Soon.
A certain high-ranking US official was the first to make a statement.
"Indeed, Lieutenant General Tommy's talent in military matters is evident for all to see..."
"However, Lieutenant General Tommy may not be proficient in financial matters..."
"Therefore, I propose that the specific expenditure of the billion-dollar budget for this joint military exercise be handled by Lieutenant General Tommy..."
Soon.
Voices of agreement continued.
"I agree."
"I also think it makes sense."
"I concur."
"..."
After a round of statements,
A consensus was essentially reached.
Lieutenant General Tommy.
This billion-dollar budget and the joint military exercise involving multiple nations will be entirely your responsibility, Lieutenant General Tommy... In return, you will not interfere in other financial matters.
The United States.
A nation that grew rich by profiting from war.
When it comes to anything related to war, money is always involved.
After all, whether making money or spending money, this country is extravagant... It is all about harvesting the world's resources through its hegemony in currency, technology, and military might.
Money comes fast, and it is spent like water.
Otherwise, there wouldn't have been the preposterous incident in the Afghan War where the US spent millions of dollars to transport a goat.
Perhaps, making money is a bit difficult.
But when it comes to spending money,
Among those present, everyone is an expert.
Soon.
An important politician spoke first.
"We previously supported drug-trafficking warlords in the Golden Triangle, thus disrupting the entire region..."
"Although a lot of these illicit substances flowed back to our homeland, those who use them are all bottom-tier scum, and scum deserve trash, which is quite fitting..."
The intention of this politician was simple.
Spend some money.
Da Xia is planning to form a financial bloc around its country, right?
Then let's support a group of terrorists and deny Da Xia's surrounding countries a stable and peaceful financial environment.
Lieutenant General Tommy listened with great interest.
Although he was not allowed to interfere in this financial battle, it did not mean he could not offer his opinions... On the contrary, this so-called financial sniper battle was still intrinsically linked to military matters.
With Lieutenant General Tommy, a free military advisor, providing assistance, they should be grateful.
"Once these terrorists grow powerful, these surrounding countries will undoubtedly be in a desperate situation, and then we can step in, using the opportunity to eradicate these terrorists, and begin stationing our troops..."
This method.
It was indeed good.
A trick where the perpetrator cries wolf, played with utmost skill.
As everyone expressed that this strategy was excellent,
Lieutenant General Tommy stepped in to pour cold water.
"This is clearly a foolish plan of spending money to pave the way for others!"
"Are these terrorists the 'black uncles' with AKs from the African continent?"
"For ordinary small countries or common people, the destructive power of these black uncles is indeed considerable and sufficiently intimidating, but for Da Xia, these black uncles are simply not worth mentioning!"
Huh?
All eyes once again focused on Lieutenant General Tommy.
"Don't forget, Da Xia's military strength is second only to ours... In fact, in many areas, they have already surpassed us."
"Since they can dispatch a dual-carrier fleet to patrol around Australia, then when it comes to the terrorists in the surrounding countries, they are completely insignificant."
"Which do you think these surrounding small countries will seek aid from first when they discover terrorists? Da Xia, this regional power, or us, the United States, separated by the entire Pacific Ocean?"
Lieutenant General Tommy had another reason he didn't explicitly state.
The leaders of these small countries were not fools either.
They would certainly realize immediately that these terrorists were created by the United States.
This was like poisoning.
If a village in ancient times discovered someone was poisoning them, they would immediately report it to the village chief and hunt down the poisoner, not seek help from the poisoner.
Indeed.
As Lieutenant General Tommy reminded them, the politicians who had been discussing enthusiastically suddenly frowned.
It was true.
Just as Tommy said.
This was completely paving the way for Da Xia.
It would deepen Da Xia's influence in the hearts of surrounding countries.
Soon, various other methods were proposed.
For example, providing USD loans to these countries... However, Da Xia was already preparing to establish its own regional financial bloc, so wouldn't the USD be no different from waste paper to these countries?
Another example, providing weapons and equipment to these countries... Damn it, even if Da Xia didn't intervene, and even if they turned a blind eye, these countries would treat these weapons as manna from heaven and would later seek commendation from Da Xia.
Another example, using military coercion to build US military bases in these countries... If you can't sleep peacefully with someone else snoring beside your bed, doing this would be akin to giving Da Xia more leverage and urging them to accelerate their military development and break through the maritime blockade.
In the end.
They talked all afternoon.
As dusk approached, they still hadn't come up with any constructive suggestions.
Seeing that the entire meeting had devolved into a chaotic marketplace due to differing opinions,
The highest-ranking official of the United States could no longer stand it... For this eighty-year-old man, the high-intensity meeting of the day had exhausted him, and his condition had reached its limit... He couldn't help but speak.
"After all this back and forth, is there no viable plan?"
"This is the White House, this is Capitol Hill, not a marketplace for haggling!"
"If absolutely necessary, discuss among yourselves privately, and after you've come up with a feasible plan, we can continue the meeting."
Seeing that the highest official had an opinion.
Immediately.
The previously rowdy meeting room became much quieter.
Everyone stared at each other.
The previous arguments had clearly sparked genuine animosity... Of course, the main reason was that if a particular faction's strategy was adopted, it would come with significant financial support and, like Lieutenant General Tommy, their status, prestige, and influence would be qualitatively enhanced.
Seeing that no one proposed to adjourn, and daring not to continue arguing under the pressure of the highest US official,
Lieutenant General Tommy seized the opportunity and spoke.
"My opinion is that all economic and diplomatic decisions depend on the outcome of military conflicts."
"Therefore, let's start with the joint military exercises, and then, depending on the specific situation, adopt different response strategies."
"Gentlemen, what do you think of my proposal?"
Good heavens.
Lieutenant General Tommy was indeed a seasoned veteran who understood human nature.
As soon as he said this, everyone nodded in agreement.