In the short term, the secularization of the Ottoman Empire had indeed strengthened its national power and would affect the regional balance, but East Africa was not overly concerned about this.
For the Ottoman Empire to move south into the Indian Ocean, its only routes were through the Red Sea and the Persian Gulf. This was much like how the Austro-Hungarian Empire had once been confined to the Adriatic Sea. Never mind the Ottoman Empire's present weakness—even if it possessed the national strength of the United States, the East African Navy was confident it could keep it bottled up in the Persian Gulf and the Red Sea.
In the long run, the secularization of the Ottoman Empire also suppressed Arab religious influence. After all, the Ottoman Empire was indeed now the leader among Arab religious countries. In fact, not only was the Ottoman Empire changing; East Africa was also advancing modernization in Oman and northern Iran.
1935, Darfur.
By the end of last year, the North African Railway within East Africa had been fully completed. At the same time, East Africa had built six new military airfields in Darfur.
During the same period, East Africa had also built three military airfields in Southern Germany aimed toward North Africa.
With these nine airfields forming a network, East Africa could ensure that in wartime, its air force could be deployed to bomb key targets, including major cities and military facilities in Egypt, Libya, Tunisia, and Algeria.
This series of actions demonstrated East Africa's emphasis on North Africa.
In Jiaofu Town.
Major General Cheng An of the East African National Defense Army had also arrived at the final stop of this inspection tour, examining Jiaofu Town's military facilities and the state of its garrison forces.
He was addressing Lieutenant Karls and the