btmnovel Chapter 3364 The Prelude to the Second Oil Crisis
Chapter 3364 The Prelude to the Second Oil Crisis
Chapter 3364 The Prelude to the Second Oil Crisis
In the conference room, while everyone was listening to Li Rong explain the current international situation, Yang Xiaotao's thoughts became chaotic.
Because there was only one thought in my mind: a second oil crisis!
He then recalled the events of the second oil crisis.
Unlike the first economic crisis, which was an organized conspiracy by oil-producing countries to gain a voice and acquire more oil wealth, this crisis was a premeditated one.
The second oil crisis, however, was different; it was more like a passive event, arising from conflict.
First, Persia and Iraq clashed over territorial and historical issues, leading to a major conflict.
At that time, Persia was the second largest country in the world. Due to the war, oil transportation was halted, resulting in a global oil shortage.
Subsequently, the fighting spread to the Persian Gulf, severely impacting oil shipping.
The end result was that oil tankers in the Persian Gulf were repeatedly attacked, causing a global oil shortage.
As a result, oil prices rose from $13 per barrel to a peak of $34, indirectly impacting the economies of Western powers such as the United States and Japan.
In particular, the United States experienced a decline in economic growth year after year, and the entire world entered a period of economic recession.
The global inflation caused by this oil price protection has directly exacerbated global seed turmoil, and many countries have fallen into political crises.
The root of all this lies in the conflict between the bearded camel and the Persians.
That was history from the past. In present-day Persia, there has been no revolution, nor is it a country to be slaughtered at will.
Moreover, the Persian Revolution lost its rallying cry after Mosidov overthrew the dynasty and was further hampered by a series of policies. Even if someone wanted to interfere, they couldn't make a ripple given the current situation in Persia.
Moreover, even if a war breaks out, with Mosidov's current military strength, the war will not be worse than in his previous life.
Conversely, the bearded camel is no longer capable of challenging the Persians.
Thinking about it this way, Yang Xiaotao felt that the oil crisis might be avoided.
But just as this idea came to mind, Li Rong's voice came through the phone: "Our experts' assessment of economic data from various countries shows that the average global consumer price level increased by 4.2% last year compared to the previous year."
"Moreover, this rate of consumption growth will continue to rise this year and even next year and the year after."
"This is a terrifying number. It means that something that costs 100 yuan will cost 4 yuan more in the future, and 5 yuan more next year!"
"In particular, the consumption of oil has increased significantly compared to usual."
"Furthermore, we have learned from various oil-producing countries that oil may become the trigger for an economic crisis in the future."
"Therefore, we can make a bold prediction: in the next three to five years, the world will face a second oil crisis, which will trigger a global economic crisis."
As Li Rong finished speaking, the room fell silent.
Yang Xiaotao looked at the other person in surprise.
He really overlooked the global economy, or rather, he didn't even think about it.
In his view, changing the situation in Persia would prevent conflicts between camels, stabilize oil resources, and thus avoid an oil crisis.
But he overlooked the human heart.
As current trends suggest, rising international prices will only drive up prices in oil-exporting countries, which will naturally be a source of resentment for those countries that buy oil.
They refine crude oil to obtain various fuels and petrochemical products.
These products were subsequently not supplied to oil-producing countries, and the price could even exceed that of oil itself.
Therefore, an increase in oil prices will contribute to inflation.
If this cycle continues, a second oil crisis may not be far off!
What he didn't expect was that domestic economic experts had actually predicted it in advance.
Seeing Yang Xiaotao looking over, Li Rong thought he didn't believe her, so she solemnly said again, "This economic crisis may have a more profound impact than the first oil crisis."
"After discussing it with my superiors, I felt that we must plan ahead."
"If there were no economic crisis, we could naturally have a smooth transition, develop our economy, and strengthen our capabilities!"
"But if there really is an economic crisis, then we must come up with truly effective strategies. While stabilizing the domestic situation, we must maximize our profits, just like we did during the first oil crisis!"
As she spoke, Li Rong glanced at Yang Xiaotao again.
Everyone followed the gaze and looked over. People were still studying Yang Xiaotao's actions during the last oil crisis.
With a flick of his wrist, he made over 40 billion US dollars.
Even the most skilled traders in Hong Kong couldn't earn that much money.
It was Yang Xiaotao's more than 40 billion US dollars that allowed them to take the opportunity to purchase a large amount of machinery and equipment.
Today, the rapid strengthening of the domestic infrastructure owes much to the more than 40 billion US dollars.
Everyone was delighted, but seeing Yang Xiaotao's furrowed brows, they calmed down.
Yang Xiaotao is truly a man who never shows his joy or anger!
Old Chen nodded in satisfaction.
This maturity and composure are absolutely rare among people of the same age!
However, Yang Xiaotao appeared to be frowning to everyone else.
Last time, nobody was prepared, and it just happened to happen.
But this time, even foreign trade experts could spot it; he couldn't believe that the financial experts in the United States wouldn't notice!
They might even be plotting something!
Seeing that Yang Xiaotao remained silent, Old Chen spoke up again to explain, "This is also why we place high hopes on the High-tech Industry Research Laboratory."
After he said that, everyone's thoughts were brought back to reality, and they also understood why Old Chen had made such a request at the meeting.
The meeting room fell silent again.
"This is a crisis, but also an opportunity for us!"
Old Chen stood up, and everyone else followed suit.
"Comrades, time waits for no one!"
"The enemy won't stand still and wait for us to catch up!"
"Revolutionary construction is a long and arduous task!"
Yang Xiaotao and the others nodded in unison, their gazes serious.
……
"Xiao Yang!"
In front of the office building, after the meeting, Yang Xiaotao walked out, intending to go back to the Ninth Department to call Li Yunlong and the others, and ask them to keep an eye on the situation in Persia.
Especially the bearded camel!
At this point, we need to be on guard.
Before Yang Xiaotao could leave, Old Wang's voice came from behind him.
Yang Xiaotao turned around and saw Old Wang and Old Qin striding forward, followed by Old Huang and several others.
A group of people walked this way, and Yang Xiaotao and Li Hongfeng had to stop.
"Is Xiao Yang in such a hurry to go back to tell people some good news?" Old Wang walked up to him with a smile and teased him.
Yang Xiaotao quickly shook his head, "No, I just have some things to take care of back home."
As soon as he finished speaking, Old Wang chuckled, "Come on, you Ninth Department have that kind of thing to do. Besides, after what happened today, how can you not treat everyone to a drink?"
As soon as Old Wang finished speaking, Old Zhao stepped forward from behind and said with a smile, "That's right, Xiao Yang, it's New Year's Eve, and you've also been promoted and received a raise. It's a double celebration! You should at least have a couple of tables set up, right?" Old Huang walked over and patted Yang Xiaotao on the shoulder, "Don't feel pressured. If you need anything, just come to us. We old folks can still hold out for another two years."
Old Tao walked up to Yang Xiaotao with a smile and said, "Remember, no matter where you go, the Academy of Agricultural Sciences will always be your home."
"Go away, go away. Your Academy of Agricultural Sciences is already clamoring to be his family, but we at the Seventh Ministry of Machinery Industry haven't even said anything yet."
Old Wang pushed Old Tao aside, saying, "That's why I said, it's almost lunchtime today, let's have a meal."
As he spoke, he gave a wink to the others.
Yang Xiaotao understood what Old Wang meant; such occasions were unavoidable. He nodded and said, "Alright, then I'll treat everyone to a meal as an early New Year's greeting."
Upon hearing this, Old Wang laughed and said, "That's more like it. I know a restaurant that has really good food, so I'll go there. Come on, everyone, get in the car quickly, we can't skimp on his money today!"
Yang Xiaotao smiled, and the group of people quickly got into the car and left.
When they arrived at the place mentioned by Old Wang, everyone got out of the car and sat down again.
Old Huang sat down next to Yang Xiaotao and asked, "Is there really something you need?"
Yang Xiaotao shook his head: "It's nothing serious, I just feel like there are some things I want to go back and sort out."
Old Zhou, holding a wine bottle, was about to pour wine for the group when he heard this and said, "Tell us what's wrong. Maybe we can help."
Yang Xiaotao pondered for a moment, then said, "What are your thoughts on what Li Rong said at the meeting just now?"
Old Qin had been to Persia with Yang Xiaotao and had seen some things. After Yang Xiaotao finished speaking, he spoke first and said, "The news from the foreign trade department should not be false. Moreover, when we went to Persia, we did find that their economic situation had shortcomings. Relying solely on oil exports, their industry cannot develop, and it is difficult for them to develop on two legs."
After Qin finished speaking, Qian cautiously said, "I think things might not be that simple."
Qian Lao's words drew everyone's attention to himself, and he then said, "There are three main economies in this world: one in the Alliance, one in the United States, and the third, a slightly weaker European region. As long as these three regions do not experience major conflicts or economic fluctuations, the world economy will be stable."
Yang Xiaotao nodded to Qian Lao and finally said, "Teacher is right, but right now my biggest worry is that something really might happen in the United States."
Zhou Lao from the Sixth Ministry of Machinery Industry frowned: "The United States has such a large economy, yet it can also have problems?"
“How could it not be?” Old Wang said directly. “If a large scale means there won’t be any problems, then what about the first oil crisis? They lost the most money.”
The others nodded in agreement.
Old Huang looked at Yang Xiaotao: "Xiaotao, what are you thinking?"
Yang Xiaotao tapped his fingers lightly on the table, and finally said, "I'm not entirely sure myself."
"However, the current trade situation is indeed a bit strange."
The group exchanged glances, then asked, "So, what are your plans?"
Yang Xiaotao shook his head: "There's not much I can do right now, but the first thing is to ensure stability in Persia."
“We’ve invested too much there right now, we absolutely can’t let things fall into chaos.”
“That’s right.” Old Qin nodded seriously. “We’ve invested a lot in Persia, including warships, submarines, airplanes, and tanks.”
"As an oil-producing country, and the world's second-largest oil producer, it will be the first to be affected."
"But…"
Old Qin's expression turned serious at this point, and he did not continue.
Everyone understood that the relationship between the two sides was now a little too intimate.
If anything happens, it's very likely that you'll get caught in the vortex.
Will the economy still be able to develop so steadily by then?
Definitely not.
Everyone had guessed this was the case, so they didn't say much, but that was indeed the truth.
This is probably why Mr. Chen and his colleagues held a meeting.
"In any case, Mr. Chen was right about one thing: it's always good to be prepared for a rainy day."
"As long as we become strong, we can at least prevent others from doing whatever they want, if not do whatever they want."
Old Huang slammed his hand on the table and said in a resounding voice.
As soon as he finished speaking, Yang Xiaotao felt a sense of clarity. He then slammed his hand on the table and said, "Well said, becoming strong yourself is the most important thing."
Everyone else laughed when they heard Yang Xiaotao say that.
As the staff served drinks and dishes, Yang Xiaotao began to toast with everyone.
Just as Yang Xiaotao was toasting and drinking with everyone, Smith was angrily boarding a plane back home, looking back at the distant desert scene with a gloomy expression.
Not long ago, he personally led a group to the desert.
As a result, the people here explicitly rejected their offer.
Even if he offered a better price, it still wouldn't work.
Even when he resorted to violence, that damned Faisal persisted in clinging to his damned business ethics.
Now he finally understands that the other party is stubborn and determined.
"Boss, where do we go back to?" Jack asked in a low voice beside him.
Wade, who was standing nearby, also looked at Smith.
Upon hearing this, Smith frowned, then smiled and said, "Let's go back to Japan first."
The two nodded.
Soon, the plane took off and left the desert.
Inside the palace, Prince Aziz saw Faisal stride in and asked curiously, "Have they left?"
Faisal nodded.
"Your Highness, wouldn't it be... if we did this?"
Faisal didn't finish his sentence; he just kept his head down.
Prince Aziz shook his head and said, "You don't understand."
"What they need is a desert where they can take whatever they want, and for us to become their source of resources."
“This goes against our goals. Therefore, I would rather cooperate with China.”
Faisal looked enlightened and finally said, "I understand."
Prince Aziz waved his hand, and Faisal immediately turned and left.
Just after Faisal left, Prince Aziz slumped down in his chair.
Rejecting the United States requires immense courage.
They really have no other choice right now.
Then, thinking of the deal he had proposed to Yang Xiaotao, a determined look appeared on his face.
"We need to speed things up."