Yingdala

[Liu Che/Zhuli]

Soaring Dragon Program Set to Continue Yingdala's Defense Modernization


Digital image of "Soaring Dragon"

The Grand Assembly is expected to pass a second part of the Soaring Dragon program, having been proposed to continue by the Ministry of War. The Soaring Dragon program is the name for Yingdala's defense modernization, part of the Strengthening the Nation campaign. Part two of the Soaring Dragon program will pump an additional 1.5 trillion INS between 4755 and 4765 in Yingdala's defense modernization. As with part one, the focus will be on acquiring and developing new military technologies, as well as military training.

However, unlike part one, the Yingdalan government is expected to seek joint military development with its Zoo Alliance partners: Vanuku, Trigunia, and Jelbania. Joint development, in theory, would likely speed up military modernization by pooling resources and expertise. Some may worry that it would place the countries on more equal footing, but the countries are allies with long histories of friendship and no real threats.

An additional avenue that some academics have proposed is to work more closely with the "third world." Some have argued that the former colonies of Dovani should be arming themselves to help ensure their sovereignty. Others are more skeptical of this approach, fearing that Yingdala's former colonies, should they become too powerful, would seek revenge.

Regardless, Soaring Dragon II will bar far more cooperative and focused on developing new technologies. This is critical if Yingdala is to secure its defense.

[Liu Che/Zhuli]

Visits, Visits, and More Visits


Prince Juhn and Princess Yu Lian spotted riding outside of Tian'an

Yingdala's diplomatic activity cannot seem to be kept down. With the revival of the Zoo Alliance, Yingdala has sought ever closer relations with its historical allies Trigunia, Vanuku, and Jelbania.

To commemorate the close friendships, His Majesty the Son of Heaven traveled with the Cabinet of Yingdala on a state visit to Trigunia. The Yingdalan delegation marveled at Trigunia's historic sties, like the Bear's Den, as well as Trigunia's military technology. Both countries discussed further avenues of cooperation on economic and military affairs. Furthermore, the Prime Minister Gu Yun was said to have apologized in person to the Trigunian President for any offense during Yingdala's World Congress Security Council campaign. He assured the Trigunian government that Yingdala valued its relations with the Zoo Alliance far more than a seat on the WCSC.

Upon arriving back in Yingdala, the government learned of the tragic assassination of President Grafov. Rushing to support its ally, the Son of Heaven released a letter stating that he "wept upon hearing of this Hero of the Trigunian Federation's passing and sheds tears for all of Trigunia" and "promised the Grand Union of Yingdala stands by to assist its Trigunian brothers and sisters in their time of need and at all times."

An unfortunate tragedy, the Yingdalans had to prepare for the arrival of two delegations from Majatra. The first delegation, from Jakania, was a more formal state affair. Just as with His Majesty's enthronement ceremony, Yingdala pulled out all of the stops. Between serious discussions of increase cooperation on cultural, economic, and foreign affairs - including Jakania's support of Yingdala to hold Seat C on the WCSC - the Yingdalan government held archery contests and chariot races for the Jakanians. Both groups also enjoyed banquet after banquet, with each side noting the similarities between Yingdalan and Jakanian food, especially dumplings. Overall, the visit not only established friendly relations between the two countries, but demonstrated their similarities. It is said that the Son of Heaven specifically brought up the idea of a Gao-Showan-Jelbo-Tukaric organization to the Jakanian President. It is unknown how the Jakanians reacted to the proposal, but it could indicate that a more formal agreement will be drafted and proposed in the near future.

Almost immediately after the Jakanian delegation left, His Majesty and the House of Yu, and to a lesser extent the Yingdalan government, prepared to receive the private visit of Prince Juhn of Vanuku, who had just been named heir and Archduke of Banstill. Although a private visit, it indicates the warmth Yingdala and Vanuku have for one another. No doubt both sides reminisced about centuries long past when Vanuku and Yingdala nearly dominated Terran affairs. However, the Archduke appears to have had another reason to visit Tian'an. It is said that he met with His Majesty daughter, Princess Yu Lian, for an extended period of time, possibly indicating a betrothal and blood union between Vanuku and Yingdala like days of old.

All of these visits from and to Yingdala indicate that the nation is, at the very least, respected on the world stage and committed to diplomacy.

[Liu Che/Zhuli]

Jien Party Continues Promoting Domestic Economic Reforms, Enhance Visibility of the Royal Family


Bank of Yingdala building

Only a few months are left before the renewed Jien Party's first multi-party election and they are keen to prove themselves to the people in the face of the Socialist Party. Highlighting their decades of reforms, the JP touted their recent package of economic reforms, which ensured the full independence of the central bank and introduced a new cyber-currency, the e-INS. Coinciding with the 1.25 trillion INS Invest in Yingdala plan, the economic reforms will help the Yingdalan economy grow by providing a new mode of investment, the e-INS, as well as allow the central bank to operate with efficiency and effectiveness when it comes to monetary policy. This is especially important, as it will operate under the guidance of economist, who can better assess Yingdala's long term economic interests, as opposed to the politicians. It is expected that the two reforms combined will sustain Yingdala's economic growth.

Beyond these reforms, the JP proposed an "Oath of Allegiance" for all those paid with taxpayer funds to the Son of Heaven, the House of Yu, and the Yingdalan monarchy. Expected to pass just before the election, the Oath will come into effect immediately and impact the Socialist Party members likely to be elected to the Grand Assembly. Not only will Socialist Party representatives have to pledge loyalty to His Majesty, but the Oath is expected to increase the loyalty of the armed forces and the security services, including the police and intelligence agencies. Furthermore, encouraged by the government, Crown Prince Yu Gong was commissioned as a ensign in the Yingdalan Navy - the Grand Union's first line of defense. The Son of Heaven instructed the navy to treat the Crown Prince like any other ensign and to never be considered special.

Although the Crown Prince's placement is not known for security reasons, his presence will serve as a morale booster for the armed forces and further encourage their devotion to the Royal Family.

Heaven bless Yingdala!

[Liu Che/Zhuli]

Jien Party Wins First Multiparty Election in Nearly 30 Years, Announces New Leadership Team and Policies


Sun rises on the inner city of Tian'an the day after the election

After almost three decades in unquestioned power, the Jien Party faced their first opponents, the Socialist Party, in the 4754 elections. Thankfully, the JP trounced the Socialists after campaigning against their radical republicanism, efforts to unravel Yingdalan society, and ultimate desire for a dictatorship. Although receiving over 2/3 of the popular vote, the JP wound up with slightly less than 2/3 of the seats in the House of the People and 3/5 of the seats in the House of the Nation. Most of the Socialist Party's supports appears to have come from the urban areas of Han and Jiaozhi, indicating the JP's hold on suburban, rural, and smaller urban areas, as well as the wide appeal of JP policies. The JP victory will prevent Socialist attempts to radically alter to the nation into a Metzist hell-hole subservient to non-Yingdalan concepts and history.

Unlike with the old Grand Assembly, the new members had to swear eternal allegiance to His Majesty the Son of Heaven, the House of Yu, and the Yingdalan monarchical form of government. The Oath of Allegiance Act was passed just before the 4754 election. Violators of the law will be prosecuted and removed from their positions. The law also applies to members of the armed forces, security and emergency services, police, and all those employed with taxpayer funds - helping to ensure all organs of power support the Yingdalan monarchy.

The JP, now led by the new Grand Preceptor Long Huo, promised to continue economic and defense reforms started by the past government. Members of the previous government were asked to retire. This request was likely due to a need to pass on leadership to a younger group who had really come of age during the restoration, as well as the previous leadership's complacency with regards to campaigning to hold Seat C on the World Congress Security Council. Liang Wen, the Yingdalan Ambassador to the World Congress, was also asked to retire.

Speaking to the press after the new government under Prime Minister Xiao Tai was sworn in, and flanked by the new Grand Protector Quan Xiang, Minister of Rites and Education Xue Zhen, and Minister of War Jia Guanyu, the Grand Preceptor laid out his vision for the country.

The Jien Party's victory is owed to Heaven, who hears and sees through the people, thus acts through the people. We are humbled at the opportunity to enact Jienist policies through the third decade of the restoration.

As you can see, this new team is not the one of the past. At 52, I am the oldest member, with most ministers in their early 40s. We aim to bring the views of the people, especially the young, to those in power. We promise to continue rebuilding our nation and its economic and defense capabilities. As development continues, we will further remove the government from non-Jienist economic regulation and eventually transition back to the wu wei system. So long as the budget allows, we will continue directly investing in Yingdalan infrastructure, companies, and defense to better our nation.

On the foreign policy front, I realize that our efforts to maintain our Security Council seat were not enough. We did not take the initiative to strike deals, nor did we market ourselves properly. That will be rectified during the next campaign. In the meantime, we will enhance our relationships with Vanuku, Jelbania, Trigunia, and Dankuk and bring them to the next level. We will also seek to ratify the treaty with Seko and strengthen economic and military ties with the "third world".

There is no question that the Jien Party will help Yingdala back to greatness. We will always strive to defend our civilization from those who would do us harm.

Keeping with their promises, the first act of the Grand Assembly was to vote on further liberalizing trade. The new measure, which is expected to pass, will eliminate tariffs on all goods exported to Yingdala so long as that country does not place tariffs on Yingdalan goods. It is a far cry from the previous policy of maintaining tariffs. However, analysts believe tariffs are no longer necessary, as Yingdala's economy has begun to balance as the tertiary sector developed. Furthermore, Yingdala's trillion INS investment in Yingdalan businesses has also reduced the logic for tariffs.

[Liu Che/Zhuli]

Soaring Dragon Continues with R&D and Military Diplomacy


Yingdalan and Hanzense forces jointly train

As promised, the new Yingdalan government has continued with the previous Soaring Dragon program. The new 1.5 trillion INS part of the program began just months ago and will be portioned out in 150 billion INS tranches over 10 years. As with the previous iteration of the program, major foci are research and development, weapons procurement, and education and training.

Through a combination of past and current funds, one of the first government actions was to procure 11 new Qingyu-class diesel-electric submarines, up from an initial order of eight, for the Yingdalan Navy. The final sub is expected to be delivered by 4760. An international version is available for purchase.

In addition to the sub, the new destroyer and multi-role fighter are continuing to be developed. These weapon systems must first have established prototypes and undergo trials before the government will place official orders. Tentatively, the government plans to order 20 of the new destroyers and 100 of the new fighters. These orders will cost billions of INS and take well over a decade to completely fulfill. However, they will greatly modernize the Yingdalan Armed Forces as they enter into service. Furthermore, the entry of new equipment will coincide well with the Soaring Dragon program's education pillar, allowing trainees to learn how to better use new equipment.

Beyond these weapon systems, the government has requested Yingdalan defense manufacturers to develop new anti-air and anti-ship missiles. A major focus will be on accuracy, speed, and increased payload. Acquisition of such missiles will enhance Yingdala's defensive capabilities and further establish a "sea wall" around Yingdalan territorial waters.

Overall, the focus on defensive weaponry indicates that Yingdala seeks to be able to deny all forms of access to its territorial waters should a hostile situation arise. Such a posture would be able to effectively secure the Yingdalan mainland.

One question that has arisen from Yingdala's military modernization is what will happen to old equipment? An answer is military diplomacy.

In accordance with its agreement with Hanzen, Yingdala has not only sent military advisers to help the Hanzenese Armed Forces modernize - a significantly different process than in Yingdala - but it has also donated old Yingdalan equipment. So far, five older diesel electric submarines have been given to the Hanzenese Royal Armed Forces. More are expected, followed by older destroyers and fighter aircraft. These donations are a testament to the Yingdalan-Hanzenese relationship, as well as Yingdala's commitment to Hanzen's sovereignty.

[Liu Che/Zhuli]

Half of Yingdala's Urban Infrastructure Revitalized as Confidence in Economy Grows After Socialists' Demise


Tian'an business district after revitalization

It has been fives years since Yingdala passed its 350 billion INS program to revitalize and rebuild the Grand Union's urban infrastructure, which followed the revitalization of Yingdala's non-urban infrastructure. So far, half of Yingdalan cities have been equipped with world-class subways and urban trains, green buses, more efficient roads, and bike-paths. Tian'an and Kaizhou, the "capitals" of Yingdala, were among the first urban areas to be revitalized, restoring their infrastructure to Yu Dynasty levels.

The revitalized urban infrastructure, although only halfway complete for the country, has generated an uptick in urban happiness and productivity. Citizens are reporting faster commute times, less stress, and more time with family or doing hobbies. Companies are finding it easier to hire local workers and attract talent from across Yingdala, while also reporting that their happier workers are producing more and becoming more efficient. With such results in half of Yingdala's cities, the entire economy will only further benefit from a revitalization of all urban areas.

Economic benefits arising from revitalized infrastructure have been exacerbated with the fall of the short-lived Socialist Party. After losing 4754 election, the SP collapsed, most likely due to their realization that Yingdalans do not want to radically change their society. The Jien Party, which immediately called for new elections, promised to continue implementing reforms to grow the economy for all.

Confidence in Yingdala's economy has grown with another JP victory. The country will continue moving on an upward trajectory to the glory of His Majesty the Son of Heaven!

[LC73]

Internal Affairs Minister calls for companies to look into the posibility of producing emergency vehicles for Likatonia

[Liu Che/Zhuli]

Yingdala Makes Push to Strengthen Zoo Alliance and Reestablish Traditional Friendships


Propaganda poster marking the restoration of the Zoo Alliance

In recent months, the Grand Union of Yingdala has made a concentrated effort to strengthen its relationship with the Zoo Alliance members, Vanuku, Jelbania, and Trigunia, as well as traditional ally Drania. Led by the Son of Heaven himself, at the request of his ministers, Yingdala has has advocated for closer ties between the countries, which could result in a mutual assistance program. Aspects of this program would fit Yingdala's domestic Strengthening the Nation and Soaring Dragon efforts.

Among the articles Yingdala has proposed are free and preferential trade and investment, economic aid in times of need, joint military development (training and technology), and other cooperative measures to bring the nations closer. Most interesting to the nations of Terra, the joint economic and military development articles would help speed up Yingdala's overall development, as well as the development of the other countries. Furthermore, countries would pledge to uphold rights, justice, and the environment - a public service to the world.

However, embedded in the proposed model agreement is the desire for Yingdala to develop itself to the point of reaching a "very good" or "hyperpower" economy and "great power" or "superpower" military and diplomatic machine. The notion would be mutual, emphasizing Yingdala's desire to uphold the sovereignty of nations.

Sovereignty has been a major theme of Yingdala's campaign to keep its Security Council seat (C). In his correspondence with world leaders, the Son of Heaven has emphasized its desire to put diplomacy and cooperation first, as well as its constructive contributions to the international system. At the behest of his ministers, His Majesty has also pointed out Likatonia's seeming stance on increasing the power of the World Congress, which could infringe upon the sovereignty of all nations, as well as the neo-conservative ideology of the Conservative Republican Party, which indicates that it would likely push for the World Congress to be more interventionist, possibly against any government that does not have an elected head of state.

Beyond these efforts, Yingdala has striven to enhance its relationships with Hutori, Istalia, and Kazulia. Negotiations have been ongoing, but there is little progress to be seen.

One thing is for sure,Yingdala fully intends to restore its status in Terra and that of its allies.

[Masionette9]

* Click on the picture above to read the full story.

[Masionette9]

* Click on the picture above to read full story.