drive these gray Slavic animals forward. These guys whose brains were soaked in alcohol were trying to blackmail investors at this time. If possible, he should really shoot a group of people to let these bureaucrats know what communist punishment is.

However, the words have been said. Chepzakov must not dare to do anything out of line, otherwise the Supervisory Committee will be able to replace all senior officials in the entire state. And he did this to warn officials who are close to the central conservatives not to drag their feet on the issue of Far East development.

After beating these people, he should go back. After all, there are still a lot of things waiting for him to deal with in Moscow. If I guess correctly, there will be fish biting the bait hook soon.

In the printing factory in Moscow, snow-white paper is printing ink on it in full force. Although the fonts are very different, the only common topic focus is on the oil fields in Sakhalin Oblast.

"Large oil fields have been surveyed in Sakhalin Oblast, but the Moscow government is unable to develop them alone?"

"The Far East is in urgent need of foreign investment to develop the Sakhalin-3 project"

"Opportunities and challenges? Far East oil resources are eyeing them"

…………

Comrade Surkov did not directly promote the oil reserves, but emphasized the urgency of oil development and the urgent need for new capital injection through the poor economic situation in the Far East. These topics spread across the country with newspapers, and were introduced to Japan more quickly through the Internet and other means.

The oil strategic companies that were ready to move smelled a business opportunity.

The senior management of Mitsubishi Oil Corporation held a meeting. The Sakhalin-3 project was like a piece of fat meat thrown by the Soviet government, attracting the attention of many people who make a living from it. Although the newspaper only gave a vague general number, they boldly predicted that the oil reserves would only increase.

Mitsubishi and Mitsui were very dissatisfied with the fact that the Japanese state-owned oil company alone made a lot of money in the Kara Sea oil field. Although it was for oil strategic considerations, they actually tried to swallow up half of the oil production in the Gulf of Mexico, the Kara Sea super oil field, and they made a huge bet. The general trading companies also tried to spread their influence to the Far East.

The Soviet government seemed a little anxious because it had no funds for development. And the general trading companies, in order to monopolize the energy market, also wanted to intervene in the development of the Sakhalin-3 project. The fish was eager to bite the hook, but they didn't think about why the Soviet government, which had just started to develop the Kara Sea oil field, announced a lack of funds at this time?

The general trading companies needed to blow the wind to the government departments. They could not directly interfere with the policies of Prime Minister Ryutaro Hashimoto, but they could induce Ryutaro Hashimoto to strengthen cooperation with the Soviet Union through Foreign Minister Keizo Obuchi. After all, they had the experience of jointly developing new missiles. On this issue, there was no obstacle between the two sides.

Hashimoto Ryutaro is now facing a series of major problems, such as solving the economic situation that is trapped in an infinite vicious circle. There is also the government's fiscal deficit. The first step to solve the crisis is to cut welfare and increase taxes, but for Japan, which is already suffering from economic difficulties, this is equivalent to the cabinet's resignation. So the prime minister must take action from other aspects to overcome this crisis.

Keizo Obuchi reported the current situation of the Soviet Union to Hashimoto Ryutaro, and the matter of the Sakhalin oil field, which was a good thing for Hashimoto Ryutaro.

Originally, Obuchi should have been the speaker of the House of Representatives. He had expressed his willingness to accept it, but because he had no chance to become the speaker and the prime minister in the future, he was opposed by local supporters. His close subordinates Fukushiro Nukaga, Mikio Aoki, Tamisuke Watanuki and secretary Shuntaka Furukawa opposed it and pushed it hard, resulting in Keizo Obuchi's failure to become the speaker of the National Assembly. In the end, Soichiro Ito, who was close to Takeshita, became the speaker of the House of Representatives. But this does not prevent him, the "future successor to the prime minister", from having a dialogue with the current Prime Minister Ryutaro Hashimoto.

The Prime Minister did not show any joy at the news. Although the return on investment in the later period was huge, the initial investment was equally astonishing. Just like they thought that the initial investment in the Kara Sea oil field would not cost too much budget. But the actual situation quickly exceeded the Japanese's expectations, and this sea area was almost a bottomless pit. But the money has already been spent. If oil is withdrawn before oil is seen, oil companies will suffer heavy losses.

Ryutaro Hashimoto supported his forehead with his left hand and said with some helplessness, "Now that the Petroleum Strategy Company has spent its budget on the Kara Sea Oil Field, we no longer have the ability to invest in the Sakhalin Oil Field again. In terms of government finances, it is A heavy burden."

"I know."

Although he is only the foreign minister, he is not ignorant of the dire financial situation in the country. The Minister of Finance has complained to Ryutaro Hashimoto about the current economic difficulties more than once, but Ryutaro Hashimoto also seems helpless about the current economic downturn.

"Although we have no room for competition, this does not mean that the oil companies under General Trading Co., Ltd. are not competitive. Mitsui and Mitsubishi have long been dissatisfied with the official failure to involve them in the Kara Sea oil field incident. Now Saha The Lin-3 project plan just allows these energy and oil giants to take the lead in order to meet the returns that they have not been able to participate in the oil issue before.”

Obuchi Keizo said to Ryutaro Hashimoto very seriously, "On the issue of cooperation with the Soviet Union, is Prime Minister Ryutaro Hashimoto planning to visit the Soviet Union?"

Ryutaro Hashimoto suddenly showed a vigilant look. He didn't know why the other party suddenly asked this question. The original plan to visit Moscow had not been officially put on the agenda, but he felt that it was time to start a cooperation project with the Soviet Union.

"What's the meaning?"

Ryutaro Hashimoto asked cautiously. Seeing the Prime Minister's expression, the Foreign Minister had roughly guessed something.

"There is no need to hide it. I know that Japan now wants to actively develop relations with the Soviet Union. After all, China's reform and opening up and the Soviet Union's new economic policy are opportunities for Japan. Now Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and Honda are not actively pursuing Cooperation with Lada Automobile Factory? If mutual promotion can be achieved politically, this will be an important move for Japanese brands to enter the Soviet Union. Moreover, the Soviet Union has one of the best heavy industries in the world, which can also be mutually beneficial to Japan's industrial development. Complementary.”

For general trading companies, the Soviet Union is more like an unexplored virgin land, mysterious and full of temptations. If this large market can be opened, it will bring great vitality to Japan. This is what Ryutaro Hashimoto is looking forward to. The previous Kara Sea oil field development plan and the laying of oil pipelines have given Japan a taste of sweetness, but the next benefits will be even greater.

That's why I couldn't wait to visit the Soviet Union.

"Now that Minister Obuchi Keizo already knows what I am going to do, you can also analyze Japan's next few steps by the way?"

"Withstanding the pressure from the United States, promoting Sino-Japanese friendship and Japan-Soviet friendship, and promoting economic and cultural exchanges between the three countries, Yanayev's visit to Sakhalin took the initiative to avoid the issue of the four northern islands, which means They don’t want to conflict with us on this issue, so we should temporarily put aside the issues left over from history and promote economic development among the three parties.”

Obuchi Keizo, who is pro-China, naturally knows how important it is to have good relations with the neighbors around him. Although the northern superpowers announce reductions in arms and personnel every year, they dare not relax at all - the Red Navy's Pacific Fleet every year They have eliminated obsolete and old models, but have added new ships year by year. Although the number shows a downward trend, their combat effectiveness has become more terrifying year by year. After giving up the previous saturation attack method, they It became a fleet with ocean-going capabilities. Moreover, the Maritime Self-Defense Force has stated more than once that the Kongo class can no longer stop the aircraft carrier fleet from heading south.

Strategic bombers carrying nuclear weapons in circles around the island have become commonplace before. The tough policy adopted by Gen Nakatani, who served as the director of the Defense Agency, only attracted a tougher counterattack from the Soviet army.

It was not until the Prime Minister who adopted a soft policy came to power that the critical conflict gradually subsided.

"Minister Xiaoyuan, I have decided."

Ryutaro Hashimoto stood up slowly with his hands on the table. He walked to the window sill with his hands behind his back and whispered, "I hope you can accompany me to Moscow for this diplomatic visit."

"The only thing I'm worried about now is the pressure from the United States. I have a vague feeling that the United States will not tolerate us getting closer to China and the Soviet Union. It will definitely try every means to obstruct it."

Ryutaro Hashimoto knew that Japan was in an awkward position in East Asia, and moderate leaders committed to easing relations between the two sides could not let the situation get out of hand.

But if he still cannot find a way out, Japan will face the danger of the right wing coming to power.

"So after I failed, I hoped that Japan would have a leader who could turn the tide and lead the country out of the economic downturn. I worked hard for a long time, and the previous leaders also worked hard, but they were unable to solve this problem. Dead buckle.”

Ryutaro Hashimoto turned his gaze to Keizo Obuchi, with some meaningful expectation in his eyes.

"I hope the next leader will not give up on all the previous efforts. This country has been ruined once by a group of fanatics, and I don't want to see a second mushroom cloud rising over Japan. Although I am a professional Politicians, but as long as I am still there and those true patriots are still there, Japan should not be led into the abyss. I will stand on this road and stop them without retreating."

"Hashimoto..."

Obuchi Keizo suddenly felt that the image of the Prime Minister in front of him had become taller. Although his attempts and efforts failed, he did not flinch at all.

The professional politicians active in the political arena are all old. Some of them are just tactful in seeking advantages and avoiding disadvantages, and have lost their original passion. But there is always someone who has to stand up and stop a ferocious beast from stretching out its sharp claws from the cage.

He bowed deeply towards Obuchi Keizo, lowering the gray patch tightly.

"If I fail unfortunately, the rest will be up to you."