Chapter 266: Aggressive Tactic

April 5th, 2028. Zhongnanhai, eight o'clock in the morning.

The President of the Communist Party of China, Li Zhang, sat at the head of the ornate conference table. The room was filled with the top brass of China's military and political leadership. At the center of attention was General Wei Fenghe, the Minister of National Defense.

General Wei stood, his expression stern as he addressed the room. "Mr. President, esteemed colleagues, we have received intelligence that the Philippines has acquired an advanced missile system from the Reyes Corporation."

Li Zhang's eyes narrowed. "The Reyes Corporation? The same one causing waves with their rapid technological advancements?"

"Yes, Mr. President," General Wei confirmed. "Their missile system is reported to be highly advanced, possibly surpassing our current capabilities in some areas. This development poses a significant threat to our strategic interests in the South China Sea."

A murmur of concern rippled through the room. Li Zhang raised a hand, silencing the chatter. "What do you propose, General?"

General Wei's eyes gleamed with a hint of calculated ambition. "I propose a test, Mr. President. We should see the capabilities of this missile system in real combat. By doing so, we can assess the threat it poses and formulate our countermeasures."

Li Zhang leaned forward, intrigued. "And how do you suggest we conduct this test?"

"We will fly a remote-controlled fighter jet into Philippine territory," General Wei explained. "The jet will be equipped to provoke a response. If the Philippines fires its new missile system at our jet, we will gain valuable data on its capabilities."

Li Zhang considered the proposal, his fingers steepled in thought. "You are suggesting we provoke them into revealing their hand."

"Precisely, Mr. President," General Wei affirmed. "This will allow us to understand their defensive capabilities without risking our personnel. Additionally, it will send a clear message about our resolve in the region."

"If we were to do that, the United States might see it as an act of aggression," Li Zhang cautioned.

General Wei nodded. "We have a cover story prepared, Mr. President. We will claim that we were conducting an experiment with an unmanned fighter jet. During the experiment, we will say, we lost signal with the jet, and it veered off course into Philippine territory. This will provide plausible deniability and reduce the risk of escalating tensions with the United States."

Li Zhang leaned back, considering the plan. "And you're confident this story will hold up?"

The operators and engineers nodded, their faces set with determination. General Wei continued, "Captain Liu will oversee the remote piloting of the Chengu. I will monitor the data collection and ensure everything is documented. We need to capture as much information as possible on their missile system's capabilities."

Captain Liu acknowledged the order. "Understood, General. We will proceed with the launch on your command."

General Wei moved to the center of the control room, his gaze fixed on the large screens displaying real-time data from the jet and the carrier. "Initiate launch sequence," he commanded.

Inside the control room, the operators took over the remote controls, guiding the Chengu toward its predetermined course. The jet's flight path was meticulously planned to avoid detection by Philippine radar systems until it was too late to respond effectively.

As the Chengu approached Philippine airspace, the tension in the control room mounted. General Wei kept his eyes on the screens, monitoring every detail. "Activate the provocation sequence," he commanded.

The jet began pathing towards the area where the Philippine's radar center is pointed.

***

Camp General Emilio Aguinaldo, Quezon City.

Headquarters of the Department of Defense.

In the Philippines, radar operators noticed the intruding jet. Alarms blared as the unidentified aircraft entered their airspace.

The radar operator raised a hand, alerting his superior. "Sir, we've detected an unidentified aircraft entering our airspace."

Colonel Santos, the officer in charge, moved quickly to the radar screen. "Is it a commercial or military aircraft?"

"Military, sir. No transponder signal, and it's making aggressive maneuvers," the radar operator replied.

Colonel Santos nodded gravely. "Shit...I'll alert the Minister."