On February 7, after a "long" half-day negotiation, in Naha Shunho Building, Okubo Toshimichi and Ito Dr. Wen signed the "South-Japan Treaty of Amity and Friendship" on behalf of Japan.
The content of this treaty was also what Okubo Toshimichi and Ito Hirobumi fought hard for. Although the content of the treaty is basically a replica of the treaties signed between Japan and the United States, Britain, France and other countries, that is, it recognizes that Nanhua has consular jurisdiction in Japan.
Accept the agreed tariff system; grant South China most-favored-nation treatment and the like.
However, due to Dr. Ito's insistence, Japan ultimately did not make concessions on the issue of "the settlement of South Chinese people", that is, the concession. However, as a compromise, Japan allowed South Chinese businessmen to recruit workers in the mainland.
Compared with other clauses, this clause is the most important to Nanhua. With this treaty, Nanhua merchants can enter and leave Japan at will. From then on, Japanese women can come to Nanhua continuously.
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Li Fengzhi was naturally very excited about this. After the signing of the treaty, he even took the initiative to propose a toast to "South-Japan goodwill and friendship."
"For Japan, this is really a great progress. It is the most equal treaty Japan has signed since Admiral Perry's visit to Japan!"
A few days later, in Tokyo, people cheered Japan's "diplomatic victory."
What does such a seemingly equal "goodwill and friendship" treaty mean to Japan? It is the first "equal treaty" after the Five Articles of Ansei. Many Japanese politicians even believe that this treaty can be used as the basis for establishing relations with the West.
Great powers negotiated and revised treaties. After all, the Five Ansei Treaties were signed separately after the signing of the Japan-US Treaty.
An "equal treaty" signed with the great powers is the capital of their negotiations! Of course, whether people recognize it or not is another matter.
And what does the signing of this treaty mean to Nanhua?
Nobody knows.
But one thing that is certain is that since then, Nanhua has become a member of the great powers in Japan.
While the Japanese were cheering for their "diplomatic victory", after leaving 150 Japanese troops stationed in Ryukyu, the "Shikai" began its return journey. As for the prize "Shōho Maru", it was captured by Japanese soldiers and Nanhua
Under the command of the officer, we formed a formation and headed to the next stop together.
Midway Island.
Midway Island in 1870 was definitely not as famous as it would be in later generations. Even on the Pacific route, it was an unknown island. However, this small island was the only island owned by Nanhua in the central Pacific - Wu.
Years ago, after Zhu Xianhai promulgated the "Guano Island Law", with his support, Nanhua's fleet, including the whaling fleet, began to explore the Pacific and Indian Oceans. They successively discovered twenty-six
islands, and Midway is one of them.
The island was first discovered in July 1859 by a captain named Middle Brooks. He discovered it in the vast Pacific Ocean, claimed it as his own and named it after himself. However,
Historically, it was not until 1867 that another captain obtained ownership of the island and then renamed it "Midway Island".
After discovering this island in 1865, Zhu Xianhai did not hesitate to station troops on the island, because this island, located in the middle of the east and west Pacific Ocean, has an extremely important strategic position both now and in the future.
Although there are only a few hundred people in the garrison, it is precisely because of their existence that Nanhua has always firmly controlled the island. It is also because of their existence that all countries have recognized Nanhua's control of "Midway Island".
Like everyone else, when he was on duty on the fort, Qian Minghe looked into the distance from time to time, his eyes full of expectation. According to the shift schedule, this time it was his turn to go to Alaska for vacation - for the sailors on the desert island
For example, even going to Fuyang, which has a population of only a few thousand people, is equivalent to entering the city. However, this city is far away and there is only one opportunity every year.
"There's a boat!"
Suddenly, there was a shout from the watchtower, and then someone shouted.
"It's the Zhuque Banner, our ship."
With such shouts, many people ran excitedly towards the coast. For these defenders on the isolated island, seeing the Suzaku flag meant seeing home.
On March 29, after a month and a half of sailing, the "Shikai" and the "Shoho Maru" finally arrived at Midway Island, the transit point for their trip.
"Dongxiang, after entering the berth of the atoll, you will lead a team of people to carry supplies. It will not be easy for the brothers guarding the island. Every Nanhua ship passing by here will put some supplies here."
"Hi……"
As soon as he finished speaking, Dongxiang changed his words.
"Yes, sir."
Looking at Togo Heihachiro in front of him, Wu Anping said.
"Dongxiang, since you can speak Chinese, you should try your best to speak Chinese. The same is true for you. Learn more from Dongxiang. If you want to become a naturalized citizen, you must pass the "Chinese Language Proficiency Test". You don't want to
I don’t think it’s a big deal. When you get to Nanhua, you will know that it’s better to be a Nanhua person!”
"Yes, thank you sir for your teaching."
Dongxiang and others bowed one after another. Although they were once prisoners, they are now mercenaries of the Nanhua Navy. Although after the negotiation, Nanhua said that they could be released, almost everyone, including Dongxiang, refused.
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It's not that they are unwilling to return to Japan. As losers, even if they return to Satsuma Domain, they will bring shame to their families. According to Japanese tradition, they should commit suicide, but...how many people want to die?
It was impossible to return to Satsuma, and the court did not want them. Nanhua extended an olive branch to them. Faced with the invitation, almost all the prisoners chose to stay in Nanhua. Some of them were stationed in Naha as the navy. Some of them drove
"Xiangfengwan" returns to Nanhua.
After the ship sailed into the docking area, when the admiral met with the island-defending troops, Togo Heihachishima had doubts in his heart when he looked at this desolate island.
"Why would Nanhua station troops on this desert island?"
No one would tell him the answer, but Togo Heihachiro found that the spirits of the Nanhua soldiers on this island seemed to be good. Although they were on an isolated island in the middle of the ocean, they were all in good spirits.
"Chief Dongxiang, what do you think Nanhua is like?"
That night, while enjoying dinner at the restaurant on the island, Yamaguchi asked curiously as he looked at the fish and meat dinner on the plate.
"On such a deserted island, they actually eat so well. I think Nanhua must be a very wealthy place."
What does Nanhua look like? Togo Heihachiro is also full of expectations for that land...
This chapter has been completed!