The expeditionary force began to dominate Southeast Asia by recruiting defeated soldiers

Chapter 553 Rubber Plantation Labour Protection Ordinance

Seeing everyone's performance, Zhang Chi showed a meaningful smile:

"This is just for now. When the war is over and the world economy enters a period of rapid development, the demand for automobiles, civil aviation, and various industrial products will explode, and the price of rubber will only soar every year.

And what about wartime fighters like the P-51D? They'll soon become fire sale items on the arms market. I bet that by then, with the money from 1 tons of rubber, we could buy thousands of Mustangs, not just 200.

After all, even if the parliament does not want to sell the military surplus to Nanyang, the White Eagle military will definitely be eager to sell it off.

Those military surpluses still need maintenance fees, and if the old aircraft are not cleared out, how can the Pentagon cheat new funds from Congress to develop and deploy new jet fighters?

Why buy so many old planes?

For newly born industrial countries, foreign garbage also plays a big role.

In the original timeline, the Koreans and Japanese, who would become the White Eagle's minions in the future, couldn't buy it even if they wanted to for various reasons.

This highly impactful data comparison naturally ignited the ambition and sense of urgency of the participants.

Unfortunately, reality is harsh.

Zhao Shuzhi, who came from Daxia and was specially recruited by Zhang Chi to serve as Minister of Agriculture, reported solemnly:

"Commander-in-Chief, colleagues, the Japanese invasion of Southeast Asia over the past two years has caused tremendous damage to our rubber industry. Rubber workers have been forcibly conscripted or have fled, rubber plantation management has been neglected, and infrastructure has been destroyed... According to preliminary statistics, rubber production in 1945 has generally dropped by more than 50% compared to its pre-war peak. Many high-quality rubber plantations are now producing less than 30% of their output."

"So," Zhang Chi slammed the table and looked at Boss Chen and several other wealthy Chinese businessmen, "Resuming production and increasing output are the overriding priorities of the rubber industry right now."

Upon hearing this, the rubber plantation owners present all shuddered. Some felt relieved that they didn't have to bleed heavily, but also felt a little nervous that the next move would determine their future fate.

Zhang Chi's eyes swept over, making sure to make eye contact with everyone:

"I know that before the war, in some places, in pursuit of production, they were indeed... not very particular about rubber workers. But now that the United States of Southeast Asia has been established, I make it clear that this cannot continue!"

Zhang Chi flipped open a document and said in an unequivocal tone, "I have instructed the Ministry of Labor to take the lead, in conjunction with the Ministry of Agriculture, to immediately formulate and promulgate the 'Regulations on Labor Protection in Rubber Plantations of the South Seas United States'."

In addition to the workers in the rubber plantations, Zhang Chi plans to introduce protection regulations for all workers, taking some of the profits from capital and distributing them to the majority of workers.

As for his reliance? The Nanyang National Defense Army is his reliance!

Anyone who dares not to listen will be hit with six sticks in one second.

"First and foremost, people are the most important productive force." He gestured to the service staff in the conference room to hand a copy of the protection regulations to the rubber plantation owner representatives. Then he pointed to the clauses and said, "Rubber workers must be provided with sufficient labor protection equipment. Sun-proof hats, gloves to protect against rubber cutting knife injuries, and leggings and boots to protect against insect and snake bites. All of these must be provided. The costs must be borne by the plantation owners and cannot be passed on to the workers through loopholes!"

"Secondly, people are not machines," Zhang Chi said firmly. "Whether Chinese or indigenous workers, there should be no discrimination. They must be given at least one day off per week. Endless exploitation is strictly prohibited. A single working day must not exceed 10 hours. Rubber workers must be given time to recover and rest."

When the country first met, Zhang Chi understood that a straightforward, almost future-proof protection law would be counterproductive and unsuitable. Therefore, after much discussion and considering current realities, and without compromising the competitiveness of Nanyang rubber in the international market, Zhang Chi came up with this protection regulation.

"Finally, this is the bottom line." Zhang Chi stared at each plantation owner until they all lowered their heads in guilt. "Wages must be paid on time and in full. Any form of deduction or delay is strictly prohibited. The Ministry of Labor will establish a dedicated complaint channel. Once verified, severe penalties will be imposed. In serious cases, the rubber plantation will be confiscated."

Zhang Chi looked at the several orchard owner representatives whose expressions changed a little, and slowed down his tone, starting with a stick and a sweet date:

"I know this will increase costs. But think about it, rubber workers are human beings too. When they have security, they'll be more motivated to work, their efficiency will improve, and the yield and lifespan of the rubber trees will increase. This is a win-win situation, sustainable development. The long-term prosperity of Southeast Asia's rubber industry depends on people's hearts and technology, not on exploitation."

"I plan to designate 45 and 46 as the production recovery phase. For all rubber plantations that follow these instructions, I will offer practical incentives in terms of income tax, value-added tax, and export tax rebates..."

"Speaking of technology," Zhang Chi said, changing the subject to Zeng Wentao, the newly appointed Minister of Industry, who had been promoted from within the Nanhua Group, and the previously silent Boss Chen. "We can't just be content with selling raw materials. We need to keep as much profit as possible domestically. Deep processing of rubber, especially tire manufacturing, is a top priority."

Zeng Wentao immediately responded, "Commander-in-Chief, we are working hard on this, particularly the radial tire technology you mentioned. Although Gallo-Michelin had developed a prototype before the war, the technology was immature and expensive. We've brought together chemical and materials experts returning from Europe and the United States, as well as..." He glanced at Boss Chen, "and the valuable experience Boss Chen accumulated while supporting the war in the rear."

Boss Chen nodded slightly, his voice thick with a Minnan accent. "Commander-in-Chief, ministers. During the war, to support transportation to the front lines, we overcame numerous difficulties and invested in the establishment of the Central and Southern Rubber Factory and several branch factories in Shancheng, Chuncheng, Guicheng, and other places. Although the equipment was rudimentary and raw materials were scarce, we trained a group of skilled workers and management backbones who were familiar with rubber processing technology."

"More importantly, we've accumulated experience organizing production under extremely difficult conditions." A flicker of painful nostalgia flashed in his eyes. "A lot of equipment and technicians were destroyed by the Japanese bombing... But the backbone is still there, and the spirit is still there. If the commander-in-chief needs them, I will immediately organize them to return south and inject all the technology and talent from 'Central South' into the rubber industry in Southeast Asia."

"Excellent, Mr. Chen," Zhang Chi praised sincerely. "Your contribution and that of Zhongnan are the cornerstones of the rapid development of the rubber industry in Southeast Asia."

He then turned to Qin Ce, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, who came from the former Anmin Army system, and said, "Minister Qin, immediately send a formal diplomatic note to Shancheng in the name of the Grand Commander of the Nanyang United States!"

"It is clearly stated that Mr. Chen and the personnel, equipment, and technical data related to the 'Central and South Rubber General Factory' are all citizens of the United States of Southeast Asia and are their legal property."

"We demand that the Republic of China properly protect all factories, equipment, and assets of our Nanyang citizens within Daxia, and not occupy, destroy, or requisition them for any reason."

"For the losses suffered by our citizens and enterprises in Nanyang due to the war, the United States of Nanyang reserves the right to seek compensation from the devils and the mountain city."

"Remember, your words must be strong and your attitude must be clear. I am now negotiating as the leader of a sovereign state on an equal footing. This is not a request, but a demand."

Qin Ce accepted the order solemnly: "Understood, Commander-in-Chief, the notice will be sent today."

This note not only protects property, but also declares to the world the United States of Southeast Asia's tough stance on protecting the rights and interests of overseas Chinese.