Yingdala

[Wu Han]

Huang, Lotus Party, Calls on Government for Enhanced Education Funding
The Lotus Party Leader spent the last two weeks touring secondary schools in Anle and Min
8 June 4278

Huang Zitao signs book of secondary student Fe Zetian; Huang has achieved a strong level of popularity with the nation's youth

The Leader of the Opposition has spent the last two weeks touring secondary schools in Anle and Min speaking with community leaders and educators on their priorities and concerns with the new Republican government. Huang ended his tour in Mudanwan, where he gave a speech to a packed secondary-school auditorium:

My hope is that each of you in this room won't stop dreaming until your dreams come true; never let them tell you it can't be done.

Huang has garnered a large following with young people and students, who have dubbed him "国家的祖父" (The Nation's Grandfather) on social media. The Lotus Party has traditionally done well with students and young adults, but former-leader Wu Hán did not achieve the level of stardom that Huang Zitao has reached. At each stop on the tour, Huang would be mobbed by students' looking to get an autograph or a 'selfie' with the politician. Dr. Chen Baoyao of the Shi Yawen Institute for Democracy Studies attributes his success to "his messaging on youth issues" and, in part "the celebrity of his children."

Following his speech to the students, Huang spoke briefly to the media outside before driving to the airport. Asked to comment on the ongoing Hanzhou Fisheries Convention, Huang said:

For the most part, we feel that the government has handled this file well. Of course, our party is very supportive of investment in our struggling sectors, and we encourage the protection of our environment. However, we need to make sure that the government continues to invest in the public sector with this surplus, especially in areas such as education and healthcare. I've just spent the last while touring schools in rural areas across the middle of this country, and there are so many places of learning which, frankly, are falling apart. We will be making these priorities clear when the government puts a budget to the National Conference.

Huang eats school lunch made in his likeness

[Wu Han]

Huang To Show Personal Side on TBS Documentary Series
The Tian'an Broadcasting System will be releasing a docu-series titled "Huang Zitao: The Leader Next Door" next spring
TIAN'AN, HAN - 20 August 4278

TBS title card shows Huang staring at his native Kaizhou from across the harbour (Courtesy: Tian'an Broadcasting System)

The Tian'an Broadcasting System announced today that is has wrapped production on a docu-series focusing on the day-to-day life of Lotus Party leader Huang Zitao, which will air on the channel next spring. In a press release, the Lotus Party says that they "are excited for this opportunity to introduce Indralans to Huang Zitao." The series will be aired in two parts, with the first focusing on his early-life and career, and the second focusing on his work as a National Conference Representative for Jiaozhi and Leader of the Opposition.

Associate-Professor of Journalism at Indrala University, Zhi Changying, has criticized the decision of TBS to focus on Huang and raised her concerns to the media:

Yet again, we get to see the left-wing media in this country spending resources to promote their own ideology and their own representatives to the common people of Indrala. The Metzist forces in our country are desperate to build a personality cult around their leaders as quickly as possible to cripple their adversaries. It's frightening, frankly, to see how the Lotus Party and their buddies in the media have been able to sell Huang Zitao to our young people. I doubt this series will have much to do with the Lotus Party's extremist policy views but will focus instead on Huang, and his appealing family and all the many "wonderful" things he does.

Jodie Chang, the spokesperson for TBS, had a different view:

TBS believes that this series is an opportunity to get Indralans acquainted with one of the most powerful politicians in this country, and by extension, to get people involved in our democratic discussion. Our agency will continue to reach out to other politicians in the future, as we believe that by presenting their views we are enriching this discussion and informing the public so that they can decide for themselves who to support.

Tian'an Broadcasting System logo

[Wu Han]

Xiandai Group Stock Price Lowest in 20 Years; Announces Major Job Cuts
Group struggling after aircraft development fails to deliver results, legislative changes affect bottom line
HAZHOU, SHU - 20 December 4278


Xiandai Group, one of Indrala's five biggest companies, announced today that they would be cutting around 36,000 jobs. Most of the job losses will be concentrated in Shu Province, the nation's manufacturing heartland. In a press release, the company blames a drop in the stock price, which usually trades at around ~2,400 INS per share has dropped to ~1,682 INS per share, as causing significant strain on the corporation's bottom line. The drop in stock price has been attributed to three major factors. First, the Xiandai Commercial Aircraft Manufacturing Company (subsidiary) has found trouble finding customers for its new X400 commercial jet, which cost an estimated $12B+ to develop. Indralair, has not indicated any interest in purchasing the X400, opting for foreign jets instead. The second factor is that due to legislation passed by the Republican government, the Central Bank divested all shares it owned in Xiandai, causing downward pressure on the stock price. The Central Bank invested in the Xiandai 4 years ago to help finance the X400 development, gaining a 2.5% stake in the company. Finally, the company has announced that the number of Xiandai vehicles sold this year has sharply fallen from the last, as the Indralan automotive industry continues to contract and struggle in the face of foreign competition.

Around 31,000 of the 36,000 jobs that will be cut are located in Shu province, as the company looks to drastically scale back its aircraft manufacturing subsidiary. Economists estimate that a further 24,000 jobs indirectly tied to the Xiandai Commercial Aircraft Manufacturing Company will be lost as well. This decision will exacerbate the economic hardship in Shu, especially following the 4255 manufacturing crisis from which it has never fully recovered. The total number of people employed by the Xiandai Group will fall from 416,840 to around 380,840.

[Wu Han]

Huang Zitao: The Leader Next Door Airs on TBS
Documentary series recieved 17.3% viewership
4-5 February 4279

Clip from the beginning of the first episode

Huang Zitao: The Leader Next Door aired over the weekend, attracting an average national viewership of 17.3% over two episodes. As anticipated, the first episode focused on Huang's early life and career, where Huang revisited the old two-room, rural family farmhouse that he was raised in with his other five siblings. The audience followed along as Huang grew up and prospered in the face of poverty and adversity, becoming a prominent attorney during the Pua/RC regime. One of his earliest cases, it was revealed, was the defense of student activists jailed for treason. Huang discusses during the episode how the case affected him:

After that, Huang went on to become a human-rights attorney and later, a politician. The second episode focuses on his rise within the Lotus Party, beginning as Party President, later serving as Finance Minister and finally his leadership of the party. It also showed the more routine aspects of his life, with the crew following Huang as he haggled at a Kaizhou market, showed the audience his favourite sights, performed his constituency work, played his guitar at a seniors' home and met with his family for dinner. His sons, the archer Huang Bohai, singer Huang Yao (known as Yao) were in attendance, as well as his daughter, the aid-worker Huang Xia and his wife, fashion-designer Kim Bo-young. The family settled for a traditional Indralan meal, which ended with Huang stating to his family:

We are blessed to have this food, we are blessed to have each other, but most of all, we are blessed to live in this country.

Huang strums his guitar for residents at the Chrysanthemum Home for Seniors

Huang walks his dog with animal rights activists Sarah Timmins and Chang Shuren

Huang disciplines his dog

Huang gained significant weight during his military training

Huang instructs local youth in fencing, a favoured sport since his time at Kaizhou National University

Huang and wife Kim Bo-young share a sweet moment as Kim adjusts his tie before meetings with his constituents

Moderation Notice: This Post contained plagarized content that has been removed

[TreeHugger]

Indralair Confirms Purchase Order With Xiandai Group Worth $3.08 Billion INS
Indrala’s largest airline commits to local manufacturer Xiandai for renewal of aging fleet


Xiandai's first X400 labelled "experimental"

June 13, 4279
[Tian’an]: Indralair announced in a press release Thursday the details of its commitment to purchase 29 X400s, Xiandai’s newest and most competitive airliner. Each plane is worth a reported $70 million INS, but unconfirmed sources have said that Indralair got a heavily incentivized price. This comes just as Xiandai revealed it was laying off more than 36,000 employees amid financial troubles. While no one from the government has commented, it appears that there is some confidence flowing in to Xiandai from an outside source. It is currently illegal for the government to subside industry however the governing Republicans have been in favour of government subsidies for all of its history up until it recently entered into a coalition government with the Nationalist Party. Rumours have been swirling that the Republicans want to go back on legislation introduced last year that would prohibit the government from investing in companies.

New, Innovative and Bold
The purchase order is for 43 jets in total, with Indralair adding 14 more X200s to its pre-existing fleet of just 2 of the 6-year old medium to short range aircraft. The X400, Xiandai’s newest model and first real splash into the competitive commercial aircraft market, is a highly fuel efficient medium to long range airliner with the capacity for 174 passengers. It has a range of 5555 km and can carry considerably more cargo than Indralair’s existing fleet of 20-year-old aircraft. This added cargo capacity is important for Indrala’s fishing industry, which relies heavily on Indralair for access to foreign markets. Indralair was expected to purchase foreign airliners of the same class as the X400, but the company made an unexpected decision to go back on its intentions and buy local.



Timing is Key
This announcement comes a week after Indralair announced 4 new holiday destinations and an increase in regional service within the smaller cities and towns in Indrala. The company will have enough aircraft to fulfill increasing demand for new routes once Xiandai delivers the final X400 to Indralair in 4283. The company is expected to release more details on the increased service routes and its modernized fleet in the coming months.

More to come…

[Wu Han]

Xiandai Group Cancels Mass Layoff Amid New Deal with Indralair; Fires Workers on Strike
CEO Wang Yueting claims "illegal strike" will not be legitimized by Xiandai
HAZHOU, SHU - 1 July 4279

CEO Wang Yueting speaks to shareholders in Hazhou

Last winter, Xiandai announced that it would be cutting around 36,000 jobs in their airplane manufacturing subsidiary this summer, however, they reversed that decision last week following a new $3.08 billion INS deal reached with Indralair, and further interest in the new X400 commercial jet from foreign firms. The initial announcement, made in December 4278 caused Xiandai workers across the nation to go on strike, demanding a collective contract with their factories to ensure no one can be laid-off without a full year's notice. The company has refused to negotiate with labour unions, and engaged in aggressive union busting and strike breaking through temporary worker replacement. Following last week's announcement, the unions declared their intention to maintain the strike until their demands were met. Xiandai responded by announcing that they would fire any employee who would still participate in the strike as of yesterday. Today, around 4,000 employees have been fired following their decision to maintain the picket line. This move has been met with anger and frustration by labour activists across the country, but Xiandai CEO Wang Yueting justified his company's decision to stockholders at a general meeting today:

This strike is not reasonable. We have reversed the decision to lay off our manufacturing workers, and yet these individuals still feel that this illegal strike is justifiable.
It isn't. We will not legitimize this illegal action, and we are disappointed that some factory managers and unionists would incite working people to participate despite their best interests. We are thankful to the government's Labour Market Deregulation Act which has enabled us the ability to bring this strike to a quick end. We cannot allow these counter-productive forces to stand in the way of the progress of industry.

Factory workers on strike outside the Convention Centre where the stockholders' meeting was held today in Hazhou, Shu

The majority of the approximately 4,000 workers fired today are described as uneducated, low-skill workers, making around 30-40,000 INS per year. A few workers are still maintaining the picket line, despite Xiandai's tough stance, including around 100 workers who descended on the Convention Centre where the stockholders' meeting was held today in Hazhou, Shu. 20-year-old father of two Xuan Zhen, a factory worker in Hazhou, was holding his dismissal notice in one hand and had the other in a fist, raised toward the sky. Struggling to hold back his tears, Xuan said:

They can't do this to us! Does that a**hole in there want to come and tell my kids why there's nothing to eat? Why did they [the government] let this happen? What am I supposed to do? Let my kids starve? How will the Chancellor take responsibility?

[TreeHugger]

RUOGANG SENTENCED FOR REST OF HIS YEARS
Ex-internal affairs critic guilty on five accounts

Ruogang on trail

July 12, 4280
[TIAN'AN]: The Republican Party's ex-internal affairs critic Chen Ruogang has received two life sentences for the 4275 assassination of Republican Leader Song Yi and the murder of police officer Liu Chong while Chen was attempting to resist arrest. Chen also received an additional 25 years for possession of an illegal firearm, assault on two police officers, and treason. He was arrested immediately after Song’s assassination was discovered by authorities, following the confession of a hitman hired by Chen. The investigation of the assassination has been criticized for lasting four years, while authorities looked into all 584 members of the Agro-Alliance party faction which Chen led. Authorities laid conspiracy to commit murder charges against 12 individuals from the faction, although their trials are not expected to happen until later this year. The Tian’an News Network broadcast Chen pleading guilty at a closed-door trial in the capital. Chen, having visibly aged during his time in prison, yet remaining characteristically unrepentant, gave his remarks to the court before receiving his sentence:

While I am guilty of ending Song Yi, the ultimate arbiter, HEAVEN, will deem my actions justified. I sleep with peace each and every night, knowing that in the end, I did what I had to do to save the Indrala. I have no remorse; I have no regrets. I will die in the prison of man to ascend to the grand halls of history where I will stand alongside the other martyr’s of the republic. Can any of you say the same?

Ruogang giving his remarks

After reading out Chen Ruogang’s sentence, Judge Feng Jianhong delivered her message to Chen:

You are guilty of murdering a young woman who dedicated her life to public service; of murdering a young police officer who was just married and excited to begin to build his own family. It is impossible to comprehend how a man can claim the authority of heaven after committing such disgusting acts. You, sir, will not be going to heaven. No one can know for certain what happens after we die, but while you are still on this planet, I hope that each agonizing day in which you are still breathing, you will be living in hell. You are beyond redemption. You, sir, are evil.

Four years have passed after the killing of Song Yi which shocked the nation and the world in its horribly savage nature. A few of her friends and supporters gathered by her grave on her parent’s old farm in Shu Province, the same place she was born and the same place she was murdered, to listen to the verdict. After hearing the news, many could not contain their emotions as they collapsed around her tombstone. While no news can bring back the vivacious  and passionate woman they once knew, today they were able to rejoice in the closure on this dark chapter in Indralan history.

“Finally, our friend Song Yi can rest in peace, and that can help my own heart be in peace.”

More to come...

[Wu Han]

Tian'an News Network

Headlines of the Day
Here's what's making news in Indrala
Tian'an, Han - 13 July 4280

Huang Zitao, Leader of the Opposition Responds to Chen Ruogang Verdict
Chen Ruogang, convicted of slaying Republican Party Leader Song Yi and Police Officer Liu Chong

In a press release this morning, Lotus Party Leader Huang Zitao conveyed his feelings regarding the trial of Chen Ruogang, who has received two consecutive life sentences after masterminding the assassination of his political rival, Republican Party Leader Song Yi, and murdering police officer Liu Chong while attempting to resist arrest five years ago. The press release can be read below:

The Lotus Party and I welcome the verdict reached by The Honourable Justice Feng Jianhong in the trial of Chen Ruogang. Today we can be all find peace in the closure that yesterday's verdict has delivered for the nation, and for Song Yi. Song Yi's death reminds all of us that our democracy is precious but fragile. We must never forget to cherish it,
and we must all stand to defend it.

Campaign Finance Act Expected To Pass in National Conference
Two largest parties vote in favour of the legislation after approximately two decades of debate on the issue

The government looks poised to pass its Campaign Finance Act with bipartisan support, which will change the way that political parties are funded in Indrala. In March of next year, political parties will be able to receive donations from individuals, limited to $500 INS per month. The move seems to be directed in cutting government subsidies to political parties, which is currently the only way which parties can receive funding. Song Tian, Lotus Party Shadow Minister of Internal Affairs was asked by reporters about the Lotus Party's support for the legislation:

We believe that by allowing individuals to donate to the party they support, Indralans' will feel that they are able to directly participate in their democratic system. Our party has long advocated for allowing individual donations while maintaining a system of public funding.

The only expected opposition is to come from the Nationalist Party, which has traditionally voted to maintain a strictly public political funding regime.

Xiandai Stocks Stabilize As Interest Grows in the X400 Jet
Xiandai Jet Subdivision Looks to Expand into Foreign Markets

This morning, Xiandai stocks opened at $2,128 INS per share, their highest since the crash last winter. This has largely been attributed to the resuscitation of the X400 jet, which has received around 60 orders since May 4279 (an estimated profit of $3.6 billion INS), the largest block of which have been ordered by Indralair (29 X400s). Newfound demand for the X400 has inspired confidence for the company's shareholders and board of directors; CEO Wang Yueting announced today that Xiandai would be looking to sell the X400 and X200 jets to foreign airlines as soon as possible, becoming the only Indralan-based airplane manufacturer selling product on the international market. Economists in Tian'an have become optimistic that the Xiandai jetliner will become a success, and should be profitable by 4285. It is rumoured that the Xiandai Group is pitching their jets to the foreign state-owned LOT Valruzian Airlines, though this has not been confirmed by representatives from either company.


Top: promotional photograph of the new X400 jet, the first jet to be fully designed and manufactured independently of foreign firms in Indrala; Bottom: promotional photograph of the X200 jet, first assembled in 4276. The jet gained praise from the industry due to its better-than-expected fuel economy and comfort.

State-owned WBC in Controversy After Casting Lotus Party Leader's Son in Drama
The Wenhua Broadcasting Company has received criticism from conservative groups after announcing a new drama starring Huang Yao


Yesterday, the Wenhua Broadcasting Company announced its fall production schedule for television programming, including one drama which has received attention from conservatives across the country. "The Great Lieutenant" is a fictitious story based on the life of Zhaozi, author of The Craft of Conflict and founder of the Sun Clan, who served as Lieutenant to Shuro Dureas. Shuro Dureas united most of the island of Indrala under his rule around the year 1450. Zhaozi is to be played by the pop-singer Huang Yao, son of Huang Zitao, in his first acting role. Huang Zitao, the Leader of the Lotus Party, was Finance Minister when the Lotus Party government of Wu Hán founded the Wenhua Broadcasting Corporation in 4265. As such, the Organization for Free Speech has criticized the casting decision by WBC, releasing a statement endorsed by the Jiaozhi Coalition of Conservative Parents and the Association for Conservative Thought:

WBC should not be used by the Lotus Party, or any political entity, to advance the interests of its supporters and associates. The decision to cast Yao as Shi Huan in this upcoming drama is a clear reflection of WBC's intention to "pay back" the Lotus Party, so to speak. Yao has never acted before in his career, and there are many experienced actors who could be cast instead. Further, Yao has made his political nature clear to the public when he hosted a fundraising concert for his father's leadership bid in 4270. We call on WBC to cancel Yao's contract, and hire a non-partisan actor to fill the role.

Yang Wuhan, editor for Indrala Entertainment magazine had a different view:

Yao is one of the hottest stars in Indrala right now; it's only natural that he would soon move to acting... Most idols do it nowadays! Should Yao's career really be held back just because his father is a politician? How is that fair? These groups need to get with the times. Plus, Yao is doing the nation a service, when you think about it. His legions of young fans will be tuning in to watch a historical-based television show every week! How often are our kids seriously engaged in Indralan history? Honestly? I am looking forward to watching the show.

A still from the trailer for "The Great Lieutenant" (Courtesy: WBC)

[TreeHugger]

Republicans Propose Second International Treaty At Dongzhou Adoption Convention
Foreign affairs minister Mao Zhihao “has never been more proud in his life”


Mao Zhihao addressing reporters

January 20, 4281
[DONGZHOU, MIN]: Foreign Affairs minister Mao Zhihao has struck the country like lightning with another international conference. The conference titled “Dongzhou Adoption Convention”, was aimed to create an international treaty that reduces the number of orphans not only in Indrala, but across Terra. Minister Mao has staunchly defended his government’s commitment to foreign affairs, citing recent economic prosperity for Indralan companies such as Xiandai and their success with the new X400 airliner with multiple offerings from international firms. The announcement of this new treaty comes at a time when the government has been relatively quiet, possibly trying to hide its recent healthcare reforms that would return Indrala to a private system.

The treaty outlines as follows:
"The Dongzhou Adoption Convention is determined to eliminate the global orphan crisis. Let us, the people of Terra, never let a child sleep on the streets again."

Ratifiers must comply with the two following articles:
1. Adoption is regulated by the government. Applicants can adopt after a routine check-up.
2. Everyone may adopt children.

Critics say the treaty is either too lenient, or not even needed at all. But Mao Zhihao has staunchly defended his convention:

Those who wish to let our children suffer and starve on our streets are pure monsters! We cannot tolerate such ignorance! Ah! How baffled I am to hear such abhorrent messages of hate and ignorance. Our society is modern and sophisticated. Our hearts beat with warmth.

More to come…

[TreeHugger]

Republicans Launch Election Campaign in Tian’an
Xuan Shuren toured the streets and posed for photos with locals as campaign starts for 4282 Election


The Chancellor meeting locals and discussing his campaign

May 5, 4281
[TIAN’AN, HAN]: The Republicans kicked off their re-election campaign with a public and casual walk down the streets of Tian’an. Present was Chancellor Xuan Shuren, as well as high profile cabinet ministers such as Mao Zhihao, Dai An and Duan Gunyu. Members of the public were welcome to approach the Chancellor as he touted his governments success in returning Indrala to a state of calm and security after the turbulent events preceding the last election. Dressed casually, Xuan Shuren talked of economic reforms that would remove regulations and create economic prosperity. The Republicans have an aggressive agenda and want to seek a clear mandate from the electorate.

Mao Zhihao was asked about his competition, and if he is concerned about the outcome of the election:

It is a long ways away, but I am confident in our government’s record. The Lotus party is campaigning on pipe dreams and thinks that economic prosperity grows on trees. Let me tell you, the only reason Xiandai and other Indralan corporations created jobs and increased exports is due to our governments efforts both domestically and abroad. We sought the social licence for economical development with the international conventions we hosted, and now you can witness the fruits of our hard work in the prosperity our country.

Chancellor Xuan Shuren was glued to the public and could barely be asked any questions, but when it was finally possible to ask about his hopes for the election, he had this to say:

Huang Zitao is a beautiful man, truly. His wife is lucky. He looks great on TV. But ask him to take his gloves off and plow a field, or operate a crane… the man is more delicate than my grandmother’s porcelain tea set! If the Lotus Party had more concrete plans for bolstering our country’s international identity, and removing economic barriers for business, maybe, just maybe they would stand a chance.

He continued on…

We will soon be announcing an education program for Indrala’s youth that will help fortify our country’s construction and engineering sectors, we have plans for agricultural subsidies and tax credits for the poorest of Indralans, we have so much to show you!

Xuan Shuren will be campaigning in the Republican party’s base of Shu province next week.

More to come…