Chapter 253 Andre's Request

"Andrei, are you saying that China will join NATO?" Ustinov asked Andrei after a minute's pause. A red country joining the Western camp? Isn't this too shocking?

"It's possible." Andre said, "After all, if the Americans' island country is occupied by us, the American strategy in the Far East will fail. They will definitely try to find a new breakthrough point, and China is the most suitable. And once China stands in the Western camp, the threat to us should be clear to you."

Because of the revolution in the country, China's national strength has weakened. Up to now, it is still using improved MiG-21 fighters and is completely unable to cope with the threat from the Soviet Union. Therefore, if the United States welcomes China with open arms, China may really make unexpected moves!

"Andrei, what do you think we should do?" Andropov asked Andrei. Andropov also thought highly of this young man, who had an experience and maturity that did not match his age!

"It was a mistake back then." Andrei said, "We share the same beliefs as China. Khrushchev's wrong line created a gap between us and China. Now, it is time to eliminate this misunderstanding. We should eliminate the gap with China, enhance mutual trust, and increase exchanges. I believe that compared with the West, China is more willing to come together with us. If necessary, I am willing to visit China as an envoy, and when necessary, it will rise to mutual visits between the leaders of our two countries."

Whether it was due to the current Soviet Union's strategic considerations or the memories of his previous life, Andre did not want the hostility between China and the Soviet Union to continue forever. These were unnecessary. It was the Soviet Union that pushed China into the American camp! If they had a good relationship with China, the huge army deployed in northern China could be withdrawn and sent to Western Europe, where it would play a much greater role than here!

"China is currently lacking in technology in all areas." Andre continued, "Even if we export our low-end fighters and tanks to China, we can still get generous rewards. China has strategic and practical economic interests in us. Although China's economy is still very backward, as they end the domestic unrest, the economy will soon develop. Moreover, China's light industry is very developed, which can just make up for our shortcomings."

Now, under the leadership of Andropov, the Soviet Union is about to enter a new era of reform. However, due to decades of bias in the Soviet Union, up to now, heavy industry is extremely developed, while light industry is backward. This situation is impossible to change in an instant, which is just right for complementing China.

"Well, Andrei, we will seriously consider your proposal." Andropov said to Andrei. Such an important national policy could not be accepted by Andrei's suggestion alone. It had to be discussed at the meeting and carefully considered.

"Yes." Andrei replied. He saw from the eyes of the two that they were tempted by his proposal. In his early years, Andropov had visited China many times and had some understanding of China. Cooperation is a win-win situation, and hostility can only push China to its enemies.

"Andrei, before you go to the Far East to take up your post, you can first visit the Black Sea Shipyard. There, the second Kiev-class aircraft carrier, the Minsk, has been re-sea tested. The Ministry of National Defense has decided that the second Minsk will also be assigned to the Pacific Fleet. Moreover, based on the navy's last naval battle experience, the Minsk has been improved." Ustinov suddenly said before leaving.

Minsk! The second aircraft carrier of the Kiev class was commissioned one year after the first one. Historically, Kiev first served in the Northern Fleet, Minsk served in the Black Sea Fleet, and then was transferred to the Pacific Fleet. Now, due to the changes in the situation in the Far East, the Red Navy has also made major adjustments. The second Minsk will also belong to the Pacific Fleet!

Moreover, this warship had been improved after the previous experience! This made Andre eager to try it out.

Obviously, Andrei's arrival was just an episode. Ustinov and Andropov had important matters to discuss. Andrei said goodbye to the two and was about to turn around and leave, but he slapped his head.

"I'm sorry, General Secretary, I forgot the purpose of my visit." Andre said embarrassedly.

The purpose of coming here! Coming here uninvited, it was because Andrei had the convenience. Originally, when Andrei asked to see them, Andropov and Ustinov thought that Andrei knew that his side was doing well and came here to take credit. Otherwise, why would he come here in such a hurry?

However, they had originally planned to arrange for Andrei to go to the Moscow Military Region, but Andrei actually took the initiative to ask to go to the Far East again, which was beyond their expectations. And now, Andrei actually has other purposes?

"Andrei, what else do you want?" Andropov asked.

"It's a private matter." Andrei said, "I want to ask for a new job for my wife, Ekaterina. Please agree, General Secretary."

Find a new job for Ekaterina? Now, Andrei is a major general. Andrei's salary alone is enough to support the family. Moreover, for the convenience of taking care of her, Ekaterina sometimes lives with Irina. Ekaterina works in a Moscow hospital. Everything is going well. What kind of job does Andrei want to find for Ekaterina? Andropov was curious. If Andrei suggested that Ekaterina stop working and become a housewife, it might be easier for Andropov to accept.

"What job?"

"Come to the Kremlin and be the personal physician of the General Secretary." Andrei said, "I know that my request is a bit bold, but General Secretary, you are now the helmsman of the entire Soviet Union. Your health is related to the future and destiny of our entire Soviet Union. You should be equipped with a personal physician. I think that Ekaterina's medical skills are very good and she should be able to take on this task."

Let Ekaterina be Andropov's personal doctor! Hearing this, Andropov did not feel offended. On the contrary, Andropov was very moved.

Andrei has always been loyal to Andropov. Although he did not make any spectacular performance in this power struggle, he has proved his heartfelt support for Andropov with practical actions. Now, he is even more practical and considers everything for Andropov.