From the attire and ethnic composition of both parties, it’s apparent. The Han people of the Lanfang Republic do not wear long braids, and their clothing resembles more of a Dutch and French style uniform.

As for the other side, there’s no need for much explanation; the long braid is a distinctive feature.

"A friendly treaty? An eternal alliance?" Carlo smiled, speaking as if indifferent, "Mr. Diplomat, give me a reason."

No matter how one sees it, the positions of the Lanfang Republic and Spain are ultimately not equal. Carlo is essentially prompting the other side to understand that it is the Lanfang Republic that is in need, and it too must lower its head.

"His Majesty the King, currently Spain and Lanfang share a common enemy, which is the Dutch. Once we form a friendly treaty, we can unite to resist Dutch rule.

We are willing to help your country seize Dutch colonies, while also securing more viable territory for ourselves," the Lanfang Republic’s diplomatic representative, Wu Yongxiang, stated his reason.

"The Dutch?" Carlo smiled, with disdain and indifference in his eyes, as if he had heard a joke, and said, "Do you think the Dutch pose a threat to Spain?

As long as I wish, the Spanish Army can defeat the Dutch forces anytime, anywhere. The Dutch have never been Spain’s enemy, nor are they qualified to be Spain’s enemy."

Although Carlo’s words were somewhat arrogant, the situation in Europe was indeed like this. The strength of a nation determines its diplomatic status, an eternal truth in any era.

Don’t be swayed by the fact that the Dutch also have a long history and were once one of Europe’s hegemons. Currently, the Netherlands is just a small country with only a few million people.

If it weren’t for the protection of the United Kingdom over the Netherlands, its colonies would have long since been divided by other nations. The Dutch have never been a threat to Spain, the real threat to Spain is the British behind the Dutch.

"Spain is indeed very strong and can easily defeat the Dutch," Wu Yongxiang first affirmed Carlo’s words about Spain’s strength, then laid out his point: "But isn’t Borneo not only occupied by the Dutch?

The British behind the Dutch are the real trouble, whether for the Lanfang Republic or Spain. As long as your country is willing to support us, we are willing to help your country jointly resist the British and the Dutch."

These words truly hit the mark. Spain’s genuine worry is not the Dutch, who are not qualified to play a chess game against Spain.

The real players on Borneo are the British, and the Lanfang Republic should focus on them when seeking a common enemy with Spain.

"Although what you say is true, Spain does not need allies at this time," Carlo nodded, acknowledging Wu Yongxiang’s point, yet expressing his opposition.

"His Majesty the King," Wu Yongxiang still wanted to strive for an opportunity, but Carlo interrupted him with a wave of his hand, then said, "Although I do not need an ally, I don’t mind having a loyal subordinate in Southeast Asia. Mr. Diplomat, I believe you understand what I mean?"

From both the national strength and the current situation, the Lanfang Republic does not qualify to be an ally of Spain.

The crux of the matter is the weakness of the Lanfang Republic. Without Spanish support, the Lanfang Republic is destined to perish under Dutch colonial invasion.

Currently, only Spain can help the Lanfang Republic, which is why the Lanfang Republic has come a long way to Spain.

Unfortunately, they underestimated Carlo’s ambition. Carlo has no intention of supporting an alien nation that could become a threat to Spain.

Lanfang can gain Spain’s support, but only if it submits to Spanish rule and becomes a loyal follower of Spain.

Otherwise, Carlo does not mind supporting another country to oppose the Dutch, as it poses no difficulty for Spain.

Wu Yongxiang’s complexion turned pale and then flushed; he clearly understood the meaning in Carlo’s words, which was for the Lanfang Republic to submit to Spanish rule.

This is not merely about submission. When it comes to submission, the current Lanfang Republic declares itself a vassal state of the Great Qing Dynasty, while actually being forced to submit under Dutch colonial rule, which is also a form of submission.

But such submission is superficial; the Dutch are always eager to annex the Lanfang Republic, while the Lanfang Republic constantly desires to resist Dutch rule.

What Carlos demands is not this overt yet superficial submission, but a real and meaningful submission.

Agreeing to such demands would mean Lanfang Republic’s economy would be infiltrated by Spain, and even their military might be subjected to Spanish intervention.

It becomes a matter of truly becoming a vassal state, submitting under Spanish rule in exchange for national survival, or resolutely refusing, striving to strengthen amidst colonial competition between the Dutch and Spain?

This poses a difficult choice for the Lanfang Republic, and an even more difficult choice for its diplomatic representative, Wu Yongxiang.

As a diplomatic representative, Wu Yongxiang certainly has some authority. He may have enough authority to directly agree to Carlo’s demands, but does he dare? Certainly not.