USSR 1991

Page 263

Azov knew what the other party was thinking in an instant. He wanted to buy a second-hand Type 1134A cruiser and then carry out modernization by himself. In this way, but Azov was not optimistic about this at all. Building strength may end up costing tens of millions to buy a pile of scrap iron.

Yazov originally wanted to dissuade Minister Maillat from his stupid approach, but he swallowed the words again.Maybe no matter how much he dissuades him, he can't stop the determination of the Indian Minister of Defense to be stupid.What's more, if they really want to do this, the Ministry of Defense will still pay for the cost of major renovations and the purchase of new ships.

"Since it is a second-hand ship, there is no reason for the Soviet Union to sell it to India at a price of 5000 million." At this time, Yazov finally reported good news to the other party, "Since India wants to buy it, we are willing to sell it to India at a price of 2500 million." The sale to the Indian Navy is considered a support for the development of the Indian Navy."

Yazov's words made Minister Maillat very surprised. It was like picking up a bargain, and the price of a single ship was reduced by half.Of course, Minister Maillat tried his best to suppress the joy in his heart, and said unhurriedly, "Then, on behalf of the Indian Navy, I would also like to thank Minister Yazov for his strong support for the development of the Indian Navy."

Yazov said nothing, just nodded with a smile.Who doesn't know that Yazov still has a backhand.When India discovered that modification was a bottomless pit, the Soviet Union was finally responsible for wiping their ass.That's why Yazov was not in a hurry at all, and even took the initiative to lower the price to make India seem to be taking advantage of it.

In fact, India is just being cheated again.

After signing a series of contracts, India has finally completed this military purchase project. For Minister Maillart, everyone is happy with the ending.He believes that the Soviet Union did not take advantage of his own hands, but instead suffered a serious loss.In addition to suffering from the Su-30MKI issue, the Nanuchika-class destroyer has actually made up for the loss.

Regarding the self-consolation of Minister Maillat, Yazov just shook his head regretfully. I really don’t know how these people got the position of Minister of Defense. He only looks forward to the next visit of the Indian Navy. Yazov believes that India has no The ability to transform a 1134A cruiser.In the end, apart from returning to the factory for repairs, Yazov didn't know what would happen.As a target ship?Yazov does not think that the Indian Navy has the courage to spend tens of millions of dollars to buy the target ship and return it.

Yazov even made domestic shipyards prepare for larger orders. This time the arms sales exceeded 15 billion U.S. dollars, but Yazov specially asked the designers of the Nikolayev Shipyard to calculate. Once India fails to improve the cruiser, how much budget will it spend.

As a result, the designer of the Nikolayev Shipyard came to the conclusion that, don’t change it, and hurry up and buy a few new ones.The money spent by India on refitting ships is far more exaggerated than buying a new one.

"If the Indians want to make a fuss, let them go. I can't stop that." Yanayev really hoped to see the expression of India finally turning around and begging the Soviet Union in a low voice.Except that Iran completed domestic parts to replace the Russian-made Kilo-class submarine in 2012, it seems that Yanayev has not yet seen a successful example from India.

"We have already stated in the contract that if there is any problem with these cruisers in the future, the Soviet shipyard will provide paid maintenance services. Minister Maillart seems to be very happy that we are willing to prepare after-sales services for them. It's just that he doesn't know how to accept them yet. These cruisers will waste India's budget."

There seemed to be a hint of sneer in Yazov's voice. He didn't know whether to laugh at India's overreach, or at them for being stupid and rich.

"However, the Soviet Union's recent arms sales budget has reached a very astonishing level. Whether it is the Red Navy, the Army or the Air Force, the funds are already sufficient to an enviable level." Yazov has always admired Yanayev General Secretary's plan.He could always find an opportunity to intervene in regional disputes around the world, and he could also bring a considerable arms revenue to the Soviet Union.

"Well, but the money is not prepared for the military budget."

When Yanayev looked at the pines and cypresses outside the window, his eyes were a little far-reaching.He seemed to be thinking about other issues, and even Yazov couldn't figure out what Yanayev was thinking.

In international politics, Yanayev's steady counterattack has allowed the Soviet Union to gain a firm foothold in the international situation. With the external environment stabilized, Yanayev began to implement the second part of the reform.From the initial activation of the economic system to the current development of the Far East, Yanayev has taken key steps in leading the Soviet Union to revival.

"This money is prepared to create wealth. I have promised to give the people a bright future."

Yanayev's tone of voice was somewhat unclear, but Yazov could tell that there were deeper thoughts in the words.

"It's now."

Chapter 585 Oil Pipeline Laying

After concluding the arms sales visit of the Indian delegation, the Soviet Union began the so-called "Far East Development Project". This may be the last major event that Yanayev will complete in the position of General Secretary.Compared with international political struggles, the profits brought by the total amount of natural gas, oil and coal stored in the Far East to the future of the Soviet Union are the most important link.This is the last plan that Yanayev needs to complete within two years of his tenure. As long as the economic foundation is laid for this huge empire, then they will move forward on the road of history according to inertia, even if it is another Leader, as long as the basic national policy is not changed, the Soviet Union will always maintain a high momentum and move forward.

Although Yanayev may not be able to see the torrent of steel returning to Europe during his tenure, he can see the rise of a red empire that has transformed from an old body. This is undoubtedly a nightmare for the West.Therefore, Yanayev's Far East development project has attracted the attention of other countries from the very beginning.Especially the European countries that hope to lock the Soviet Union in Eastern Europe, can't wait to make a stumbling block on the road to the rise of the Soviet Union.

The Soviet Union's plan to develop the Far East first caught the attention of Prime Minister Ryutaro Hashimoto. Since the Soviet Union cooperated with Japan in military projects, it opened up the previous diplomatic dilemma.Moreover, the Soviet Union's concession on the South Kuril Islands issue is the greatest political benefit for Japan.Matsushita Nakyo, director of the Special Committee on Northern Issues, emphasized the cooperative relationship between the two countries when he received the Soviet delegation. It was also because of that ice-breaking trip that the friendly development between the Soviet Union and Japan was established.

After having this relationship, Prime Minister Ryutaro Hashimoto naturally noticed the Far East development project proposed by Yanayev, and naturally also smelled business opportunities from this project.

Ryutaro Hashimoto thinks this is an opportunity to revive the Soviet Union. The Far East development project means that the Soviet Union is transforming the backward infrastructure in the Far East, and Japanese companies can also take advantage of this opportunity to transport oil from the Far East to Japan. .After all, Japan used to conduct oil transactions with the Soviet Union, but because of the international situation, Japan still imported crude oil from Saudi Arabia.When crude oil prices rose, the rise in transportation costs also led Japan to find new oil countries.

And Yanayev is considering another move, about the oil transportation plan between Japan and China.

As early as the beginning of 1997, both the Chinese government and the Japanese government sent delegations to Moscow to discuss oil project plans. They deeply realized the importance of cooperation with the Soviet Union, a major oil-producing country.As the Middle East region has begun to rage, unstable oil sources will become a limitation for developing countries.This is even more of a constraint for a resource-poor country like Japan.

At this time, the Soviet Union's Far East development project coincided with Japan's plight. For Japan, the Soviet Union's rich oil and various minerals could just meet the needs of Japan's production and development, and mining was cheaper.What's more, Yanayev believes that Ryutaro Hashimoto originally wanted to build a pipeline from the Far East to Japan.

In the original history, the dispute over the oil pipeline in the Far East was finally settled in 2005.The Russian government at that time abandoned the Anda and Anna lines that were contested by China and Japan, and decided to build an oil transportation pipeline from Taishet to Nakhodka by a Russian oil transportation company, commonly known as the Taina line.

Of course, Yanayev will take the lead in building the Taina line this time, relying on oil sources in West Siberia, Irkutsk Oblast and Yakutia Autonomous Republic, and supplying oil to the Asia-Pacific region.The Soviet Union was the biggest winner in the construction of this oil pipeline.

China's proposed Anda line can only supply oil to China, while the Taina line supplies oil to Japan, South Korea, China and other Asian countries at the same time, and can also cross the Pacific Ocean and export oil to the west coast of the United States.This is not only beneficial to the Soviet Union to obtain more lucrative oil profits, but also beneficial to the Soviet Union to use the energy card in major power diplomacy to maximize its own international interests.

In a word, the current oil pipeline deployment is completely in the hands of the Soviet Union.What Yanayev needs to consider is to maximize the political interests of the Soviet Union. On this point, Yanayev also needs to discuss with Comrade Ryzhkov.

"Maximize strategic interests?" Ryzhkov coughed. Ever since he sat in the position of chairman of the Council of Ministers for a long time, he realized that his position was at this step.There was still Pavlov pressing him on it, but he could no longer climb up.

"General Secretary Yanayev, what you need to consider now is not your relationship with Japan, but your relationship with China. Although the current Soviet Union and China are cooperating because of Japan's relationship, But this friendship is fragile from the current point of view, stemming from mutual wariness and mistrust between the two parties."

"What do you mean?" Yanayev asked.

"If the Soviet Union really wants to cheat China, it means that it is very likely to push China to the United States because of the oil issue. Yanayev has to consider one thing clearly, who can win over China to form an alliance in the current international situation , whoever has the advantage of dominating the world. The United States no longer has this opportunity because of its own relationship policy.”

Ryzhkov said, "We need to use an oil pipeline to bind China and the Soviet Union on the same line. Even if we are attacked by the United States, it is a relationship between lips and teeth, rather than watching the other side fall into trouble."

"So?" Yanayev said with a wry smile. He didn't expect that the Soviet Union, which carried a big banner alone, would eventually fall to the point of forming a political group with its former enemies.

Ryzhkov said, "The Anda-Dalian line cannot be cancelled, but because nearly one-third of the pipelines of the Anda-Dalian line are laid in other countries, we need to compromise this plan. All in all, we must take care of China. emotions, but also to ensure that our interests are maximized.”

"This is really a difficult multiple-choice question." Yanayev scratched his head. According to Ryzhkov's statement, the following negotiations will be a tough tug-of-war, and there may even be a stalemate situation.

Ryzhkov said, "Believe me, General Secretary Yanayev, this is the most prudent approach. But we don't have to worry too much, the Soviet oil company will properly solve this problem."

Chapter 586 Participation

Ryutaro Hashimoto is distraught by the delay in the oil pipeline laying project.For Ryutaro Hashimoto, if he procrastinated for one more day, the stone in his heart would weigh on him and he would be a little out of breath.

And Moscow is still arguing over the issue of laying the line.The Soviet Petroleum Transportation Company, which was responsible for the construction and management of the oil pipeline, estimated that the construction cost would reach 107 billion U.S. dollars. The Soviet Union did not want to pay all of this huge sum, so the key point was to let Japan bleed a little.

Of course, the Japanese government will not do business at a loss for no reason, which reflects the multi-channel strategy of oil sources that the Japanese government has been actively implementing.At present, nearly 90% of the oil imported by Japan comes from the troubled Middle East. If an oil pipeline to the Soviet Far East or Siberia can be laid, the Soviet Union can export 100 million barrels of oil to Japan every day. Japan’s dependence on Middle East oil is as high as Can be reduced to 65%.

Providing crude oil supply to Asia-Pacific countries is also what Yanayev is happy to see, which means that it can be a good blow to Saudi Arabia's oil alliance and break their monopoly on oil in the Asia-Pacific region.This is undoubtedly the most beneficial to the future planning and development of the Soviet Union.And one more choice for countries in the Asia-Pacific region means one less customer for Saudi Arabia.

The problem now is that Yanayev is considering how to get Japan to willingly spend part of the money to support the laying of this oil pipeline, and it is still in the absence of disruption from the Saudi side.It is really not easy for Yanayev to open up this difficult situation.

In contrast, Yanayev also specifically called Prime Minister Ryutaro Hashimoto on this issue, preparing to test the other party's bottom line.At the same time, in order to attract Japan to participate in the development project of the Far East, Yanayev also specially prepared a big cake that looked delicious.That is the shareholding in the Far East. This is also a major reform of the Soviet state-owned enterprises. Once the test is successful, it will become a blueprint for future shareholding reforms.And whether Japan will be fooled depends on whether Hashimoto Ryutaro has the mentality of going to the doctor in a hurry.The Japanese are not fools either. Yanayev had to sacrifice some dividends if he wanted to eat their funds.

"Prime Minister Hashimoto Ryutaro, I'm sorry to call you so late. I hope you don't mind my interruption this time. This time I want to discuss with you about the funding for the laying of the Soviet oil pipeline and the planning of the Far East project. I don’t know if you are interested in participating.” The conditions offered by Yanayev are very attractive, a piece of virgin land that has been coveted for a long time but has not been developed on a large scale.A region with rich oil resources.For Japan, which is scarce in resources, it is simply a gift from heaven.

Yanayev's words made Hashimoto Ryutaro take a deep breath. His first reaction was that this was a trap set by the Soviet Union. Looking at those Indians who were cheated every day for military purchases, they knew how much it takes to do business with the Soviet Union. be cautious.When will the Soviet Union be so kind as to give equity participation in its own state-owned enterprises to enterprises from other countries.

"What price does Japan need in exchange for equity participation?" Hashimoto Ryutaro asked very cautiously.Ryutaro Hashimoto's reaction was within Yanayev's expectations. The other party's first question was to ask the price instead of the benefits, and it could be heard that the other party was always wary of him.

"50.00% of the cost of laying oil pipelines." Yanayev threw out the Soviet Union's price unceremoniously, and then gave Hashimoto Ryutaro a price that was too tempting to refuse, "in exchange for most of the development projects in the Far East 15.00% stake."

With 15.00% equity in most projects, Ryutaro Hashimoto suddenly thought that he heard it wrong. The laying of oil pipelines may cost nearly 100 billion yuan, but the 15.00% equity of the Far East project is far more than 100 billion US dollars. The value brought by the equity stake has been digested by Japan for a long time.Hashimoto Ryutaro doesn't know if he can swallow such a big piece of cake, but if he succeeds, he will be in office for a longer time, and may even become one of the outstanding prime ministers in Japanese history.

"Why did the Soviet Union throw out such a big piece of cake?" Ryutaro Hashimoto was very puzzled. Logically speaking, in order to maximize his benefits, he could not share it with others.

"The development of the Far East needs money, and the laying of oil pipelines also needs money, and what the Soviet Union lacks most is funds." Yanayev lied ingeniously.In order to convince Hashimoto Ryutaro of his construction project, he deliberately introduced Chinese representatives.

"Not only Japan, China, which cooperated with the Soviet Union in laying oil pipelines, is also planning to get involved in the Far East development project, and the price they offer is not 50.00% of the cost, but as high as 80.00%, and then enjoys 20.00% San’s controlling stake. Of course, we think the conditions proposed by the Chinese side are a bit outrageous, so we approached the Japanese side to discuss this matter.”

Ryutaro Hashimoto fell silent. In this oil pipeline laying plan, China has already proposed to erect another oil pipeline dedicated to China. This made the Japanese Prime Minister very unhappy. differentiated and differentiated treatment.

Yanayev said, "Prime Minister Hashimoto Ryutaro, if you make up your mind one second later, then China's top leaders will continue for one more second."

One more second of continuation?