Empress Decrees Blockade Of 'Offending States'
The Empress has decreed a major naval and aerial blockade against the nations of Medina and Liore, who are accused by the government of supporting 'Deltarian imperialism against the interests of the eastern people'. Led by the aircraft carrier VIS Sagana, the navy has taken positions along the straits leading to Medina and the Midway canal, disallowing trade from the outside world and the two targeted states. There is also an aerial side to the campaign, with a 'no-fly zone' declared within Vascania's vast aerospace. The various archipelagos claimed by Vascania in the oceans surrounding it are also set to be used extensively as bases from which to monitor all traffic in and out of the sea.
The nation of Liore has recently launched a campaign to take Vascania's seat on the World Congress' Security Council with the support of Medina, which has set the nations on a diplomatic collision course. Though few nations are brave enough to fight against Vascania openly, the two states in question have increasingly aligned against the region's greatest power. Medina itself had conducted extensive military dealings with the Deltarian government in a bid to strengthen its navy, which was seen as a direct affront Vascania's dominance at sea in the region. The dealings have angered the Vascanian government to such an extent, it seems, that they are now willing to conduct the maritime blockade of all goods entering the two countries.
The Vascanian navy can control the seas connecting Medina and Liore to the outside world, but only at the expense of its relationship with other nations likely to be affected adversely by the blockade. Trade through the Midway canals will be greatly reduced, posing serious problems for the states further upstream. The nations of Medina and Liore will have to use air travel to the north and west, but this will make it significantly more costly to import from non-neighbouring states. Only certain aircraft can make such long-haul journeys and they are in low number in the targeted states. Liore in particular has relatively little capacity to import such large quantities of goods by air. Vascania is also working to get their allies' support in sanctioning the states, including Yingdala, the Jelbic Khaganate and other Zoo Alliance members.
The threat of Deltarian intervention becomes severe with the implementation of these sanctions. The Majatran nation is a powerful presence on land, at sea and in the air. It also has an extensive subterfuge network capable of covertly attacking the infrastructure of the Vascanian army. The Vascanian military's key advantage is it sheer size, with the capacity to wage tens of millions of soldiers on land and a well-developed naval infrastructure. The construction of new missile defence systems and battleships have continued at a lesser pace in recent years, though previous buildups have had serious lingering effects. Vascania's expansive system of anti-air missiles grant a potential defense against the greatest tool of the Medinese, their air power.
The Empress says that the blockade will be lifted on the conditions that the states in question give up their efforts to dislodge Vascania in the Security Council and agree to halt military expansion for ten years. Trade with Deltaria would also have to be limited. Vascania has put itself in a precarious position, risking repercussions from the growing Deltarian powerhouse in Majatra. It is also risking aerial combat with its rival Medina. Deltaria has previously misaligned itself with the Empire on the issue of Malivia, another question mark now raised again in light of recent events. The government is thought to be waiting for a response before taking its next steps.
Vascania News is the national public broadcaster and information outlet for the Vascanian Empire.
