Binjiang Police Affairs-Chapter 1140 - 27: We All Remember!

At nine in the morning, the weather was pleasant with a gentle breeze.

Today marks the completion of the main structure for the new barracks at the Linghai Reserve Camp. Vice Mayor Qin and Political Commissioner Jiao of the Binjiang Reserve Group once again arrived at the riverside to hear the Linghai Armed Forces Department's report on the construction progress.

Upon completion, the new camp will become a highlight in the construction of defense reserve forces for the Binjiang Reserve Group and even the Binjiang Military District.

Lately, many local military districts and reserve groups have been interested in coming to learn from their experience.

Even Zhang Jiangkun, who recently transferred to the East Sea Salvage Bureau, entrusted by the leadership of the Pudong New District Reserve Division, made a phone call to ask when they could visit.

Being a model for reserve forces construction is a good thing. Secretary Ye, Minister Yang, and Deputy Mayor Shen arrived at the camp early to accompany Vice Mayor Qin in understanding the construction situation firsthand.

A while ago, Yang Jianbo had to attend the national flood relief commendation conference and, upon returning, was formally transferred to the Linghai Armed Forces Department. He needs to familiarize himself with the department's environment and thus has been visiting Sanhe less.

Liu Degui has always considered Linghai Reserve Camp as his own. Otherwise, he wouldn't have voluntarily transferred to the Binjiang Water Resources Bureau. Ever since returning from flood relief in Beihu, he has become the actual person in charge of the construction projects.

After listening to Liu Degui's report, Vice Mayor Qin asked with a smile, "Old Liu, can the progress be accelerated a bit?"

"Mayor Qin, Secretary Ye, we are already moving fast, but many tasks are interconnected. Once the framework is done, the walls need to be built. If the walls are not built, we cannot paint. It's not easy to speed up."

"Can you ensure completion before New Year's Day?"

"We'll strive to do so."

"Thank you for your hard work."

"It's not hard work."

Since they were in Sanhe, of course, they had to visit Longsheng Shipyard. 𝒻𝘳𝘦𝘦𝘸ℯ𝒷𝘯𝘰𝑣ℯ𝑙.𝘤𝑜𝘮

The suspected smuggling cargo ship seized a few days ago is now berthed at the fitting-out pier of Longsheng Shipyard.

The camp isn't far from the shipyard; Vice Mayor Qin proposed to walk.

Secretary Ye wanted to check it out as well, especially since the suspected smuggling cargo ship was not only seized by Han Yu but also along the Linghai section of the Yangtze River—it was an accomplishment for both the Binjiang City Anti-Smuggling Office and the Linghai Anti-Smuggling Office!

As Secretary Ye accompanied Vice Mayor Qin along the riverbank, he curiously asked, "Mayor Qin, did the province know about the large quantity of 'export turned domestic' cigarettes we seized?"

"Not only does the province know, but even the Central Anti-Smuggling Office knows. We reported to our superiors the night we seized them. Without the support from our superiors, Director Zeng and Zhou Huixin wouldn't lead their team to Hanwu to arrest people."

"What did our superiors say?"

"They commended our achievements in anti-smuggling work and urged us to keep the momentum and conduct deep investigations."

"Nothing else?" Secretary Ye probed.

Vice Mayor Qin looked back at Team Leader Jiao, Minister Yang, and others following them and whispered, "The amount involved is large, and the smuggling methods are shocking. In our view, it is a massive case, but on a national scale, it is not particularly significant. There are plenty of cases with larger amounts, and the smuggling methods are even more rampant."

Secretary Ye was momentarily stunned, then nodded in agreement, saying, "It seems the situation of combating smuggling remains severe."

"Although the fight against smuggling is a long-term challenge, the effect of stringent anti-smuggling measures is immediate. At the provincial meeting some days ago, the provincial leaders noted the poor economic situation in the first half of the year due to rampant smuggling with large price differences. Particularly, the petroleum industry was still suffering losses before July. However, since the rigorous anti-smuggling efforts began in July, in just over two months, the country's key petroleum, chemical, and steel production companies have turned losses into profits.

In the first half of the year, there was a foreign exchange loss of 92 billion US Dollars. In the latter part of the year, although exports did not decrease, export tax rebates were reduced by over 100 billion, indicating that those tax funds were being embezzled—over 100 billion! And that's not the full extent, as many cases have not been uncovered."

Without funds, how can infrastructure be developed?

Without money, how can the policy of rejuvenating the nation through science and education be implemented?

Without financial resources, how can disaster relief and rescue operations be conducted?

Without funds, how can water conservancy be improved?

In recent years, the Central Government has initiated numerous major reforms, but all reforms are grounded in financial support, which ultimately comes down to taxes. Without the support of tax revenue, advancement is impossible.

Secretary Ye currently holds a broad perspective, but considering that he is merely a city-level Secretary, the only thing he can do is to look after his domain and manage his people. He casually changed the topic, "Mayor Qin, did Salted Fish give you a call? Has he arrived at the capital today?"

"Salted Fish didn't call me; Deputy Division Commander Tao called me at night."

"He called you at night!"

An official who cannot drink will not only be out of place during outings but may also cause embarrassment.

Vice Mayor Qin couldn't help but laugh, "Last night, the military district arranged a banquet to send them off. Since it was a farewell banquet, some drinks were necessary. Salted Fish drank less than two taels but got drunk and vomited all over two leaders from the Nanjing Military Region Political Department, who were accompanying the commanders for a toast!"

It was somewhat expected.

Secretary Ye couldn't help but ask with amusement, "What happened afterward?"

"What could those two leaders say? They could only consider themselves unlucky. The several active-duty officers sitting at the same table with Salted Fish were even more unfortunate; they couldn't enjoy their meal or drink as they had to take care of Salted Fish."

Vice Mayor Qin chuckled and continued, "Salted Fish not only vomited on others but also on himself. However, he was only issued one set of spring and autumn service uniform previously. This morning he had to catch a flight to Beijing, but how could he go to Beijing without military attire?

During the banquet, the several active-duty officers sitting at the same table and encouraging him to drink had no choice but to help him clean. But it couldn't be dried in a short time, so they had to report urgently to the delegation's staff. The delegation's staff contacted the Provincial Military District, which had no alternative but to have Deputy Division Commander Tao urgently deliver a new set of military uniforms overnight."