Yingdala

[Liu Che/Zhuli]

15 Years Later: Where is the Yingdalan Economy After the Aldegar Canal Crisis?

The Aldegar Canal Crisis was the worst economic downturn in Yingdala's recent memory. Inflation was through the roof. Stock markets crashed. Trade slowed to a snail's pace. But the Yingdalan people persisted and emerged from the crisis stronger. Tian'an, keen to mitigate the impact of such a crisis again, has implemented massive domestic and foreign policy reforms to create resilience and growth. So far, it has been a resounding success.

Domestically, the economic revival plan - supported by the Yingdalan Wealth Fund - has seen double-digit growth since the crisis. The economy has already doubled, and remains on track to double again in 5461.

Traditional Yingdalan industries - agriculture, pharmaceuticals and healthcare, construction, education, technology, defense, and manufacturing - have been at the heart of the recovery. Advancements have been made - thanks to generous private and public funding - across sectors. These innovations have led to making the people's lives better and cheaper - raising the standard of living as the country vaults above each economic hurdle.

Diversification of investments and trade have also been essential - with Yingdala establishing 13 new treaties opening up trade and investment across Keris, Seleya, and Dovani.With these new market opened - on top of existing trade and investment agreements - Yingdala has become a major Terran trade and investment destination. The geographic focus on the Eastern Hemisphere has also benefited the country, as trade is far cheaper.

The explosion in trade, investment, and economic growth have led Yingdalan investors to focus more on logistics - including the global competitive shipping industry. Establishing several shipping giants will be an important task for the Yingdalan people moving forward to better compete in the Terran economy, but more importantly exercise control of their economic destiny.

Correct measures have been taken over the past 15 years. Here's to another 15.

[Liu Che/Zhuli]

Tian'an Seeks to Calm Global Tensions Amid Kirlawa Crisis

Terra cannot seem to catch its breath. Every decade there is something new to worry the nations. This time, potential chemical weapons in Kirlawa and several military mobilization in response. Yingdala, taking its World Congress Security Council membership seriously, has sought to lower tensions and seek a rationale response to the issue.

Yingdalan analysts currently view the situation as a powerplay. Nations outside Artania are using the crisis to intervene or seek influence on the continent, which has become a sort of sick man of Terra in the last 50 years with crises in Ikradon, Endralon, and Malivia. Overall, the strong reactions do not fit the severity of the situation - at least not yet. A coup should not receive such a militant response. And while the chemical weapons allegations are serious, investigations are needed to confirm them.

As a result, Yingdala is seeking to play the rationale and disinterested mediator. It has very little stake in Artania outside of its trade and investment relationships, which are not impacted by the crisis. However, it does have an interest in seeing that the World Congress and the globe acts in line with international law - the bedrock of which has been heavily influenced by Yingdalan values, such as national sovereignty, non-interventionism, and human rights adapted to national circumstances and cultures.

While the country will not get involved outside of its World Congress role, the situation is teaching officials in the country to refocus efforts on self-strengthening. More regional partnerships - which include neutrality, trade and investment, and cultural diplomacy - are essential for Yingdala's security. Continued economic growth and more investment in purely defensive capabilities will bolster national sovereignty and deter potential interventions.

Yingdala will never suffer under foreign intervention. The government must ensure this at all costs.

[Liu Che/Zhuli]

Jade Route 3.0 Emerges from the Waves

Yingdala is steadily becoming the eastern hub of global trade and a major player in Terran trade. It currently has 21 free trade agreements with the nations of Terra, with over half also containing investment agreements. Nearly all of Seleya and West Dovani, and all of Keris, are party to these treaties. Has a new Jade Route - the ancient and more modern trade routes centered on Yingdala - formed?

The Jade Route's return would make sense given Yingdala's growing economic and geopolitical heft. Much of this is thanks to Tian'an's benign foreign policy and willingness to establish friendships with others. However, it is also due to military affairs taking a back seat to the economy. Unlike some nations, Yingdala has been blessed with a relatively safe environment with little need to spend drastically on defense beyond what it needs for security. This has allowed the country to focus more on economic development.

Of course, the latest iteration of the Jade Route would increase Yingdala's importance to the global economy. With so much trade and investment in the East centered on one country, a stable Yingdalan economy will become more essential to a stable Terran economy. Alongside this will come increase influence over global economic policy - primarily in the form of the country's morality restrictions.

While trade and investment is overall allowed, products and services going against the country's Jienist values will be rejected - which has been agreed with the nations. This will likely influence other trade flows to Yingdala, curbing immoral industries around the globe.

Moreover, the Jade Route will help facilitate cultural exports. Media is an important economic sector for the country. The various historical dramas and traditional music, as well as news commentary will have an outlet, but so will the more modernized sitcoms, dramas, and popular music seeking to bring traditional Jienist values to modern times.

Tian'an will no doubt seek additional agreements to cement its importance in the Terran trade and investment architecture. So long as it can continue to project a relatively neutral policy, it will likely succeed.

[Liu Che/Zhuli]

Yingdala Calls for Dovani Summit in Light of Kirlawa Crisis

Alarmed at the growing risk of conflict in Artania given the willingness of countries to escalate, the Yingdalan government has called for the nations of Dovani to meet and discuss the situation, as well as develop a common set of foreign policy principles for the continent.

Tian’an is suggesting the conference occur on Dovani itself, particularly a former colony. This would signal the continent has not only moved on from its colonial past, but is valuing the contributions of former colonies as global equals.

When asked Yingdala’s position for the conference, the Ministry of Rites responded:

Our position has been clear for centuries: national sovereignty and a continent free from foreign influence. Only with a strong continent united to protect our sovereignty can we defend ourselves from outside aggressors or those wishing to change who we are.

In the meantime, Yingdala is working through the World Congress to calm international tensions and build support for the Guiding Principles.

[Liu Che/Zhuli]

Yingdala and Xsampa Pledge Closer Ties Amid War in Artania

After a quiet several decades following the Son of Heaven’s publicized meeting with the pretender king of Xsampa, senior Yingdalan and Xsampan diplomats met on the sidelines of the World Congress to discuss their ties. Both sides, led by their respective foreign ministers (Minister of Rites and Education for Yingdala), agreed on the need for stronger ties in solidarity against the threat of foreign interventionism in Dovani.

The meetings were understood to be friendly and warm - like a family reunion. His Royal Highness Prince Wu Zhao, representing the Son of Heaven and concurrently the Yingdalan Ambassador to the World Congress, presented the Xsampan delegation an ancient Daenist scroll written in Classical Yingdalan and Xsampan, which was said to belong to a former Great Master of Xsampa. His Royal Highness Crown Prince Wu Shinian even made a stopover on his way to the Deltarian coronation to pay his respects, reinforcing Tian’an’s desire for strong ties with its Gao-Showan brother.

Of course, the Crown Prince’s appearance would have been the highest honor possible outside of Yingdalan territory - as the Son of Heaven does not leave the country. His Royal Highness’ presence - which risked his trip to Deltaria - shows the Son of Heaven endorses the Xsampan government.

Outside of pleasantries, the two sides agreed to improve bilateral ties. Specifically, the delegations agreed to enhance national sovereignty and pursue diplomatic, economic, and cultural cooperation where possible. A treaty formalizing these ties could be negotiated if the warm trend in ties continued.

But more pressingly, Yingdala and Xsampa agreed on the need for Dovanian solidarity to better protect its sovereignty in the face of foreign aggression. Though immune - for now - the war in Artania has caused alarm throughout the East. This is not because of the Kirlawan weapons of mass destruction - which should be eliminated and country pay reparations - but because of what seems to be the real justification: regime change and ideology.

Regime change and ideological conflicts are a real danger to Dovani, given its diversity. Therefore, the nations must be adamant on preserving their sovereignty.

Can the continent come together, as Yingdala and Xsampa have, to face this threat together?

[Liu Che/Zhuli]

The Royal Chariots Collapse: Nation in Mourning as Son of Heaven and Crown Prince Ascend to Heaven

It is with profound sadness that we announce the collapse of the royal chariots. His Majesty the Son of Heaven Shu Taizu (formerly Wu Xuanyuan) and His Royal Highness Crown Prince Wu Shinian have ascended a yellow dragon to Heaven, where they will reside with Shangdi for eternity.

His Majesty is said to have passed on from a heart attack upon learning of the Crown Prince’s death en route to Yingdala after leaving the coronation of the Deltarian Czar.

Tabloids are reporting His Royal Highness succumbed to illness following the coronation banquet of the Deltarian Czar - which was derided as “cheap,” “lacking propriety,” and “akin to a meal at a local Burger Sovereign.” The Heavenly Palace have sought to quash these rumors, with leakers swiftly apprehended for questioning.

The Heavenly Mandate now falls to the young Wu Fangxun, the new Son of Heaven. His official enthronement will take place in three years, after the ceremonial mourning period has ended.

The burial of Shu Taizu and Crown Prince Wu Shinian will take place at the Wu Clan Mausoleum in the Shu State. It will be restricted to family only.

Public outpouring of grief has been immense. Streets have been lined with white clad folks. Incense has filled the air. Portraits of Shu Taizu are carried in the street in honor of the sovereign who dedicated himself to the people.

May the Son of Heaven live ten thousand years! Ten thousand years! Ten ten thousand years!

[Luis1p]

[Liu Che/Zhuli]

As Nation Prepares for Enthronement, Son of Heaven Signals No Major Policy Changes

After a year of preparation, Tian'an under the new Son of Heaven looks to maintain a high degree of policy continuity with Shu Taizu's administration. His Majesty Wu Fangxun, the Son of Heaven - who has taken up a new title, "Heavenly King," in addition to Sovereign and Emperor of Yingdala - is looking to form a new Royal Council, but has signaled an intent to keep on the policies of his grandfather.

His Majesty - who has issued an edict for all to refer to him as "Imperial" Majesty - is intent on focusing on maintaining education and economic development the main priorities. Government spending will not largely change, neither will taxation. The Yingdalan Wealth Fund will continue supporting private sector industries, while the defense sector will remain a pillar of development.

Defense investments have indeed served national development well. However, these have largely been behind the scenes with large tranches of research and development. Many of these projects remain secret and known only to those in the Ministry of War, the Counsellor-in-Chief's office, and of course His Imperial Majesty's person.

As in the past, Yingdala will continue to seek diversifying its economic and diplomatic partnerships. Success has been made with new agreements with Tukarali and Malivia. More are expected.

Although policy continuity will remain for now, a boon to business and investment, the Son of Heaven is expected to chart his own course. Ministries are said to be preparing briefings for societal stakeholders, as well as foreign diplomats, to avoid surprises.

We will have to wait until after the enthronement ceremony to learn more.

[Liu Che/Zhuli]

Yingdala and Tukarali Renew Historic Partnership

After over a millennia, Yingdala and Tukrali have restored their historical, ethnic, and cultural ties under the new Fraternity Treaty. The treaty - following the standard Yingdalan model treaty - covers diplomatic and other policy coordination, free trade and open investment, immense cultural and educational cooperation, as well as defense clauses. The agreement is expected to usher in a new era of Gao-Showa cooperation between Dovani and Seleya.

To cement the new partnership, Tukarese President Antonio Salazar commenced an official state visit to Yingdala. Unlike previous state visits under Shu Taizu, His Imperial Majesty the Son of Heaven, Wu Fangxun, and Their Imperial Majesties Empress Sima Si and Grand Empress Dowager Liu Zhi greeted President Salazar at Tian'an International Airport to the sound of the Tukarese national anthem, followed by the Yingdalan national anthem.

President Salazar and the Son of Heaven participated in several events throughout the visit - including the traditional banquet, as well as the Gao-Showa history museum. His Imperial Majesty emphasized the the Yingdalan and Tukarese people - though different - shared the same origin and thus should always be close.

Toward the end of the visit, His Imperial Majesty pledged he would visit Tukarali at the earliest convenience to demonstrate his appreciation for its government and people. This would, yet again, break the precedent of Shu Taizu and signal to Terra that the Son of Heaven would travel Terra.

On the sidelines of the state visit, business, cultural, and education groups met and planned to increase interactions over the coming years to boost mutual benefits. Memorandums of understanding were signed to help carry out the promises.

As has gone Tukarali, Hulstria-Mikuni, and Jelbe, will Yingdala be able to rekindle blood ties with the remaining Gao-Showa and Jelbo-Tukaric states?

[Liu Che/Zhuli]

Is a Ying Wave Upon Terra? Yingdalan Media and Culture Flood Terran Markets with New Access

A Ying Wave - a wave of Yingdalan culture - is something few could believe possible. However, with over one dozen relatively new treaties establishing unfettered cultural access and exchanges across Dovani, Keris, Seleya, Artania, and Majatra, a Ying Wave is building.

The Ying Wave is a combination of high and popular culture - underpinned by vast government support and international partnerships. For starters, Yingdalan is being taught in more classrooms in Terra than ever before, as are courses on Yingdalan culture, history, and philosophy. This is helping expand interest in the country. Its increasing importance in international business also helps, making knowing about all things Yingdalan more important.

Second, Yingdala's educational partnerships across the globe are expanding cultural exchanges. More Yingdalans are going abroad to study - and more and more international students are coming to Yingdala to attend school. This two-way educational flow is leading to sharing languages, customs, food, and ways of life - creating new understandings which should help lead to more partnerships and cooperation.

For those who may have been unable to take advantage of university and upper school exchanges, the growing number of Yingdalan Academies in partner nations are taking Yingdalan education directly to the people. The Academies are Tian'an's primary vehicle for cultural diplomacy and international education. They teach language, culture, history, and philosophy classes, while also hosting lectures and cultural events desired to create greater awareness and understanding for all things Yingdalan.

Tian'an is also seeking to generate more elite interest in Yingdalan culture internationally. Several Yingdalan folk singers, opera troupes, and traditional orchestras have gone on or are currently on tour. The Imperial Court Musicians - the most skilled traditional musicians in Yingdala - are scheduled to tour Terra shortly.

While Yingdalan museums have loaned cultural products to other organizations, the Heavenly Palace has also entered the museum game. Pieces of the Imperial Collection - made up of the various paintings, historical ceremonial objects, jewels, and clothing - will go on a permanent rotation to museums across Terra.

But perhaps for most people, it is Yingdalan media that is most captivating. The Yingdalan Media Group - consisting of various newspapers, magazines, and radio and television broadcasting - has set up shop across Terra where allowed and blasting populations with Yingdalan music, television, film, and news.

Yingdalan music - particularly Ying Pop - seems to be a growing phenomenon. Its melodies and ballads - almost fantasylike and centering on love and relationships - are capturing hearts and minds. Though more conservative than its northern neighbors in Dankuk, Ying Pop's music videos and dance routines attempt to be more on the "cuter" or "keai" side, while trying to incorporate traditional dance forms.

Ying dramas - both on television and in movie theatres - are also growing in popularity. Palace intrigue dramas are a favorite among female demographics with their romance stories and focus on female issues, while the historical dramas charting the lives of past monarchs are more appealing to men. However, the soap opera-like contemporary dramas - dealing with the ups and downs of life, as well as relationships between families and lovers - seem to attract both sexes and people as young as teens to as old as retirees.

More and more money is pumping into these industries and will continue to do so, servicing both domestic and international audiences. As Yingdala's relationships grow within Terra, media and culture will become increasingly important as an export.

No doubt, Tian'an hopes the Ying Wave is real and will use it to further international understanding and showcasing the great Yingdalan culture.