Chapter 279: The Ming Dynasty adheres to the strategy of peaceful development and will never attack its allies
Zhu Gang frowned tightly, his broad and majestic brows, and said solemnly: "This place is located at a key position between the Pacific Ocean and the Indian Ocean. It is a vital channel for the future naval strategy of our Ming Dynasty to move forward."

He knew very well that effective control of NSQD was of great significance to the Ming Dynasty.

This is not only a key support point for the Ming Navy to break through the constraints of the island chain, advance eastward into the Pacific Ocean, and expand westward into the Indian Ocean, but also related to the core of the court's maritime rights and interests and strategic security.

If the Ming Dynasty unfortunately lost the vast territory of the South China Sea, the first thing to suffer would be the loss of the extremely strategic base closest to the Strait of Malacca.

As a result, the Ming Dynasty will no longer be able to smoothly enter the Indian Ocean through the Strait of Malacca, a strategic location that is a matter of life and death.

Zhu Gang then continued, "Secondly, the shipping value of the South China Sea is simply inestimable. It plays a vital role in the transportation of important strategic materials for the Ming Dynasty.

This point has been fully proven based on past historical experience.

Whether it is the sea routes between the Ming Dynasty and Southeast Asian countries, South Asia, West Asia, Africa and even Europe.

Without exception, they must pass through the waters surrounding the South China Sea Islands."

Because Zhu Gang had previously elaborated in detail on the relevant geographical knowledge and concepts about Southeast Asia, South Asia, West Asia, Africa, and even Europe.

So at this moment, all the generals and nobles present at the scene could generally understand what Zhu Gang had just said.

Yingchuan Marquis Fu Youde said with a sigh on his face: "In my opinion, the Hongwu Military Academy must be established as soon as possible!
Otherwise, there would be a series of new terms mentioned by His Royal Highness Prince Jin.

We old guys may not be able to understand the deep meaning of this!"

At this time, Xu Da was thoughtful. He stared at the map of the South China Sea situation drawn by Zhu Gang himself.

After a moment, Xu Da pointed to an island in the picture and asked, "Where is this island located?

How far is it from our Ming Dynasty?"

Zhu Gang keenly realized that the Duke of Wei was about to become his father-in-law.

His eyes reveal a strong curiosity and a desire to explore the unknown.

However, this was exactly the reaction Zhu Gang expected, because he had been waiting for an opportunity to start the topic.

So Zhu Gang followed Xu Da's interested gaze, took a sip of the fragrant tea in his hand, and then began to explain slowly.

"This island has a special name in my Ming Dynasty - 'Little Ryukyu'.

You see, it is very close to Fujian, only 72 nautical miles away, which is about 260 miles.

If we examine it from a geopolitical point of view, Xiaoliuqiu is undoubtedly a key gateway to the southeastern coastal area of ​​Ming Dynasty."

Zhu Gang raised his voice slightly and his expression became more serious.

“You should know that this island is located right at the junction of the East China Sea and the South China Sea, like a natural bridge, closely connecting the vast Pacific Ocean region.

Such a dangerous place, no matter who gets it, it is equivalent to holding the golden key to open the strategic channel of the Pacific!

For our Ming Dynasty, its significance is even more significant.

Controlling Xiaoliuqiu not only means that the depth of our country's coastal defense can be greatly expanded, but also enables us to more effectively defend our maritime rights and interests and territorial integrity."

When he said this, Zhu Gang couldn't help but straighten his chest.

He stood straight, as if he wanted to show his inner determination to everyone.

In those eyes as bright as stars, there was a firm light that could not be ignored, like the brightest star in the night sky.

At this moment, Taiqi suddenly spoke in a deep and meaningful tone: "By the way, the Minhai is a wide strait located near Xiaoliuqiu. Its unique geographical location is like an indestructible natural defense line, guarding this land."

Upon hearing this, Zhu Biao, who had appeared out of nowhere, nodded slightly in agreement.

Then he gently waved his hand and said slowly: "My Great Ming has always adhered to the strategic concept of 'peaceful development' and has always been committed to maintaining a good cooperative relationship of harmony, friendship and mutual assistance with neighboring countries.

If it weren't for the Japanese Prince Huailiang of the Southern Dynasty, who brazenly killed our Ming envoys, the two countries would have become enemies.

The Ming Dynasty court will never plan to send troops to conquer.

As for this little Ryukyu Island, it is no different from your Ryukyu Kingdom.

As long as you can sincerely cooperate with our Ming Dynasty, we can develop and progress together.

Then I will definitely abide by the relevant diplomatic guidelines regarding those countries listed as "unconquerable countries".

Father will never allow the Ming navy to use force against its friendly allies."

Zhu Gang and Zhu Biao both knew very well that the two main external threats to the Ming Dynasty, besides the Northern Yuan Dynasty, were the Japanese pirates.

At least at this stage, Xiaoliuqiu Island and the Ryukyu Kingdom are allies that the Ming Dynasty must unite with.

Through this military and political analysis and exchange meeting, Zhu Gang proposed to establish military academies in local prefectures and counties to solve the shortage of officers and meet the needs of military training.

“All the people in Yingtian Military Academy are former officers of the Shenjiying Camp. Their tactical theories and qualities are among the best in the entire Ming Dynasty.

In addition to its strong faculty, Yingtian Military Academy also offers a wide variety of courses.

There are not only the conventional infantry, artillery, cavalry, engineering, and logistics departments, but also the aviation discipline that has recently emerged in Taiyuan.

Compared with the superficial training of other officer training institutions, Yingtian Military Academy is more sophisticated.

For example, the first things taught at the Military Academy were the coordination between infantry and artillery, as well as the use of extended artillery fire and blind-angle destruction advantages.

It can be said that the artillery officers who graduated from the Yingtian Military Academy will become top talents with strong technical capabilities in the future..."

Before Zhu Gang could finish his words, Zhu Yuanzhang, who was sitting not far away, could no longer contain his inner anxiety.

He asked, "Old Third, what exactly does the aviation subject you just mentioned teach?"

Zhu Gang raised his hand and pointed at the hot air balloon outside Kunning Palace, and said slowly: "Dad, you can see the giant spherical object outside that is about three meters high. This is a tool for carrying airmen."

As the footsteps got closer, Zhu Yuanzhang was able to see clearly.

It turns out that the huge spherical object was not floating in the air for no reason.

There are several ropes underneath connecting to a frame, which is about ten feet long.

There was a very strange object inside, spewing fire.

The dazzling flames and the hot air continuously gushed upwards, causing the sphere to expand and swell.

There are also several inclined ropes, one end of which is connected to the rope of the sphere and the other end is firmly tied to the wooden stakes on the ground.

This unprecedented scene shocked Zhu Yuanzhang so much that he was speechless for a long time.

(End of this chapter)