The expeditionary force began to dominate Southeast Asia by recruiting defeated soldiers

Chapter 596: Ali Khan's Pledge of Allegiance, Xingzhou Stock Exchange



Chapter 596: Ali Khan's Pledge of Allegiance, Xingzhou Stock Exchange

What Zhang Chi said was not just nonsense, but had legal basis.

In a sense, there was no concept of the country of Sindhu before John's people came.

Terms such as Tianzhu and Shendu have always been geographical concepts in the history of Bactria. The reason why the names are different is simply because some are translated from Persian and some are directly translated from Sanskrit.

(Sindhu is the homophone of the Sanskrit word Ganges)

The name that people in later generations are used to was given by the eminent monk Xuanzang based on the pronunciation of Indu after he went on a journey to obtain Buddhist scriptures.

The Mughal Empire, the most powerful dynasty in its history, only briefly controlled most of the northern part of the South Asian subcontinent.

Most of the south was controlled by the princely kings and did not obey the dynasty's orders.

It was the colonial rule of the Johns that nominally unified the country, but even the Johns signed treaties with the kings of various principality states, granting them autonomy.

In Zhang Chi's view, the unification and independence of other countries have all gone through the test of blood and fire.

It doesn't make sense that Delhi and the Crescent-Star Alliance could directly gain control of the princely state just because John's people said a few words?

His proposal placed Nanyang in a privileged position as a chess player. He did not need to send troops directly, but only needed to provide weapons, training, and diplomatic support to sow the seeds of division at the critical juncture when Sindhu was about to become independent.

Once these sparks are ignited, they will greatly consume the energy of the future Sindhu officials, making them unable to look east, thus clearing a potential huge obstacle for Nanyang's hegemony in Southeast Asia.

Singh was shocked by the blueprint and "solutions" Zhang Chi provided.

It would be much more feasible for Hyderabad to unite with the northeastern states and jointly declare independence than for Hyderabad to withstand the pressure from Delhi alone.

And with the powerful foreign aid of Nanyang...

"Your Excellency, the Great Commander, is very far-sighted." Singh stood up excitedly. "Your proposal is full of wisdom!"

"I will immediately convey your foresight and Nanyang's friendship to His Majesty the Nizam. I believe His Majesty will be very grateful and willing to engage in in-depth negotiations with Nanyang on the specific details of cooperation, including weapons procurement lists, personnel training, and material exchanges."

After seeing off Mil and his group, who were full of excitement, the smile on Zhang Chi's face instantly faded.

The chessboard of this world is full of dangers and we cannot let our guard down.

He turned around and said to Secretary Liu who was waiting beside him:

"Prepare the vehicles. Go to the 7th Infantry Division's training ground. I want to see with my own eyes how prepared my 'tunnel sweepers' are."

However, just as Zhang Chi was about to leave, Singer, who had just reached the door, suddenly stopped, with a hint of hesitation on his face, turned around and walked back quickly.

"Your Excellency, the Commander-in-Chief, please forgive me for being so presumptuous, but I have one more thing to ask..." Singer bowed slightly, his posture even more respectful than before.

Zhang Chi raised his eyebrows, a little surprised.

Arms trade, offensive and defensive alliances, and material exchanges, the core issues have all been agreed upon. What else is there?

He remained calm and said, "Please speak, Mr. Singh. Since we are allies, you can speak freely."

Singh took a deep breath and said:

"In addition to military cooperation, His Majesty Ali Khan and the Finance Committee of the State of Hyderabad have great interest and confidence in Nanyang's new stock and exchange in Singapore."

A hint of surprise flashed across Zhang Chi's eyes, then he understood, and a playful smile appeared at the corner of his mouth.

This was a pleasant surprise, but also within reason.

Singh continued:

"As everyone knows, not only does the State of Hyderabad possess ample fiscal reserves, but Your Majesty and his family have also accumulated... well, considerable wealth. Your Majesty hopes to obtain an opportunity to directly invest in the Xingzhou Stock Exchange you are planning to establish, either by purchasing equity in the exchange market or participating as a major initial investor."

This is no longer a simple trade or military aid, but a naked financial token of allegiance.

The active investment of the core assets of the Hyderabad monarch and state finances into the financial system dominated by Southeast Asia proves its determination to rely on Southeast Asia and its urgency to seek asylum better than any political declaration.

This requires not only courage, but also a strategic vision that is almost like gambling - betting that Nanyang can win and betting that Nanyang can protect the safety of their assets.

Zhang Chi couldn't help but chuckle, with a hint of sarcasm:

"Mr. Singer, your country's wisdom is truly impressive. However..." He changed the subject, "There are many financial centers in the world. White Eagle has deep roots on Wall Street and a mature market. Why not invest your wealth there? It seems more 'safe' there?"

A trace of embarrassment flashed across Singh's face. He smiled bitterly and spread his hands.

"Your Excellency, the President, is well-informed. Wall Street may be mature, but it's too far away from us, and the rules are set by others. Meanwhile, Southeast Asia... is a vibrant emerging market with unlimited prospects."

He emphasized, "More importantly, we believe that Nanyang has the ability and willingness to protect the legitimate interests of investors within its system, especially at... certain critical moments."

The subtext of these words couldn't be clearer. White Eagle? To win over the potentially massive Sindhu Republic or Baba Sheep, they could sacrifice the interests of the "historical legacy" of the Hyderabad State at any moment, freezing or even confiscating their overseas assets.

John? The sun is setting and he has nothing to do with himself.

The Russian bear? That's a fantasy. A feudal monarch like the Nizam investing in the Russian bear is just like committing suicide. Is he asking for death?

Therefore, the seemingly risky investment in the Nanyang financial market was actually the most realistic and potentially secure lifeline that the Nizam and the State of Hyderabad could grasp in desperate situations.

They bet their wealth on Nanyang, which means they bet their future entirely on Nanyang's rise and its protection for them.

Zhang Chi couldn't help but look up to him. The Hyderabad monarch had capable people under his command!

Anyone who could make such a precise and bold strategic decision on the eve of the chaos that was about to change Sindhu was definitely not a mediocre person.

"Okay!" Zhang Chi responded loudly, with a sense of pride. "I feel the trust of the Nizam and your country. Although Nanyang's foreign investment management law and financial regulatory details are still in the final stages of research and formulation, but..."

He waved his hand, showing extraordinary courage:

"I, Zhang Chi, as the Grand Commander of the United Nanyang States, grant priority access to the Singapore Stock Exchange for the legal funds of the State of Hyderabad and its monarch. The specific investment methods, quotas, and regulatory requirements will be determined in detail by the Ministry of Finance, the soon-to-be-established Singapore Monetary Authority, and your special envoy."

Upon hearing this, Singer's eyes lit up with an irrepressible glint of surprise, and his heart was finally at ease.

This is not just an investment permit, but also a recognition of their status and a commitment to protect them by the highest level of Nanyang.

No matter what, at that time, at least Nizam himself, his property and his life will be definitely saved.

"Thank you, Your Excellency, for your trust and generosity," Singh bowed deeply. "Your Majesty and the State of Hyderabad will cherish this friendship and opportunity."

Zhang Chi walked forward and patted Singer on the shoulder, with a smile that carried a hint of meaning:

"Mr. Singh, there's no need to rush back home. Why not stay here for a few days and experience the vitality of Southeast Asia?

On March 1st, the Sin Chew Stock Exchange will hold a grand opening ceremony. I invite you, as the Nizam's representative, to join me in Sin Chew to witness the birth of this new Southeast Asian financial hub. This will be an excellent start to our cooperation."


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