WorldCon News [Region-Only]

[Sandhora]

Sandhora mobilises the Federation's Navy and its Militias

6 February 2018
Sandhoran Ministry of Defence

Seeing the threats arising, the Special Administrative Region of Palawan and the Republic of Mindanao has mobilised its national militia. 8,000 Palaweno Troops and 120,000 Mindanaoan Soldiers and Police Officers has been ordered to guard key port and cities. The central government has dispatched 57 ships consisting 3 Light Aircraft Carrier, 8 Frigates, 9 Amphibious Troop Carrier, 16 Corvettes and 21 Gunboats along with 50,000 Federation Marine, currently en route from Brunei.

Anti Aircraft Missiles, along with defensive mines have been reactivated for the first time since the end of the Cold War.

"The Japanese had a hard time controlling us during the Occupation of the 1940s, now we have guns. They can try but they will fail, once again."
- Mindanaoan President, Alonto Lucman

Sandhoran United Front?

In a breakthrough agreement, the rebel groups of the Moro Islamic Front and the Mindanaoan Communist Party has agreed for a ceasefire in an effort to unite against a common enemy. The legions of both groups consisting of 15,000 and 3000 strong and experienced members respectively has been assigned to defend the front line along other Mindanaoan troops.

Other parts of Sandhora has reacted to the events with patriotic fervor. The Sultan of Johore-Riau has sent a volunteer force of 5,000 of its elite members while the Dayak Chiefdoms has sent the Dayak Legion, a 50,000 strong contigent. The capital city of Singapore has ramped up its production on weaponry. The naval dockyards in Sumatra has begin to churn out Light Attack Ships at full speed.

[Daeseong]

The Crown Prince of Joseon, pictured above at a political function, has been controversial for his open expression of racist views.

TIMES OF JOSEON

HANSEONG - This morning the 24-year old Crown Prince of Joseon, Yi Sang Jun, stirred quite a commotion in the capitol - violating established traditional and political precedent - by tacitly offering support for recent escapades of Japanese expansionism in the Asia-Pacific. At a Monday morning bruncheon with many chaebol elites in the capitol, the Prince stood to give his monthly royal address in which he cited the superiority of the Altaic race and the superiority of Confucian ideals and the Prince suggested that Japan had a heavenly mandate to civilize the peoples of Southeast Asia. The Ministry of Foreign affairs was quick to assert that such statements "did not necessarily define Joseon's foreign policy" and urged Sandhorrans and Japanese to not consider the statements as conclusive of Joseon's stance towards the escalating tensions.

The young Princes' comments were not generally well received. Many political leaders expressed their dismay and shock at the statement, arguing that his morning statement violated the Monarchy's longstanding tradition of political impartiality and non-involvement. Furthermore, leaders of the Scholar's Faction and the Hwarang Faction - the two leading factions in Joseon's Gukhoe Parliament - expressed nonalignment with his racist and antiquated values stating that such racial views had no stock in the modern world. Many Chaebol leaders in attendance - including the patriarchs of the Samsung and Lotte group both expressing that they did not share these views. The Tonghak Faction (Joseon's Far Right political faction), however, was quick to endorse the Crown Princes' statement. Party Chairman, Kal Yun-Ji, stated that Joseon's future would be bright with a fearless and bold sovereign willing to safeguard Joseon's future.

These divisive statements come amidst several debates on race and tolerance in Joseon, with a recent influx of immigrants from less developed regions of the world. In particular, the Hwarang Party's recent initiatives to attract foreign talent through generous work visas and higher-education funding have proven to be quite divisive, with fringe reactionary and conservative elements of the party arguing the need to keep Joseon racially pure and culturally homogeneous. Furthermore, new charter cities on the coast of East Africa - particularly in Somalialand - have exacerbated the issue with debate arising as to whether the racial institutions of these cities are inherently discriminatory.

[Mughaliya]

Military Drill Near Aksai Chin

Mughalia's armed forces stationed in the Subah (province) of Kashmir have begun a military drill near the borders of Imperial China-Shou and Gelug along the claimed territory of Aksai Chin, the simulation will culminate in ground attack and bombing to measure Mughalia's army capabilities over mountainous regions, as stated by the Mughal Ministry of Defence.

The drill will constitute of the deployment of around 35,000 troops near the village of Murgo which will proceed with military operations around the peak of Shahi Kangri over an area of around 45km2. Missile artillery will be tested over the Shyok plateau as to test fire range, the camping site of Qizil Langar will be temporarily closed to avoid any possible interruptions.

The Minster of Defense, Choden Azzam, stated earlier that the drills were purely meant to train and measure Mughalia's capabilities over mountainous regions, which he stated will be useful in case of forthcoming Chinese aggression.

[Daeseong]

Adapted From Here
TIMES OF JOSEON

HEADLINE - JOSEON'S DEMOCRACY UNRAVELING IN LIGHT OF MILITARY THREATS

HANSEONG - Since the outbreak of the conflict between Japan and Sandhora, mass protests in Hanseong have demanded the Crown Princes' abdication. Many leading members of the Hwarang and Scholars' Factions have called for the Prince to step down in light of recent racist comments towards the people of Sandhora. However, their opponents in the Tonghak Faction have similarly called for Sandhora's President to apologize in kind, stating that it was "stupid that Joseon should kowtow when they clearly hold our nation and people in contempt." The Tonghak has sworn to refuse any form of reconciliation until apologies are offered by Sandhoran diplomats and officials.

Sandhoran nationals in Joseon have been cooped up within police departments throughout the country for weeks, as rioters and mobs clash with police. Protests and counter protests rock the country as war looms on the horizon in the South China Sea. Particularly, many former and current military officials have threatened the use of force should the young Crown Prince be forced to step down. In Joseon, the Armed Forces are officially loyal to the Yi Dynasty - as opposed to the Joseonese people - and all recruits swear a vow to the current harmonious sovereign of the Joseon Dynasty. The Tonghak party has furthermore mobilized its paramilitary forces - the seven 'Righteous Armies,' paramilitary organizations with the express goal of protecting the "Minjok," or the pure Korean race.

Many Joseonese leaders have expressed dismay, claiming that such developments threaten Joseon's fragile democracy. Professor of Politics, Shin Jae-Min at the Hanseong Seowon, has suggested that the "military and Tonghak's vulgar threats of power vaguely resemble Kkangpage gangster tactics." Hwang Seung-Hyun, Chairman of the Hwarang Party, has expressed similar sentiments but insists that the military is merely bluffing. "The military would never dare violate the sacred nature of our constitutional democracy," he scoffed during an interview with our affiliates. "Once the conflict is resolved, the military will go back to its barracks and we'll all forget this unfortunate series of events."

[Daeseong]

Times of Joseon

BREAKING NEWS - JOSEON GUKHOE (PARLIAMENT) TO APPROVE EXTENSIVE NON-MILITARY AID TO SANDHORA

HANSEONG - In light of recent events and acts of aggression, the government in Hanseong has voted by a margin of two votes to approve the Sandhoran Relief Act (J.A 4333). The act permits the Prime Minister - should Sandhora express any need - to provide financial and material non-military assistance to Sandhora. Drafted purportedly in the last three days by leading members of the Scholar's Faction and more liberal elements of the Hwarang Faction, the act poses a non-military and non-aggressive show of support for Sandhora's struggle against foreign invasion by the anti-Japanese factions of the Gukhoe.

Though the bill has passed, it was rigorously opposed by the Tonghak Faction, who called it a "farce." Elements of the military have also suggested that they would refuse to enforce the law, stating that Sandhora was effectively in a state of "cultural and apolitical struggle with the Korean people." In conjunction with rumors that the Prince will in fact abdicate tomorrow morning in the so-called "Last Notice Press Conference" hosted by the council of regents (which is notably staffed with members of the left-leaning Scholar's Faction), the military has issued a solemn and cryptic statement: "We must all be brave enough to defend our traditions in the face of adversity. Courage, Comrades. It will be over soon."

[Sandhora]

Sandhora follows a system whereby the Grand Datu or Ratu (Supreme Chieftain/Chieftess) is elected to a five-year term. The unique system was created in 1951 but cut short after the takeover of the Fascist Dictatorship that ruled Sandhora from 1952 to 1989. Due to the ensuing violence that occured, Sandhora election of a new Chieftain was stalled and a series of Regent was put in placed until situation has calmed down.

Head-of-states which includes various Sultans, Raja, Chiefs, Regents, Governors and Presidents from the myriad autonomous states in Sandhora will gather to cast a vote and will determine the next Chieftain via a secret ballot. According to the constitution written in 1951, the position has to be de facto rotated amongst the State rulers, originally based on seniority, experience and current position.

On 1st March 2018, the Head-of-states convened aboard the KPS Krakatoa to cast their vote. Out of the 22 Head of States in Sandhora, 9 was deemed suitable by the Supreme Council.

List of Candidates:

Governor of Mindanao, Rodrigo Duterte

President of Singapura, Halimah Yacob

Chieftess of Tapanuli, Jacquelina Sisingamangaraja

Governor of Aceh, Irwandi Yusuf

President of Lanfang, Christiandy Huang

Chieftain of the Dayaks: Corneilius Mahiharang

President of South Maluku, Frans Tutuhatunewa

Sultan of Johor-Riau, Ibrahim Ismail

Mayor of Manado City, Olly Dondokambey

Winning the majority of the votes, the Chieftess of the State of Tapunuli, Queen to all Bataks and Protector of Lake Toba: Sri Jacquelina Sisingamangaraja is now elected as the Grand Ratu of all Sandhorans

Speaking to a crowd of journalists and supporters in the capital Singapura, Madam Jacquelina said her first task as the Grand Ratu is to help all the outer islands who are not doing as well as the central regions. An avowed feminist, she also promise to elevate all Sandhoran women especially those in the rural villages.

[Sandhora]

Sandhora follows a system whereby the Grand Datu or Ratu (Supreme Chieftain/Chieftess) is elected to a five-year term. The unique system was created in 1951 but cut short after the takeover of the Fascist Dictatorship that ruled Sandhora from 1952 to 1989. Due to the ensuing violence that occured, Sandhora election of a new Chieftain was stalled and a series of Regent was put in placed until situation has calmed down.

Head-of-states which includes various Sultans, Raja, Chiefs, Regents, Governors and Presidents from the myriad autonomous states in Sandhora will gather to cast a vote and will determine the next Chieftain via a secret ballot. According to the constitution written in 1951, the position has to be de facto rotated amongst the State rulers, originally based on seniority, experience and current position.

On 1st March 2018, the Head-of-states convened aboard the KPS Krakatoa to cast their vote. Out of the 22 Head of States in Sandhora, 9 was deemed suitable by the Supreme Council.

List of Candidates:

Governor of Mindanao, Rodrigo Duterte

President of Singapura, Halimah Yacob

Chieftess of Tapanuli, Jacquelina Sisingamangaraja

Governor of Aceh, Irwandi Yusuf

President of Lanfang, Christiandy Huang

Chieftain of the Dayaks: Corneilius Mahiharang

President of South Maluku, Frans Tutuhatunewa

Sultan of Johor-Riau, Ibrahim Ismail

Mayor of Manado City, Olly Dondokambey

(Image)

Winning the majority of the votes, the Chieftess of the State of Tapunuli, Queen to all Bataks and Protector of Lake Toba: Sri Jacquelina Sisingamangaraja is now elected as the Grand Ratu of all Sandhorans

Speaking to a crowd of journalists and supporters in the capital Singapura, Madam Jacquelina said her first task as the Grand Ratu is to help all the outer islands who are not doing as well as the central regions. An avowed feminist, she also promise to elevate all Sandhoran women especially those in the rural villages.

[The Kingdom of Iceland (Ancient)]

Kingdom of Iceland

<sub>Breaking News By the Press of the Kingdom of Iceland

| The Kingdom of Iceland would like to open itself to foreign enterprises to operate within the country! To the many private and state enterprises from several countries that are interested to operate in Iceland, the Prime Minister, People, and King of Iceland welcomes you all; the Prime Minister also made a statement that with this many enterprises in the Kingdom, Iceland may have a great chance that in terms of GDP per capita, Iceland may be ranked at or near the top. The Prime Minister also demands that the foreign enterprises operate as according to Iceland's national regulations for enterprises and to comply with it. |</sub>

[The Socialist Republics of Combrekniza]

Written By Ahn Yong-Guk

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^{Photo of the 13th Strike Squadron patrolling the Sea of Japan}

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Recently, the Military began operations in the Sea of Japan after the Alert Level was raised, Military presence in the Southern Regions have also been heightened in recent light of a clash with a unknown air squadron penetrating Arirang Airspace, The Military suspects these airplanes to be of Japanese or Northern Orgin, and the Air Force and Navy began to increase activity over the Southern Regions as a result, this increase in military activity also contributes to Mughaliya's invasion of Gelug which has caused some talk in Arirang Social Media where Mughaliya is framed as a warmonger that attacks Neutral Nations for personal gain.

[The Socialist Republics of Combrekniza]

Written By Kim Kang-Pyo

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^{Hyesan Nuclear Power plant as of Tuesday April 10th 2018}

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Hyesan recently was declared a No Fly Zone as the Hyesan Nyclear Power plant had a Ledeu Won/Red One class Incident, Military CBRN troops are seen being deployed into the city to assist in calming the situation down and to prevent mass panic as the situation worsened in the Power Plant as active reactors automatically shut down their sustained fission reactions. The Earthquake that happened before also disabled the emergency generators that would have provided power to control and operate the pumps necessary to cool the reactors.

All flights going to Hyesan as a result was canceled and the President went on Local Television to announce and explain the current situation, recordings have went up to YouTube as people record the reactions of their peers and loved ones watching the television and listening to the radio paying attention to the Grim News. The Government began issuing Class D Emergency Kits to civilians in the event a Class 7 I.N.E.S[International Nuclear Event Scale] event happens.

Other area's that could possibly be affected are on a high alert level as the Military is also deployed there to check on the Situation.

[Tobiasia]

Development boost
The state government of Rangoon has announced a new major infrastructure project in the impoverished city, to coincide with the movement of capital city of Htin from Bangkok to Rangoon.

The $10 billion plan is being subsidised by national government and a system of loans, but the state still requests some foreign help.

New infrastructure/developments:
•3 new hospitals
•2 new tidal power plants
•3 new gas fired plants
•Electrification of 80% of households
•Running water to 90% of households
•Construction of many new apartments
•Refurbishment of current apartment blocks deemed unsafe by the regulatory commission
•400 new toilet blocks for the city
•New office blocks
•5 new public schools


The new developments will also be funded by a general decrease in the defence budget, announced today by Tigros. Money will be now spent on the economy, health and education.

[Santiland Repubilc]

Margarita Zavala (PNL-LT) wins Gubernatorial Elections in Letroro


_{Margarita Zavala (PNL-LT) announcing her victory over incumbent Francis Johnson (NAP-LT)}

CBN Poltics,
Written by Eduardo Encera

BELLAVISTA- Former senator and Chair of the Partido Nacional Letroriano , Margarita Zavala, has won the race for the governorship of the state of Letroro, Santiland's largest oil and electronics producing state. Zavala has been advocating for Letroroan independence since early in her political career in the early 2000s. Zavala says that Letroroans are linguistically and culturally different than the rest of Santiland, even fellow Saltasians, Letroroans being descendants from Catalonian and Basque groups that emigrated to Spanish Santiland during Santiland's colonial period. Letroroans were treated especially hard during the time of the Santilandish Soviet Socialist Republic and the time of fascism in Santiland.

It is likely that Zavala's party will win control of Letroro's state legislature in the upcoming legislative election coming up in June. If the PNL wins the majority, it will open the door wide open for Zavala to pass independence legislature, such as a referendum. experts are concerned that Zavala's plan independence will be messy due to no procedure being in place for a state to leave the Second United Kingdom.

The federal government in Greenport has yet to comment on the developments in Letroro. The Royal Family announced this morning that it is preparing an announcement due for later today.

[Santiland Repubilc]

Royal Family and Federal gov't release statements on Letroroan independence movements

CBN Politics,
Written by Franklin Freto

The Ainsworth Royal Family's King Francis II released a statement this morning in response to the election of Margarita Zavala (PNL-LT) as governor of the state of Letroro. Zavala made the Letroroan independence movement the driving force behind her campaign. The Royal Family said that "we all need each each other, neither of us would be the same if it weren't for the other". King Francis II has opposed the Letroroan independence movement since his assent as Santiland's monarch last year. "While I agree with many of the reasons that the PNL and Ms. Zavala have stated, times have changed. Santiland is not the same as it was when the Fascists took over in 1935. Our economy is great shape, our country is stable. Yes the NRP is rising in the wake of nationalism, but we can tackle this problem together, only internal division such as this is stopping us. So please Ms. Zavala, don't divide our Santiland. It will only open the door for future problems and expand old ones."

King Francis II, however, has no political power and has no final say in the question of Letroroan independence. The decision lies on the shoulders of the Grand Congress and Chancellor Billy Douglas (NCP) who has also released a statement on the matter:

"Ms. Zavala, your cause is noble but is based on the past, not the present or the future. Santiland is in no position to become a dictatorship again. Our institutions are strong and the democratic process in Santiland is stable and the taint of corruption, although still there, has a minimal impact. I ask you to remain in the Second United Kingdom of Santiland. You are as Santilandish as I am, we are all part of this nation. It doesn't matter what your ancestry is or what your religion or what your race is. We are all Santilandish. We should solve our problems together as one nation, not two. We are one people."

Zavala has not yet responded to the statements made by the Elysium Manor and Unity Palace. When members of her campaign were asked for comment, all denied.

[Santiland Repubilc]

The Drama Continues: Governor Zavala Releases Response to Chancellor Douglas King Francis II

Written by Rebecca Applesworth

BELLAVISTA, 5/16/18- Earlier today, Chair of the National Letroroan Party (Partido Nacional Letroriano, PNL) and Governor of Letroro, Margarita Zavala released her response to the comments made by Chancellor Douglas and King Francis II.

"Mr. Chancellor and King Francis II, I am not backing my proposal to leave the Second United Kingdom based on the past, I am backing my proposal based on what is happening now and what is most likely to occur in the future. My King, you yourself acknowledged the rise of the Nationalist-Republican Party, a far-right party that has been making strides gaining more and more seats in state governments, local governments and even the Grand Congress and even my own state. The NRP is far more dangerous that you all in Greenport realize. Letroro needs to leave Santiland so the suffering that happened during the Quarter Darkness does not repeat itself. I will never back down, no matter what you, Mr. Chancellor and my King say in Greenport."

Chancellor Douglas replied to her saying that "this is exactly why we need your state to remain in Santiland, we can only fix this probably as a unified nation". King Francis II said "if the NRP rises to power and you break away before then, guess who they are gonna come after first, you. So with our combined strength, we can stop the NRP from destroying our democratic process."

[Santiland Repubilc]

Currently on mobile, will be uoloading the logo as soon as I get back to mobile

Gravesite of Their Late Majesties King Charles II and Queen Mary Anne II found

CBN: The Hub
Written by Samuel Hyungsee

SEVILLA, Leridia- King Charles II and Queen Mary Anne II into exile on late 1935 to the US and later Leridia to escape a possible purge to end the Santilandish monarchy. Recently, a group of Santilandish tourists visisting Leridia, noticed two graves side by side one that read Charles Elias Trenton and the other that read Mary Anne Trenton. Trenton was the last name alias that the Ainsworths used during the time of the SSSR.

The tourists later contacted the Santilandish embassy, which dispatched a team to investigate the site. Sure enough, the information in the regist was matched exactly that of which Their Late Majesties King Charles II and Queen Mary Anne II used when they went into exile.

His Majesty King Francis II, Her Majesty Queen Mary Anne II, His Royal Highness Crown Prince Charles and Her Royal Highness Crown Princess Jennifer will be preparing a trip to Sevilla to visit the gravesite of Their Late Majesties.

The House of Ainsworth is requesting that the cementary allows them to move the coffins to the Royal Cementery in Santiland.

[Garlindo]

Anti-Yavaka rallies in Kiev


Ukrainian Central News Network
Kiev, Ukraine- Following the Communist country of Yavaka's hostility and aggression towards the Chinese people, rallies against Yavaka have been held in the capital of Kiev and many other major cities of Ukraine. The leader of the protests, Bohdan Romanov spoke out against Yavaka's cruel practices. "There can be no peace until Yavaka has been obliterated form the face of the world!" he shouted as many others cheered.

Across the country, supporters of the movement have been beating up citizens of Yavaka decent across the country, dragging them and mercilessly bashing them on the streets. A peacekeeping force is being deployed to stop these hostile acts, but the point has been made clear. The people are bloodthirsty, and while Poroshenko has made no action on the protests yet, only time will tell. This is Vladimir Yanukovych from U.C.N.N. signing off.

[Gelug]

Changtang Nature Reserve was established in 1989 and covers an area of 334,000 km² (208,000 mi²).

Khyangs (Tibetan wild asses) on the Changtang Plateau.

By Karma Pasang
THE TIBETAN EXPRESSION
7 August, 2018

The pristine landscape and wildlife of Tibet is truly a treasure closely held by the Gelugpa State. In 1989 the Changtang Nature Reserve was established to protect the delicate ecosystem of the expansive Changtang Plateau in the northwestern quarter of the nation.

The Changtang Plateau sprawls into the southeastern quadrant of the Dzungar and Uygur Autonomous Zone of China and into the Ladakh region of Kashmir. Today the Changtang Plateau and the majority of the greater Tibetan Plateau remain one of the cleanest regions on earth with low human activity and nearly nonexistent use of artificial pollutants.

The cleanliness of the Changtang Plateau is owed largely to government efforts in maintaining the Changtang Nature Reserve and encouraging sustainable development throughout the entirety of the Tibetan Plateau. In the past few years, the Gelug Phodrang has issued a number of bans on high-polluting projects from entering Tibet. Heavy restrictions on mining operations and mineral exploration have also been enacted and heavily enforced.

In recent years however, Tibet has faced the issue of desertification and air pollution in cities that heavily rely on coal burning. In the capitol Lhasa, the air condition is extremely poor as clouds of coal dust are trapped over the city during most of the dry winter months. The northern town of Ziling is reported to be the most polluted city in Tibet. Illegal mining and foresting operations have also compromised the wetlands, forests, and pastures of the Tibetan Plateau and the Khampa foothills.

Efforts to reduce deforestation include afforestation projects on the Yarlung Tsangpo River starting in 2003. Prior to the implementation of these projects, areas of the Yarlung Tsangpo River Valley were exposed to harsh sandstorms and severe winds in the winter and spring months. Since 2014, the number of days affected by these harsh conditions dropped from 85 days in 2000 to 13 in 2016.

Local government officials have been amazed at the results of the afforestation projects. As noted by Dorjee Pandatsang, an environmental official of Dranang Dzong, saplings along the banks of the Yarlung Tsangpo have taken hold in a shelter forest measuring 100 miles long and 1.1 miles wide. People traveling by ferry on the river are obliged to plant saplings on the each of the banks.

To protect the wetlands covering over 16 million acres of Ü-Tsang Province, the Gelug Phodrang has enacted enacted dozens of projects including the establishment of the Changtang National Nature Reserve and Wildlife Sanctuary to protect Tibet's dozens of endemic species such as the Tibetan antelope, wild yak, khyang, snow leopard, musk deers, and black-necked cranes.

Poaching was prolific from the 1950s to the 1980s with the demand for chiru wool used to make highly demanded shahtush garments which were warm, fine, and soft. The Tibetan antelope population dropped from nearly a million at the turn of the 20th century to 72,000 in 1980. Through the efforts of the Changtang Nature Reserve and Wildlife Sanctuary, the Tibetan antelope population has bounced back to nearly 250,000 in 2017.

Nomads residing within the Changtang are grateful for the protections that the plateau has. With nearly 80% of Tibet being protected from development, the nomadic way of life has persisted without faltering as seen drastically in Mongolia. The symbiosis of pastoralism, environmental protection, and afforestation are preserving and restoring one of the greatest treasures of Tibet: its nature.