Chapter 240: A Threat to the Nation
After Lituo secured 100% of the mining rights, they invested billions of U.S. dollars and smoothly developed the Talego Copper-Gold Mine. Concentrated copper ore was continuously exported through China's ports, with most of it sold to the Chinese market.
Through this mining right, Lituo earned vast fortunes from the Chinese market. The Talego project had become a cash cow.
Among Lituo's annual profit of over 10 billion USD, the Talego Copper-Gold Mine accounted for a significant portion. This project was also their most successful symbol of diversification.
"So what is Lituo doing here?" Li Tang was baffled.
If this were the timeline he remembered, he could understand why senior leaders from Lituo would be in Mengguo—it was to take over the Talego project.
But in this reality, the mineral rights were already in his hands. He had no intention of selling.
Lituo's current core business was iron ore, and highly concentrated at that. Unlike global diversified giants like BHP or Rio Tinto, Lituo's footprint in Mengguo was minimal.
Their sudden appearance here made no sense.
Could it be that, somehow, fate had pulled them here again?
Were they here to reclaim what they had once gained in another timeline—now held by a shadowy intruder?
"Is something wrong?" Alice asked, clearly puzzled.
"The Japanese and Lituo are probably just here to explore mining opportunities. It has nothing to do with us," Guo Fengchun said, unconcerned.
They had no knowledge of the invisible connection between Lituo and the Talego mine, so it made sense they weren't worried.
Li Tang wasn't superstitious, but his presence in this era already defied logic.
"Who do you think those Japanese guys are with?" he asked.
"Japan has countless firms active globally. It's hard to guess which one," Guo replied, shaking his head.
"If they went into the Mineral and Petroleum Administration, they're likely from a mining, steel, or smelting company," Li Tang narrowed the scope.
"And among Japanese companies with the strength to operate overseas in mining, there are only a few," Guo added. As someone who handled international investments for Wukuang International, he was well-versed in foreign mining enterprises.
"I'd say it's either Nippon Steel or Itōchu."
"Nippon Steel…"
The name triggered something in Li Tang's mind.
He connected it to the globally renowned Lituo Group, and suddenly it all made sense.
He was almost certain those people were from a company under Japan's Sankeiretsu.
Japan's industrial strength and steel production had peaked in the '60s and '70s. Lacking their own iron ore and coal, they'd built their empire by investing upstream in mining across the world.
Especially in iron ore—they didn't own mines but held stakes in global producers, controlling enough output to rank as the world's fourth-largest source.
Among these stealthy powerhouses, the Sankeiretsu had made the most impact. They were now shareholders in Salinas Valley Mining—the world's top iron ore producer—and had become key decision-makers there.
This long game dated back to 1965, when they bought a 47% stake in Lituo's Juwei Iron Mine.
The Japanese-Australian partnership was now entrenched, extending beyond mining into equipment, shipping, sales, and capital operations.
So it wasn't strange to see Japanese and Australian firms working together in Mengguo.
Tuktuktuk…
Guo Fengchun started the engine, foot ready on the gas.
"Wait."
Li Tang remained in his seat.
"What's up?" Guo asked.
"Let's stay and see what they're up to," Li Tang replied, eyes fixed on the administration building entrance.
The Mineral and Petroleum Administration's door was shut.
Compared to how he'd been greeted, Jirigela was noticeably more enthusiastic with the newcomers.
This cultural phenomenon was strange—perhaps even subconscious—but Mengguo officials clearly held a subtle hostility toward Chinese investors.
"Welcome, Vice President Yoshida and Director Viduka, my old friends!"
Jirigela embraced both men warmly.
After brief pleasantries, Viduka pointed to the door:
"When we arrived, we passed some Chinese folks. They spoke with an odd accent."
"They're from Nanhuang Resources, all Chinese," Jirigela replied casually.
"They're the ones exploring the Talego Copper-Gold Project."
"Oh…"
Yoshida and Viduka exchanged surprised glances.
"We didn't expect those Chinese to be so important," said Yoshida.
Viduka's eyes lit up at the mention of Talego.
News of the massive discovery had swept the global economic press. Lituo had even held a special internal meeting to evaluate whether they could acquire a stake.
As Director of Exploration, Viduka knew the details well.
The project was immensely attractive—not just to Lituo, but to every major global mining firm.
Back in the '90s, mining companies were in a merger frenzy—seeking to control more assets and gain leverage.
A mine like Talego, with world-shaking potential, was irresistible.
Lituo had previously tried contacting Zhongcheng Mining (the current rights holder) via its China office. But they'd been firmly rebuffed—no interest in selling.
"What are they doing here?"
Viduka had come to inspect a coal project with Yoshida—but he had another goal: assess Talego firsthand and probe Mengguo officials for openings.
Opportunities weren't given. They were made.
"Talego has been confirmed as a world-class deposit—one of a kind,"
Jirigela said, beaming. The discovery had boosted his own prestige, and he was proud to share it.
"Exploration is almost complete. The Chinese are now applying for a mining license."
"They are?"
Mining rights are gained step by step—exploration, then development.
Viduka's mind raced.
"This is a critical resource," he said pointedly.
"Yes. That's why our parliament has officially designated Talego as a strategic national asset," Jirigela said proudly.
"You've agreed to issue them a license?" Viduka's voice grew tight.
If the Chinese obtained development rights on top of their exploration permit, the value of that asset would skyrocket.
"By law, we must grant them the license. We have no legal grounds to refuse," Jirigela admitted.
"Even if it feels unfair that such a vital asset is in Chinese hands, we can't block them."
Mengguo had opened its markets in the 1990s, adopting liberal economic reforms. But its mining law remained immature.
As Chinese firms secured key assets, Mengguo's political elite began to regret the open-door approach—but had little power to reverse it.
In fact, parliament was now deadlocked in debate.
Just then, Minister Bayar entered the room, hands behind his back, stomach protruding.
Everyone stood to greet him.
"I had to personally welcome our distinguished guests," he said.
"So what were you discussing?"
"They bumped into the Chinese executives," Jirigela explained.
"We were talking about the Talego mine."
"Is that so?"
Bayar clapped Viduka on the back.
"You're too late. Originally, Myles was exploring Talego—but somehow, the rights ended up with the Chinese."
Clearly, Mengguo's top brass were unhappy about it.
Viduka sensed an opportunity.
"A mine this important will be ruined in their hands," he declared.
"Chinese companies have never successfully developed a world-class mine. They lack experience—and capital."
Bayar nodded slightly.
"I've visited China. Their mining methods are primitive—workers and livestock hauling ore by hand. Laborers live like slaves, with no freedom."
Freedom was Mengguo's guiding ideal. Western wealth and liberty were aspirational.
Bayar and Jirigela exchanged looks. They'd heard such rumors before.
"They'll enslave your people," Viduka said.
"That's their tradition. They'll work your citizens like animals—for scraps. And if anyone resists, they'll use violence."
He was weaving a tale of exploitation—one that resonated with local fears.
"They don't have modern mining technology. Our mines at Lituo are fully automated—from extraction to transport to shipping. The Chinese? They still rely on manual labor. They'll waste the ore, pollute the land, and generate no profits."
"They'll poison your grasslands. Your herders will starve. Your children will suffer."
Bayar and Jirigela fell silent, their expressions darkening.
Because, deep down, many lawmakers had voiced the same concerns.
They feared China's influence, despite having no real alternative partners.
And so, they sat in uneasy silence.
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