Chapter 1702 Prepare to build a pile!

After hearing the news, Chang Haonan's first reaction was joy.

Especially with the news of the successful start-up of the XS-1 space nuclear reactor, the smile on his face almost broke out, almost breaking through his usual calmness.

It's like whatever you think comes true——

The 15T-level steady-state superconducting magnetic field background system is the only core component in the nuclear fusion power generation demonstration reactor project that has not yet been fully domestically produced.

Although the team at the Luzhou Institute of Physical Science is working hard to tackle the problem, this type of superconducting magnet with extremely high field strength and extreme stability requirements represents the pinnacle of electromagnetic technology in the world today, from design, materials to technology, and the R&D cycle and risks cannot be underestimated.

If mature and reliable finished products can be obtained directly from Switzerland's SNI, it will undoubtedly fast-forward the construction of the demonstration reactor and save years of time.

As for the system independently developed by Luzhou, it can be used in subsequent fusion reactor iterations, or in space fusion reactors to replace the XS-1.

Not only that, involving top international research institutions such as SNI also has enormous symbolic significance.

This is equivalent to declaring to the world that we remain open and welcome friendly cooperation.

This is also in response to the promise made publicly by China a year ago -

We don’t build walls, we build bridges; we don’t block, we open; we don’t monopolize, we share!

This is crucial for reshaping China's image in global science and technology governance and enabling China to truly become a core role that can attract and lead global forces to jointly address major challenges facing humanity.

An open and confident leader is far more likely to win people's hearts than an isolated strong man.

However, in the next moment, the joy faded away, and Chang Haonan's heart was filled with doubts again.

"Academician Peng, I have a question."

He turned to Peng Juexian and lowered his voice to make sure it would be drowned out by the cheers around him:

"Our specific plans for the demonstration reactor, especially our need for a 15-T background magnetic field system, have never been made public in any detail... Isn't this statement from the Swiss a bit too timely... and too perceptive?"

Upon hearing this, the excitement on Peng Juexian's face subsided.

After a moment's hesitation, he tried to explain, "SNI is, after all, one of the world's leading teams in the field of fusion... We can't rule out the possibility that they could have used public information and some clues to determine our research capabilities."

Chang Haonan shook his head almost without thinking. "If it were three years ago, this statement might be true, but think about it, in the past year, our technology has been updated and iterated at a rapid pace. Not to mention outsiders, even our own people who update information less frequently sometimes can't understand the development progress of various subsystems in a project..."

Peng Juexian thought about it carefully and felt that Chang Haonan's doubts made some sense.

The overall scope of the demonstration reactor project is too broad, and the amount of preliminary engineering work involved is huge, so it is inevitable that some news will leak out, giving the outside world, especially industry insiders, some room for speculation.

However, when it comes to the technical specifications and procurement requirements of the demonstration reactor itself, the scope of knowledge has always been strictly controlled within a very small core circle, and most participants are even in a closed working state. The specifications are even benchmarked against the two bombs and one satellite project of that year, so the possibility of information leakage is extremely low.

Moreover, even if there is a leak, whether intentional or unintentional, it is unlikely that it would be accurately leaked only to a small country like Switzerland, which does not have a strong presence.

Amid the deafening cheers of celebration surrounding them, the two stared at each other in silence for a few seconds, the atmosphere becoming somewhat subtle.

Chang Haonan decided to find out the source of the news:

"Academician Peng, where did this news come from?"

"It was Academician Liang Jianguo from the Luzhou Institute of Physical Science who just called our secure line," Peng Juexian replied. "You were on the platform, supervising the start-up process of the space reactor, so the office manager asked me to answer the call."

Chang Haonan nodded and fell into thought.

Switzerland, a nominally neutral country, has a financial system and sophisticated industries deeply entangled with the Western camp, which is to some extent symbolic.

But if we dig deeper, there are many records of its jumping back and forth in history.

Is there complete innocence behind this move?

He felt the need to delve deeper into the details.

"Forget it, I'll call Academician Liang directly and ask him clearly." Chang Haonan stood up with Peng Juexian, deliberately avoiding the CCTV broadcasting team who were looking for interview targets and capturing the moment of victory nearby, and walked quickly towards the exit.

However, just as the two were about to leave the noisy hall, they ran into a group of acquaintances.

Luan Wenjie, director of the Construction Committee, and several entourage members behind him.

"Academician Chang! Academician Peng!" Luan Wenjie stopped immediately upon seeing them. "I just wanted to talk to you about something..."

Having said this, he noticed that the two people in front of him were in a hurry, and it seemed that they should not leave the hall at this time of cheering and celebration.

"What's the urgent matter?" His eyes swept across the slightly anxious expressions of the two people.

Chang Haonan stopped when he saw Luan Wenjie and said bluntly, "Director Luan, we just received news that SNI in Switzerland is willing to provide us with a 15T steady-state superconducting magnetic field system... This is a matter of great importance, and we were just about to contact Academician Liang Jianguo to verify the specific situation and their exact intentions."

"Hmm... isn't this a coincidence?" Luan Wenjie gestured to his entourage to bring the briefcase over. "I came to see you two today precisely for this matter."

"Ah?" Chang Haonan was startled and looked at Peng Juexian, "Isn't this news from the Luzhou Institute of Material Science?"

The Academy of Sciences is under the leadership of the Ministry of Science and Technology in terms of business, and in principle is not on the same line with the Industrial and Construction Commission.

"Luzhou Institute is only one part of the project. The Swiss Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research is in charge of the whole project, and it is coordinating with us and the Ministry of Science and Technology."

Luan Wenjie took out two documents and handed them to Chang Haonan and Peng Juexian respectively, explaining:

"As for that 15T steady-state superconducting magnetic field background system...it should actually be considered a proactive request from the other party, hoping for our agreement, rather than a bargaining chip."

Chang Haonan instantly grasped the key information in Luan Wenjie's words.

Thoughts raced through his mind, and his previous doubts seemed to have found a reasonable explanation:

"So what you're saying is... the Swiss side actually didn't know the specific progress and exact requirements of our demonstration reactor project, and simply used their most advanced and valuable technological achievements based on some strategic judgment?"

"Yes." Luan Wenjie nodded. "The Swiss side believes that the ITER project has essentially reached a deadlock and exists in name only. The core research and development capabilities of global fusion energy will inevitably shift eastward. Therefore, they request that you participate in our fusion research project as a partner to seize the strategic commanding heights of future energy technology and a favorable position in the industrial division of labor."

He particularly emphasized the word "request".

Chang Haonan held his forehead with his hand helplessly.

It seems that I was overthinking it.

The Swiss did not accurately judge China's situation and needs.

Not only are they giving away a subsystem that could have been sold for a good price, they're even prepared to give something extra with it.

However, Chang Haonan was not kind enough to remind the other party. He just sighed and asked:

"So, since it's a 'request,' what can they offer... or rather, what are they willing to pay?"

Luan Wenjie's expression became serious.

He gestured for the two to take a few steps to a more secluded area to the side before replying, "They believe that after we have achieved a series of technological breakthroughs, especially decisive advantages in energy and space, the next step must be to promote the internationalization of our currency and establish a financial voice commensurate with our strength."

"They expressed their willingness to join the UAE in providing all-round cooperation and support in our efforts to promote currency internationalization, including but not limited to its vast financial network, clearing system, and influence in international multilateral institutions."

"They do know how to find the right time to place bets." Chang Haonan curled his lips slightly, "They bet on us to win, and they want to get on board early."

Luan Wenjie also shrugged his shoulders: "As a neutral country...that's how we survive."

Chang Haonan didn't continue the conversation, but looked at Luan Wenjie: "What does the superior mean?"

"High-level preliminary assessments suggest," Luan Wenjie chose his words carefully, "that although Switzerland is not a core decision-maker in the US dollar or euro system, given its unique international status, highly developed financial services industry, and long-established reputation for so-called 'neutrality'..."

"If they can sincerely provide assistance, it will indeed provide a significant boost to our currency internationalization process, especially in breaking down certain traditional financial barriers and building initial trust. Of course, the premise of all this is that their sincerity can stand the test..."

"However, before making a final decision, my superiors specifically asked me to hear your opinion and evaluate the feasibility and value of this matter from the perspective of technical cooperation."

"What else can we say?" Chang Haonan almost couldn't help laughing. "The Swiss might have been so frightened by the speed of our recent technological advancement that they've lost their minds. The conditions they're proposing are a complete win-win... meaning we win twice."

Luan Wenjie and Peng Juexian smiled at the same time.

Chang Haonan calmed down and continued, "Anyway, technically speaking, as long as we can confirm the other party's sincerity in cooperating... or even if we don't even need to confirm their sincerity, as long as we can confirm that the 15T magnetic field background system is genuine, then this deal is a sure win."

"The possibility of something fishy about the system itself is very low," Luan Wenjie explained. "This 15T system was originally contracted by SNI for the ITER project, but the project progress in Europe has been repeatedly delayed, with payment and acceptance nowhere in sight. This has practically rendered the system a dead end... Furthermore, the Swiss side has stated that they welcome us to send a technical expert team to SNI for an on-site inspection and performance verification at any time."

"If that's the case," Chang Haonan took a deep breath, his eyes lighting up. "Now that the other subsystems have met the requirements, as long as this magnetic field system is in place, we can immediately start construction of the demonstration reactor!"