Of course, with Australasia playing on home turf, this alliance treaty could be more than just a defense pact—it could also serve as an offensive alliance.
Beyond Australasia, the other countries, although not as strong, are still capable of assembling armies numbering in the tens of thousands, if not hundreds of thousands.
The United Kingdom of the West Coast, the Kingdom of California, and El Salvador, due to their smaller populations, would be doing well to muster an army of one hundred thousand combined.
But the Philippines and Kalimantan are different. With a population already exceeding ten million, the Philippines could forcibly muster an army of 500,000 if need be.
The population of the Great Sultanate of Kalimantan is even greater. While there are no precise figures currently, after accepting the majority of the population from Java Island and Sumatra Island, Kalimantan’s population is at least thirty million.
With these thirty million people, it would be no problem for Kalimantan to muster an army of one million. Thus, just these few small countries alone could amass an army of at least 1.6 million men, perfectly suited for resisting the Islanders’ aggression.
Indeed, Arthur’s purpose in forming the Pacific Offensive and Defensive Alliance was to turn these countries into the first line of defense against Island Nation aggression.
To be precise, the militaries of the Philippines and Kalimantan are the first line of defense, while the countries of the Americas serve as logistics harassment and reserve forces.
Together with the size of the Australasian army, this amounts to a formidable force of 2 million combat-ready troops.
With this in place, Arthur was confident that he could block the Islanders at his own native land in the event of war breaking out and then engage them in attrition warfare using the indigenous populations of the Philippines and Kalimantan.
Although the Island Nation’s population would be greater, their resources would certainly be no match for Australasia’s.
With such a prolonged attrition, Australasia would only have to spend more money and resources without it significantly affecting its overall national power.
Before coming to Australasia, these countries were also made aware of Arthur’s purpose and intentions.
Of course, even if they were unwilling, they had no means of resistance at this point.
The good news was, they were rather keen on forming the Pacific Offensive and Defensive Alliance. It meant that they would have another powerful ally, which, aside from guaranteeing their national security, would also allow them to receive support from the Powers—a truly attractive benefit.
After all, with the exception of El Salvador, the other countries did not need to worry about the security of their territories.
Kalimantan and the Philippines were already very close to Australasia and were not threatened by any country at the moment.
The two kingdoms on the West Coast had Canada to their north, British territory, with which they could not possibly go to war.
To the south lay Mexico, which did not dare to challenge the authority of Australasia, especially since the rulers of both kingdoms were sons of Arthur.
El Salvador, however, was different. Surrounded by Central American countries, it was a republic and not as closely tied to Australasia.
Although within the sphere of influence of Australasia, its fate could be exchanged as a bargaining chip at any time, reflecting the sad plight of weaker nations, unable to control their own destinies.
For El Salvador, the ability to sign a treaty with Australasia was, of course, a favorable turn of events.
Any other Central American country wishing to meddle would, at least, have to consider Australasia’s wishes, effectively averting many dangers for El Salvador.
Of course, support from the Powers was sought after by all these countries. After 30 years of lengthy development, Australasia had also made some accomplishments in industry and economy.
Perhaps still not on par with the United Kingdom, or even with the prime area of the United States around the Great Lakes, but it was certainly among the leaders globally.
Even minimal support given to these smaller countries could potentially advance their industrial levels further, allowing them some degree of self-sufficiency.
This was what these countries desired, especially the populous but industrially weak Philippines and Kalimantan.
In fact, the main representatives from these countries at the conference showed how seriously they took the meeting.
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The representative from the Philippines was none other than President Manuel of the Philippines, and from Kalimantan was Sultan Mohammed.
The representative from El Salvador was President Carlos Maria, and the representatives from the two West Coast kingdoms were their respective Prime Ministers.
Actually, they didn’t have much choice in the matter. With Arthur himself extending the invitations, could they possibly send subordinates to attend?
If they did send subordinates to the meeting, it would undoubtedly be seen as a snub to Arthur, and could even be construed as a provocation against the authority of Australasia and the royal family.
By then, it wouldn’t be about discussing how to form an offensive and defensive alliance, but how to unite for an expedition against the country that dared to provoke Arthur’s authority.
The good news was that such individuals did not exist in reality. Occupying high positions in their countries, none were fools, and few rulers could afford to disregard an emperor like Arthur.
Other monarchs might only have nominal power, but the monarch of Australasia also had the people’s support!
If news of provoking Arthur were to spread widely in Australasia, it is likely that without any action from Arthur, the Australasian people would angrily demand severe punishment for those who dare undermine the dignity of the royal family.
The people’s devotion to Arthur and their allegiance to the royal family were famous. Tourists in Australasia, if they couldn’t help but exclaim in admiration about Arthur’s rule, might receive a warm welcome and enthusiastic greetings from the local populace.