Xiaodong News and Articles Hub [Closed, DO NOT POST]

by **Xiaodong** » Sat Mar 25, 2017 8:57 am

OOC - Please do not post in this thread. All posts are IC, and are in the regional canon of the Esquarium region. Any questions please send me a telegram.

First Minister Yuan Xianniann to resign in July
May 31, 2016
By Fu Bingbing

The First Minister and Chairman of the governing Xiaodong Regeneration Society, Yuan Xianniann, has announced today that he will resign from the post of First Minister sometime in July this year before the Autumn general election. In a speech made at a Regeneration Society conference, Yuan stated that after 10 years as First Minister he was "ready to see the next generation of Xiaodongese leaders take the mantle of protectors of the National Principlist movement." Yuan however has confirmed he will continue to serve as the Chairman of the Regeneration Society.

"After 10 years at the helm of Xiaodongese politics, I believe that we have succeeded in our programme of growth and reform. However, one can only oversee this process for so long, and it is for this reason that I am announcing that I will not continue as First Minister for much longer" Mr Yuan said in what as been seen as an unexpected announcement.

Mr Yuan, who has served as First Minister since 2005, announces his planned resignation four months ahead of the September general elections which will see Xiaodongese citizens elect a new State Presidium. Current opinion polls project that the Regeneration Society will lose its legislative majority mainly to the opposition United Democratic Appeal (UDA). This is the first time in Xiadongese o history since the introduction of democratic elections in 1988 that the Regeneration Society have been projected to lose their majority.

Since Mr Yuan was appointed Regeneration Society Chairman in 2005, Xiaodong politics have changed drastically. The face of the new right movement in Xiaodong - a loose grouping of those in favour of historical revisionism, greater state control of the economy and a hardline anti-Senrian stance - Mr Yuan ended the consensus politics established in the 1980's which had strengthened the dang wangluo system of corruption whilst launching the most ambitious economic reform in Xiaodongese history in the form of the New Economic Policy (NEP). Under Mr Yuan the popular (yet controversial) privatisation programme was expanded alongside state regulations and free tradewith the economy having grown continually since 2006 as well as crime being dramatically reduced thanks to tough law and order policies. However, Mr Yuan has been accused of circumventing media freedoms and being intolerant of political opposition especially after marginalising former State Chairman Jiang Zhongyu.

Who will be his successor?

Current Second Minister Xi Yao-tong

Since Mr Yuan announced his planned resignation, several potential Regeneration Society figures have been floated as possible successors. Most prominently are current Second Minister Xi Yao-tong, Presiding Officer of the State Presidium Zhao Guanping and former State Chairperson Jiang Zhongyu.

Current Second Minister Xi yao-tong is seen as the favourite to succeed Mr Yuan as First Minister. Xi (aged 54), who currently represents the District of Jixian in the State Presidium, is identified as being a core supporter of Yuan's policies advocating for economic planning and centralisation, but better ties with Xiaodong's neighbours and toning down historical revisionism. Xi has served as Second Minister since 2006, a role often seen as the anointed successor to the First Minister. However, because Yuan is not stepping down from the Regeneration Society's chairmanship this may not be the case.

Zhao Guanping is also tipped as one of the more likely successors of Mr Yuan. A party conservative, Mr Zhao is commonly seen as a staunch supporter of Mr Yuan's policies, retaining his hardline anti-Senrian stance and supporting historical revisionism whilst also being a "princeling" like Yuan, something the working class Xi lacks.

Former State Chairperson Jiang Zhongyu (currently representing the Daqing District) is considered to be a possible dark horse for the party chairmanship. Once seen as Han Guanzheng's natural successor, Mr Jiang is still seen favourably by the public and party elders within the regeneration Society. If elected, Mr Jiang would almost certainly implement political reforms long neglected by Mr Yuan's administration as well as continue the economic reforms. However, the dominance of Mr Yuan's allies within the upper echelons of the Regeneration Society will likely impend Mr Jiang's chances of clinching the party chairmanship.

How did the opposition react?
Leader of the Opposition and People's Party President Hu Wenjuan called Mr Yuan's announcement "good news" stating that "since 2006, Yuan has acted as a dictator unleashing enormous social damage on the Xiaodongese people whilst seeing a net rise in poverty, unemployment and inequality", and expressing hope that with Yuan's resignation Xiaodong will become more democratic.

Alliance for Democracy leader Kang Yongqing has also agreed that Yuan's announcement is a welcome sign, and has claimed that the Regenration Society "is finally starting to realise that its corrupt policies and perpetuation of the dang wangluo is no longer going to be seen as acceptable by the Xiao people." However, Alliance co-leader Chen Qianshi has emphasised that although Yuan's departure is a significant blow to the Regeneration Society's power, "that doesn't mean that the Regeneration Society should be forgiven for Yuan's mistakes" and that Yuan is still the chairman of the Regeneration Society and as such the de facto leader of Xiaodong.

by **Xiaodong** » Sat Mar 25, 2017 9:02 am

Xiaodongese Stock Exchange closed over liquidity concerns
By Lu Jiacheng | Rongzhuo, Xiaodong
Date: June 16, 2016

Today the Xiaodongese Stock exchange (XSE) was closed after over a week of the main three banks in Xiaodong (Shenkong Investment Bank, Xiaodongese Bank of Commerce and Zhongdong Industrial Bank) saw their shares sold at an unprecedented level as Renjin's were exchanged for foreign currencies, which has resulted in there being widespread panic in regards to the banks stability. The government have stated that the XSE has been closed due to fears that there will be a run of deposits and a drain of foreign exchange, which the government has been building up since the 2005 currency crisis. The massive selling of bank stocks and the inability of the banks to pay them back has also prompted the government to announce that it will nationalise the banks as part of a bailout deal to convert remaining bank shares into government bonds.

The rapid sell of stocks by the three major banks has occurred after almost a decade of the rapid expansion of the stocks market, which entered a boom when the banking system was partially restructured following the 2005 currency crisis. Xiaodong largely escaped economically unscathed with the collapse of Namor's stock market last year when banks started to encourage the buying up of stocks amongst customers to avoid market collapse, but this likely only sped up the process of collapse of the system which was showing signs of moving towards collapse over the past two years. The three banks market value has seen an average 800% increase whilst share appreciations and offerings increased as banks have continually intervened (buying stocks to stimulate demand) to sustain the growth whilst buying government bonds in return for the central government to invest in state run projects banks provide loans for. This system was largely implemented as part of the New Economic Policy to stabilise the financial situation following the 2005 currency crisis.

In the last year the banks have been forced to substantially increase their investment in their stocks, which culminated in early June this year with bank shares being sold as their holders brought up foreign currencies, despite the government's attempts to freeze the supply the currency hoping due to Xiaodong's very high inflation that customers would re-invest in stocks. However, continued sales have resulted in the banks to cal for government bailouts as they have stated that they cannot buy up the shares; this has led to the Financial Ministry to declare the closure of the XSE to prevent the collapse of the banking system.

Reserve Bank governor - nationalise the banks, devalue the Renjin
Jin Feng, the current governor of the Xiaodongese Reserve Bank, advised the government shortly after the closure to carry out a rapid devaluation of the Renjin and nationalise the banks to convert the shares into government bonds. Mr Jin has stated that "the government's monetary policy has been highly flawed since 2005" and has stated that in order to save the Xiaodongese economy from total collapse decisive action by the Financial Ministry is needed.

First Minister Yuan Xiannian has stated the government will work with the banks and the XSE to restore confidence in the market, and has called on Xiaodongese citizens to remain calm. "This stock market crisis will only be resolved if the government, [XCB] and other banks can work together to some to a resolution." Yuan stated as he confirmed to the press that the government would nationalise the banks and buy up the shares at a loss of 19% whilst a devaluation of the Renjin at a rate of 26% will be implemented. A senior official in the Financial Ministry previously called for XRB governor to refrain from proposing policy solutions until the government draft one of their own.

by **Xiaodong** » Sat Mar 25, 2017 12:48 pm

Stock exchange to be reopened as Reserve Bank bails the Renjin
June 21, 2016
By Lu Jiacheng[/size]

Reserve Bank Governor Jin Feng has announced substantial interventions to stabilise the Renjin

The Xiaodongese government has announced that it will formally reopen the Xiaodongese Stock Exchange (XSE) tomorrow after the Reserve Bank has stated that it will pump 金300 billion into the economy to reassure foreign markets of the Xiaodongese financial market. The announcement comes after just under a month of economic volatility within Xiaodong after the collapse of the stock market in June.

The reopening of the XSE comes after its closure on the 16th June after a record number of shares from the Shenkong Investment Bank, Xiaodongese Bank of Commerce and Zhongdong Industrial Bank were sold in one day, leading to a fear of a run of deposits and a drain of foreign exchange. Since the XSE has been closed the government has nationalised the aforementioned banks, converted their shares into government bonds at a 19% loss and draft a policy of a short term fiscal stimulus package followed by a longer term austerity programme which would see planned cuts in welfare and a privatisation of the health service. The announcement by the Reserve Bank today to pour more Renjins into the economy is designed to be the first step in the governments fiscal stimulus programme.

Reserve Bank governor Jin Feng today stated that the Xiaodongese economy "must go through a state of adjustment" and that the Reserve Bank alongside the Financial Ministry was considering additional policy solutions to the economic crisis. Jin is under pressure to cut interest rates, enforce tight monetary policy and pursue a policy of quantitative easing in order to stimulate economic activity whilst the Xiaodongese government led by Yuan Xiannian has been called upon to remove Financial Minister Sun Chunjuan from his role, as Sun has been condemned for having dithered in the face of the stock market collapse.

Two Ministers resign over financial policy
Energy Minister Lao Qiliang alongside Industrial and Labour Affairs Minister Huang Weida have announced their immediate resignation as the economic crisis worsens in Xiaodong, with the Financial Ministry announcing that inflation has risen to a rate of 120.56%, the highest rate in recorded Xiaodongese history. The Financial Ministry has also stated that it will invest over a billion Renjin's in banks which have continued to face the prospect of liquidity as international markets have begun a firesell of Renjin assets.

Lao and Huang stated in a joint statement that their resignation was in protest to "incompetent government policy in response to the crisis, calling out the government for their refusal to apply strict auserity policy to deal with the crisis.

Former State Chairman
Jiang Zhongyu has used
the crisis to rally opposition
to Yuan Xiannian

The [financial] ministry's refusal to pursue clear monetary policy to deal with the growing inflation has meant that inflation has increased to the point where it could realistically wipe the savings of millions of Xiaodongese citizens" Lao commented. "[Financial Minister Sun's] policy of devaluation and devaluation alone has meant that we are facing a very real hyperinflation crisis". Lao elaborated that the response to this crisis "has been solely dictated by the Financial Ministry" and that Mr Sun has "excluded all but the First Minister, [Presiding Officer] Xu Bangguo and [Second Minister] Xi Yao-tong from the decision making process for the crisis.". Lao went on to denounce the Financial Ministry for having manipulated financial figures over the past year to cover up the "appallingly weak" set of regulations imposed on the banking industry and that the Financial Ministry has systematically lied to other government ministries, including the First Minister's office.

Inside sources have indicated that the Regeneration Society have been deeply divided over the bank stocks crash, with the party already undergoing polarisation within its ranks as factions vie to gain control of the party. Supporters of Yuan Xiannian have stated that they wish to apply tough monetary policy and stimulus measures to deal with growing inflation whilst supporters of Lao and Huang, who are part of the same clique as former State Chairman Jiang Zhongyu advocate for further devaluation of the Renjin before overseeing the implementation of new austerity programmes alongside the privatisation of several state owned assets to kick start international investment. Second Minister Xi Yao-tong meanwhile has been attempting to reconcile the two factions, hoping to pursue a short term stimulus programme before implementing far reaching austerity programmes. However, the financial ministry has been reluctant to implement austerity in the face of upcoming elections in September. The resignation two most significant allies of Jiang Zhongyu in the Council of Ministers may have been forced in order to crack down on dissent within the Council of Ministers, or more likely to undermine the influence of Yuan in the Regeneration Society and ensure Jiang's clique take power.

by **Xiaodong** » Sat Mar 25, 2017 1:24 pm

Xi Yao-tong replaces Yuan Xiannian as First Minister
July 14, 2016
By Fu Bingbing

Yuan Xiannian has stepped down from the position of First Minister after the Second Minister Xi Yao-tong was chosen after a series of behind the scenes negotiations to replace Yuan as First Minister, whilst Yuan will remain Chairman of the Regeneration Society.

In his first speech as First Minister, Xi has stated that he wants to "improve on the successes of the last government" whilst creating a "stable economy that will see growth again whilst working for working people first". He has also emphasised a foreign policy still centred on trade and the "Eastern Pivot" and advocated for further health and welfare reform. "The priorities of our government have not changed" Xo declared "But the means by which we will achieve them will". Xi skirted around questions relating to the dire state of Xiaodongese public finances and the upcoming September elections, stating her main priority is "to make government work for real people. My focus is on solving real life problems, not playing political games".

The new First Minister will need to deal with worsening financial crisis triggered by the collapse of the stock market in June which has seen the Renjin fall as the Xiaodngese Reserve Bank has pumped billions into the economy not only to save the Renjin but also to re-nationalise the banks and buy up their now toxic stocks as government bonds. The government has been urged to implement tough austerity measures but has slammed on the brakes regarding the proposals, which include healthcare privatisation and a dramatic reduction of the welfare system, as they are deemed to draconian to implement in the face of upcoming elections. The elections themselves will constitute a challenge to the Renegeration Society - current opinion polls show the Regeneration Society lagging behind the opposition United Democratic Appeal with the Regeneration Society projected to lose over a third their presidium delegates. Xi will have to quickly re-establish confidence in the Regeneration Society for the electorate if the Regeneration Society are to remain a majority in the State Presidium in September.

Xiaodong Daily on Yuan Xiannian's legacy - reform, growth and order

Yuan Xiannian leaves the Lanhuatingzi

As Yuan Xiannian prepares to leave office, his legacy is already being examined and dissected amongst political commentators. In his 10 years as First Minister, Yuan has seen resounding successes such as unprecedented economic growth, the successful clampdown to the terrorist campaign waged by the Duljunese Liberation Front and the restoration of law and order after the record crime and social breakdown of the 1990's. On the world stage, Yuan has attempted to assert Xiaodong's place within Esquarium and has been crucial in securing the Xiaodongese-Tuthinan alliance as well as helping to isolate Senria and firmly reject Senrian imperialism. Another personal victory was the ending of the fixed exchange rate in 2005 and the reassertion of Xiaodongese patriotism.

When Yuán became First Minister in 2005 it was to the backdrop of a currency crisis and politically stagnant years under Han Guanzheng. During the currency crisis Yuan was successfully able to implement his own far reaching policies (namely here, the ending of the fixed exchange rate) and remove many of Han Guanzheng's and his so-called "natural successor", Jiang Zhongyu, allies in the biggest reshuffle in the Yuan government. As the economy started to rebound in 2005 Yuan was clearly the undisputed leader of Xiaodong,and now had the ability to implement his ambitious reforms. These included the New Economic Policy which created a deregulated external market for Xiaodong and a more regulated internal one, based on export-led inflationary growth and a diversification away from coal.

The Yuan government also saw the start of the "Xiaodong 2034" programme which sought to launch Xiaodong to be one of the most developed nations on the planet, and subsequently began infrastructure projects, a more concrete welfare system, a reformed education system and a move toward a high-tech economy. Yuan also emphasised his own conservative credentials, questioning the anti-Xiaodongese line that Xiaodong did a "genocide" against Senria, despite a complete lack of evidence to suggest the fact.

Yuan also sought to pursue a three-pronged foreign policy of fostering ties with developing states and promoting south–south cooperation, maintaining the "special relationship" between Xiaodong and Tuthina and strongly supporting free trade whilst isolating the fascist Senrian Republic from international affairs. Whilst Xiaodong was temporarily suspended from the EU in 2006, under Yuan Xiaodong became much more dominant on a global stage. In 2007 Yuan successfully resolved the Zhonghe Hostage crisis leading to a reduction in Duljunese terrorism. However, Yuan was weakened by protests in 2015 and the bank stock crash this year.

Yuan leaves Xiaodong a more stable, wealthier and safer country. Unfairly the bank stock crisis will be perceived now as his most immediate legacy - but to heap the blame onto him for that would be ignoring the positive economic reform Yuan spearheaded as First Minister which has modernised Xiaodong and make the lives of millions of Xiaos better. His law and order policies alongside his eradication of communist terrorism will be rightly his most successful legacy, as will his embrace and revival of Xiaodongese nationalism challenging Senrian propaganda that says a peaceful country like Xiaodong is responsible for "war crimes" and "genocide".

Despite resigning from the First Minister's post, Yuan is still Regeneration Society Chairman - and at the age of 63 is likely to still be active in politics.

by **Xiaodong** » Sat Mar 25, 2017 2:38 pm

Xiaodong election 2016 - what you need to know
September 10, 2016 | By Li Kuang

As the Xiaodongese electoral campaign begins in earnest, the parties have begun to publish their manifestos and actively travel around the country. The three main parties in the election, the Regeneration Society, United Democratic Appeal and Alliance for Democracy, have each launched their campaigns with opposition parties hoping to capitalise on the abysmal state of the Regeneration Society government, currently paralysed over factionalism, a spluttering financial crisis and the worst polling results for the party since democratisation in 1991. As such, here at East Sea Daily we shall take a look at each party's status in the election as well as their policies.
Xiaodong Regeneration Society
The Regeneration are struggling in polls, having over the last couple of months lagged by a few percentage points behind the United Democratic Appeal. Nevertheless, their strong institutional support rooted in the Caihongs and the media establishment alongside their strong base of supporters, experience in government and expert funding ability as well as boost in support since Xi Yao-tong took power will mean they will likely either win a majority or a plurality of seats, despite overseeing endemic corruption, nepotism, incompetence and the worst economic crisis in over 40 years. The Regeneration Society are expected to do well in northern and eastern Xiaodong,and hold some of their cities in the south.
United Democratic Appeal
The UDA (a coalition of the People's Party, Social Democratic League, Progressive Party and Duljunese Democratic Party) as the largest opposition party, are currently leading in opinion polls by a slim margin, and may have the opportunity to form the first non-Regeneration Society government since 1934. Popular with young people and citizens in urban areas in the south with leader Hu Wenjuan currently the most popular in Xiaodong, the UDA may find it difficult to get votes especially in the north of the country and amongst older, more conservative voters unless they more fully commit to their recently stated more rightist positions.
Alliance for Democracy
A radical student rabble formed in 2015 following large scale student protests. Populist, alter-globalist and radical democratic the Alliance proposes a mix of left wing, nationalist and direct democratic policies that want to "revolutionise" Xiaodong and remove "corruption and dictatorship". Opinion polling will see it make an impact, but how concentrated its support is is still to be seen.
Opinion polls

Where do the parties stand on the issues?
Economy
-Regeneration Society - The Regeneration Society have stated that, in response to the financial crisis, they will restructure the entire Xiaodongese banking system by stabilising the financial situation of the banks in their current nationalised state as well as cutting public services to reduce the deficit by 75% by 2021. The Regeneration Society have also stated that they will not borrow any money in the next five years for spending, and reduce the corporation tax to 7.6%.
-United Democratic Appeal - The UDA have promised that they will lead an economic review to examine the causes of the bank stock crisis and accordingly implement policies that will prevent crisis again, having criticised the bailouts of the banks by the Regeneration Society government. The UDA have stated that they will implement a programme of fiscal stimulus to kickstart the Xiaodongese economy, as well as privatise the Xiaodongese Mining Confederation.
-Alliance for Democracy - The Alliance have stated they will increase public finances whilst creating a Council of Economic Recovery to take control of key industries to stabilise the economy. The Alliance have also stated they will implement tough measures to penalise bankers and international financiers as well as create a "People's Bank".
Healthcare
-Regeneration Society - The Regeneration Society have promised to ringfence the health sector from cuts, as well as put a five year freeze of overseas workers' claims on the health sector. The Regeneration Society have also promised to launch a "Health Investment Programme" in areas of the country which suffer from poorer healthcare.
-United Democratic Appeal - The UDA have stated they opposed privatisation of the health sector, and that they will expand funding to end the disparity between rural and urban healthcare.
-Alliance for Democracy - The Alliance have promised expand healthcare especially in rural areas.
Foreign and defence
-Regeneration Society - The Regeneration Society have promised to maintain the current spending on the Defence Forces as well as conscription. The Regeneration Society have also promised to maintain close links with Tuthina and protect Xiaodong from "Senrian imperialism".
-United Democratic Appeal - The UDA have stated the top foreign policy priority of their government is entry to Esquarian Community. The UDA have also criticised the "clientilistic relationship" between Tuthina and Xiaodong whilst also promising to try to negotiate a new peace treaty with Senria "within reason". The UDA have promised to keep conscription, but have indicated that they may make financial cuts to the military.
-Alliance for Democracy - The Alliance have stated they will launch a Xiaodongese application for the EC and adopt a more equal relationship with Tuthina. The Alliance have also stated that they will demand reparations from Senria for the "cultural destruction of the Xiaodongese state". In terms of defence policy, the Alliance support lowering the time of conscription.
Education
-Regeneration Society - The Regeneration Society have pledged to double the amount of apprenticeships by 2021, as well as achieve a ratio of 1 teacher for every 26 students in the same time period and enforce "patriotic education".
-United Democratic Appeal - The UDA have outlined in their manifesto that they will revolutionise education, funnelling more funding into it as well as reducing class sizes and reducing tuition fees
-Alliance for Democracy - The Alliance favour instituting a new curriculum that emphasises "Xiaodongese values" and advocates for a positive view of Xiaodongese history and culture. The Alliance also favour abolishing tuition fees and reforming the system to put less pressure on students in relations to exams, which they have stated leads to high teen suicide.
Welfare
-Regeneration Society - The Regeneration Society have outlined a 12 point plan to reform welfare, including replacing all welfare bar for the disabled and pregnant women with workfare programmes, implementing a tougher sanctions scheme and promoting family welfare over state welfare. The Regeneration Society also stated that they will implement a new childcare system that will make it easier for mothers to work.
-United Democratic Appeal - The UDA outlined in their manifesto commitments to expand social welfare programmes to put less pressure on families, as well as create a tax credit scheme for working families.
-Alliance for Democracy - The Alliance favour expanding childcare and giving greater state benefits to those with large families as well as creating a cradle to the grave welfare state.
Housing
-Regeneration Society - The Regeneration Society have set a target for 1,000 new homes to be built by 2021, and to create a save-to-buy scheme for aspiring home owners.
-United Democratic Appeal - The UDA have set a target to build at least 1500 affordable homes by 2021, as well as expand state council housing and enforce freezes on rent rates. The People's Party have also promised to prioritise capital investment in housing to build more affordable home.
-Alliance for Democracy - The Alliance have said that they will aim to build over 1000 new homes, but have refrained from setting a clear target. The Alliance have also stated that to deal with housing problems new homes should be communal and be able to support large families, and that the young should have priority in terms of housing. The Alliance also want financial incentives for urban developing companies to build more houses.
Social policy
-Regeneration Society - The Regeneration Society have stated that they will maintain the two-child policy. They have also stated that will -protect Xiaodongese culture and reinstate some of the cultural controls abolished in the 1990's.
-United Democratic Appeal - The UDA have stated that they will liberalise drug and family laws, as well as hold a referendum on whether to continue to enforce the two-child policy in Xiaodong. The UDA have also promised to improve womens rights in Xiaodong whilist also stating that they will protect Xiaodong's natural heritage.
-Alliance for Democracy - The Alliance will abolish the two-child policy "the day we enter office" and support large families. The Alliance have also proposed the creation of a commission to hep spread Xiaodongese culture overseas. The Alliance have stated they will support Xiaodongese traditional culture.
Law and order
-Regeneration Society - The Regeneration Society have promised to fully implement the Anti-Terrorism Law proposed in June, which expands police and judicial powers. The Regeneration Society have also promised to retain the death penalty and streamline the judicial process.
-United Democratic Appeal- The UDA have promised to oppose the Anti-Terrorism bill, as well as hold a referendum over the status of the death penalty. The UDA have also pledged to implement no-tolerance policies regarding corruption as well as cull police powers.
-Alliance for Democracy - The Alliance support the creation of an independent commission which would crack down on corrupt pubic officials.
Political reforms
-Regeneration Society - The Regeneration Society have stated they want to centralise power to the central government.
-United Democratic Appeal - The UDA have promised to introduce a proportional voting system, as well as give 18 year olds the right to vote. The UDA has also proposed implementing legalisation that gives citizens the right to recall corrupt Presidium delegates, as well as create a democratically elected upper chamber and head of state in a constitutional referendum.
-Alliance for Democracy - The Alliance support the institution of a bicameral State Presidium with a House of Representatives and a Senate as well as instituting an elected President of the Republic.They also advocate for the current voting system to be replaced with a party list proportional representation system. The Progressive Party also support a decentralisation of powers from the central executive to local governments as well as a wider use of popular referenda and give 18 year olds the right to vote.
Environment
-Regeneration Society - The Regeneration Society have promised to launch a commission into how to improve the Xiaodongese environment as well as introduce legalisation to deal with Xiaodongese carbon emissions and reduce pollution.
-United Democratic Appeal - The UDA have proposed expanding the use of nuclear and alternative energy sources and end dependence on fossil fuels, as well as impose new anti-pollution regulations
-Alliance for Democracy - The Alliance have stated that they will focus on developing alternative energy to deal with pollution and want to create a "nuclear free Xiaodong".

by **Xiaodong** » Sat Mar 25, 2017 2:40 pm

Xiaodong election 2016 - Regeneration Society lose majority as opposition makes gains

September 17, 2016
By Fu Bingbing

Voters casting their ballots in Minqin

In an electoral upset in Xiaodong, the ruling Xiaodong Regeneration Society has lost its majority in the State Presidium for the first time since 1934, with its share of the vote falling behind the opposition United Democratic Appeal in the most closely contested election ever in Xiaodong. With the highest turnout in a democratic Xiaodongese election with 37,640,080 voters casting ballots (70.7% of the registered electorate), the Electoral Commission has announced that the results so far indicate that the Xiaodong Regeneration Society have polled with 13,926,829 (37%) votes in the single-member districts and 13,512,788 (35.9) votes in the multi-member districts giving them 100 seats, 8 short of a majority. The UDA polled 14,227,949 (37.8%) votes in single member districts and 14,416,148 (38.3%) in multi member districts, but only got 89 seats. The Alliance for Democracy scored a surprise 5,947,132(15.8%) votes in single member districts and 5,984,772 (15.9%) in multi member districts getting 16 seats.

The collapse of the Xiaodong Regeneration Society's vote can be attributed to a mix of corruption scandals, the ongoing bank stock crisis and the party's infighting between factions supporting former First Minister Yuan Xiannian and factions opposed to his rule. However, with no clear winner of the elections the task of forming a government will be difficult. No party has indicated that it will support a Xiaodong Regeneration Society government, whilst the UDA's pact with the Alliance would be 3 seats short of a majority.

The fractured nature of smaller opposition parties means that the UDA leader Hu Wenjuan will find it difficult to form a viable coalition government, whilst the Xiaodong Regeneration Society suffers from having no parties support its continued governance. As such, the building of a majority government will be extremely difficult, unless the Xiaodong Regeneration Society opt to govern as a minority government or hold fresh elections once a new State Chairperson is elected next month.

The full results are as follows -

▉▉ - Xiaodong Regeneration Society - 100 seats (Up 64)
▉▉ - People's Party - 60 seats (Up 32)
▉▉ - Alliance For Democracy - 16 seats (Up 16)
▉▉ - Progressive Party - 10 seats (Up 3)
▉▉ - Duljunese Democratic Party - 5 seats (No change)
▉▉ - New Frontier Party - 8 seats (Up 3)
▉▉ - Social Democratic League - 8 seats (Up 5)
▉▉ - Independents - 8 seats (Up 5)

by **Xiaodong** » Sat Mar 25, 2017 2:43 pm

State Presidium fail to elect a Chairperson in political deadlock
October 19, 2016
By Gao Qiao

Incumbent Xiaodong Regeneration Society chairman Yuan Xiannian

For the first time since the creation of the Auspicious Republic, the Xiaodong Regeneration Society's candidate for Chairperson of the State Presidium (head of state) has failed to elected by their parliamentary colleagues. This will necessitate the two candidates, Yuan Xiannian of the Xiaodong Regeneration Society and Li Zheng of the People's Party (whilst also being supported by the Alliance for Democracy, Social Democratic League, Progressive Party, Duljunese Democratic Party and several independent delegates) to enter a second round to be scheduled for next week. Presiding Officer of the State Presidium Qiao Shengzuo will serve as head of state in an interim period and will likely maintain the caretaker government of First Minister Xi Yao-tong, also of the Xiaodong Regeneration Society.

The Chairperson of the State Presidium is elected by the State Presidium every five years, with a supermajoirty of 141 delegates required to vote for a Chairperson following the opening of the State Presidium. Since the first State Presidium convened in 1934, the Xiaodong Regeneration Society has maintained a supermajority that has allowed it to ensure its candidate always wins in the first - it was only until 2006 when the opposition were able to reach the threshold of 54 delegates required to nominate their own candidate who was easily defeated by the governments own candidate. However, the election last month that failed to see the Xiaodong Regeneration Society maintain its majority in the State Presidium has ensured that Yuan will either have to contest the second round or lose the Chairpersonship. Whilst the State Chairperson has few actual powers, they do have the sole right to appoint a First Minister and dissolve the State Presidium - if opposition candidate Li is able to capture the position, he will likely appoint the first non-XRS government since 1934.

The candidates will be required to reach a simple majority of 108 in the second round to be elected - if they fail to reach that threshold, the State Chairperson is required to dissolve the presidium and hold new elections, starting the process again. It is understood that the XRS is attempting to hold off an election, with the likelihood that if an election took place an opposition coalition would likely win a majority, and is trying to attempt to reach a confidence and supply agreement with several independent delegates alongside the New Frontier party, which abstained on the first round of voting due to disagreements with the candidacy of the social liberal Li, who ran on the ticket of a "unity" opposition candidate. Yuan alongside the XRS suffer from low approval ratings, with First Ministers XI Yao-tong's recent attendance at the Xiangmin Summit in Namor (the first Xiaodongese leader to be invited to such a summit) failing to improve the government's image, with the government only retaining power thanks to a divided opposition.

The results of the first round break down as follows -

Black line indicates the threshold need to be elected in the first round
▉▉ - Liu Yanling - 101 votes
Xiaodong Regeneration Society - 100 votes
Independent - 1 vote
▉▉ - Li Zheng - 105 votes
People's Party - 60 votes
Alliance for Democracy - 16 votes
Progressive Party - 10 votes
Duljunese Democratic Party - 5 votes
Social Democratic League - 8 votes
Independents - 6 votes
▉▉ - Abstentions
New Frontier - 8 votes
Independent - 1 vote

Opinion - Xiaodong is at a crossroad, and bitterly divided
The failure to elect a new head of state is but another indicator of the increasing polarisation of Xiaodong society. The election last month saw a country that is divided between different visions of what direction Xiaodong should take - a liberal, capitalist democracy aligned with the democratic powers of the Esquarian Community or the traditionalist, authotarian state despised by its neighbours. The division could clearly be seen by glancing over a map after the election - in the cosmopolitan south where the affluent middle class reap the benefits of globalisation and liberalisation of social and political life the vote overwhelmingly went to the People's Party, whereas in the industrial north populated by peasants tilling rice fields and coal and bauxite miners the Xiaodong Regeneration Society resonated most with voters. As a trend, the younger one is the less likely they are willing to support the old order of the Xiaodong Regeneration Society intertwining itself with the rigid Caihong business conglomerates and the shadowy, conservative state bureaucracy.

Xiaodong is only partially liberalised - its government heavy handed, society clinging to traditional norms. The reforms achieved from the 1980's onwards have only seen the transition from an authotarian country to one that is in transition, unsure on its values and how it should adopt to globalisation. The Xiaodongese people must now decide what their society, and their country, stands for.

by **Xiaodong** » Sat Mar 25, 2017 2:45 pm

State Chairperson failed to be elected again, new elections announced
October 29, 2016
By Gao Qiao

Interim State Chairman Li Jintao announced new elections as deadlock continues
(pictured with Yuan Xiannian)

The State Presidium has failed to elect a Chairperson again after a second round of voting in a state of deadlock, for the first time in Xiaodong's history. Both Regeneration Society candidate Yuan Xiannian and People's Party candidate Li Zheng was just 3 votes short of securing the 108 majority needed to be elected State Chairperson, with four New Frontier delegates and an independent delegate abstaining on the second ballot.

The Constitution of the Auspicious Republic mandates that the State Chairperson must court the support of a majority of the State Presidium, and a failure to do so must result in the dissolution of the State Presidium and for new elections to be held so to break the parliamentary deadlock. Previously, one party (the Xiaodong Regeneration Society) held a supermajority in the State Presidium meaning any political deadlock regarding the re-election of the State Chairperson was avoided. However, the inconclusive results of the September election have meant that no bloc in the State Presidium has a majority, necessitating fresh elections. Interim State Chairperson Li Jintao has stated that new elections will not be held until January 2017 sometime before the Spring Festival.

The announcement of new elections is a blow to the Xiaodong Regeneration Society, which hoped to strike a deal with the New Frontier Party - although four of the eight New Frontier delegates supported Yuan's candidacy for State Chairperson, leader Kang Rongguo refused to support him on the grounds of Yuans, First Minister Xi Yao-tong's and several other top government ministers involvement in corruption and graft scandals, especially regarding the state-owned Xiaodongese Mining Confederation. Despite the Xiaodong Regeneration Society's influence over the media, connections with the influential Caihong conglomerates and iron grip over local government the party maintains low approval ratings due to a sluggish response to the recent recession, numerous corruption scandals and what has become increasingly seen as a heavy handed approach to governing.

The deadlock has also weakened the position of Yuan Xiannian and First Minister Xi within the Xiaodong Regeneration Society, with former State Chairman Jiang Zhongyu calling for Yuan to resign. This has led to discussions within Rongzhuo of a possible leadership coup against Yuan and Xi by Jiang and a cadre of close supporters.

The opposition UDA welcomed the news of new elections, with party leader Hu Wenjuan hoping for the party to increase its seats to an "actual majority". The People's Party has floated the possibility of running alongside the Alliance of Democracy on a joint list as part of a "Democratic Bloc" alongside independents with the hope of displacing the current caretaker XRS government led by Xi Yao-tong, with Li Zheng, currently the most trusted politician in Xiaodong according to opinion polls, floated as a possible unity candidate for First Minister. In the last election, the UDA got a plurality of votes but less seats then the XRS.

The results of the second round break down as follows -

108 votes needed to get a majority
▉▉ - Liu Yanling - 105 votes (UP 4)
Xiaodong Regeneration Society - 100 votes
New Frontier Party - 4 votes
Independent - 1 vote
▉▉ - Li Zheng - 105 votes (No change)
People's Party - 60 votes
Alliance for Democracy - 16 votes
Progressive Party - 10 votes
Duljunese Democratic Party - 5 votes
Social Democratic League - 8 votes
Independents - 6 votes
▉▉ - Abstentions (DOWN 4)
New Frontier Party - 4 votes
Independent - 1 vote

by **Xiaodong** » Sat Mar 25, 2017 2:48 pm

Comprehensive Trade Agreement signed with Tuthina as election campaign gets underway
November 18, 2016
By Gao Qiao

First Minister Xi Yao-tong with the ambassador from the Most Serene Empire and
business representatives from both countries in Rongzhuo

The government of Xiaodong and the Most Serene Empire have agreed on a "Comprehensive Free Trade Agreement" despite Xiaodong's ongoing financial crisis and uncertainty in regards to the government of Xiaodong. In a press conference organised at the Most Serene Empire's embassy in Rongzhuo alongside business and corporate leaders representatives from both the Most Serene Empire and Xiaodong, including First Minister Xi Yao-tong, announced the ratification of "the most significant trade deal between the Most Serene Empire and Auspicious Republic since 1988".

A spokesperson for the deal confirmed that it would see the Most Serene Empire be providing several new investments into Xiaodong's governmental branches, with the same spokesperson confirming that the deal is to be fully implemented regardless of the ongoing uncertainty regarding Xiaodong's government.

The signing of the deal has been seen as controversial due to the current lame duck administration of Xi Yao-tong facing election in January 2017, with several anti-globalisation and anti-Tuthinian protests being carried out in Rongzhuo and Baiqiao. Concerns have been raised over the secrecy of the trade deal, the lack of parliamentary scrutiny and the influence the Most Serene Empire has over Xiaodongese politics. Jiang Guxiang, deputy chairman of the thinktank Xiaodongese Forum for Democracy and Independence stated that "there is clear evidence that the Xiaodongese and Tuthinian governments seek to undermine democracy in Xiaodong by pursuing trade deals in secret without a mandate from the people, and that Tuthina exerts a disproportionate amount of power in Xiaodongese-Tuthinian relations".

A spokesperson for the Ministry of Trade, Investment and Privatisation stated that the deal was "years in planning" and that the government has released "as much data as it does on our other trade deals with countries such as Toksan." The same spokesperson also said that the deal "would see more investment in Xiaodong's public services, which are set to undergo drastic modernisation."

Li Majiang, a representative of the Confederation of Xiaodongese Business and Industry, said the deal was an important step in affirming Tuthinian-Xiaodongese business relations. "The Xiaodongese business community has worked with the government to get more Tuthinian investment into Xiaodong, especially regarding the recent freeze in relations with Toksan" Li said, while adding that the deal will make future Xiaodongese governments "more wholly committed to the current free trade, free market policies towards our biggest overseas partner". Kang Qinjie, another representative from the CXBI stated that the Xiaodongese business community hoped that the trade deal would help spur Tuthinian investments in Xiaodong to reach new heights.

The Ministry of Internal Affairs stated the deal would modernise
the police force in Xiaodong

In a separate statement, the Ministry of Internal Affairs have confirmed the deal will see the police forces "drastically modernised" despite the Ministry have implemented spending cuts in the police force over the past decade. This has resulted in some to claim that the deal would result in "the construction of a police state, or a state within a state, before the election" despite assurances from the Ministry of Internal Affairs that such modernisation had been planned for several years, and that Tuthinian investment has merely "sped up" the process. The Ministry of Internal Affairs confirmed in a joint statement with the Ministry of Trade, Investment and Privatisation that the Xiaodongese government had been negotiating the investment in law enforcement modernisation for months with Tuthina.

The announcement of the trade deal comes as campaigning for the 2017 election is underway, with the opposition United Democratic Appeal for Xiaodong leading in the polls to the incumbent Xiaodong Regeneration Society. The UDA's leader, Hu Wenjuan, condemned the deal for its secrecy and lack of details, and has promised to "open the books" regarding the deal if the UDA is elected to government in January.

by **Xiaodong** » Sat Mar 25, 2017 2:51 pm

Ankoreni State President begins visit to Xiaodong
November 20, 2016
By Fu Bingbing

Ankoreni State President Evren Volkan with First Minister Xi Yao-tong in Rongshui

Fresh off the heels of a comprehensive trade agreement with the Most Serene Empire, Xiaodong will the host of Evren Volkan, State President of the Union of Ankoren, and an accompanying delegation as trade, arms and political agreements will be made. This marks the first state visit of a leader of the Nautasian nation to Xiaodong and may set the stage for greater cooperation between Xiaodong and the worlds most powerful Islamic nation.

In talks with First Minister Xi Yao-tong today, State President Volkan announced a new deal with the Xiaodongese government that will see Xiaodong receive Ankoreni oil at lowered prices as well as investment in Xiaodongese mines and infrastructure, in return for discounts in Xiaodongese coal, bauxite and oil. First Minister Xi also signed a deal that will see Xiaodong export an undisclosed amount of arms to Ankoren as well as the abolition of several tariffs between both nations. Both leaders also discussed recent political events in Nautasia, with First Minister Xi promising State President Volkan to support him in opposition to Nevanmaa's "Crown of Saint Lucia" plan as well as condemning recent criticisms of the Ankoreni's governemnts policies by the Kraqi and Francilie amongst others.

"The dictatorial regime in Ragobad has consistently shown itself as a destabilising and corrupting force in the region, and lacks the moral and diplomatic authority to condemn other governments" Xi said in a press statement today, whilst criticising the decision of Francilie to withdraw its ambassador as "unhelpful".

Talking to a press conference at government house, Xi stated that the Xiaodongese government is in "full support" of Ankoreni military operations in Nautasia, praising the Ankoreni state a "beacon of stability and modernity" in the region and their actions as "bringing peace, order and development" to Nautasia, promising to fully support Ankoren in light of several countries withdrawing diplomatic relations from the country. As well as lauding Ankoren for its interventions in wartorn Irvadistan, East Nautarya, Kraq and Samchania for fighting off terrorist insurgencies, Xi also praised Volkan for pushing for modernisation and investing in developing countries such as Pisdara as well as maintaining pro-trade policies with more developed nations such as Luziyca. Volkan in turn praised Xiaodong for its successful development policies and for maintaining its sovereignty in a time of increasing globalisation.

The successful meeting with the State President comes as a boost for the government, which is reeling in the face of elections scheduled for January. This alongside the comprehensive trade agreement recently signed with the Most Serene Empire is a message by the government that despite recent economic woes, Xiaodong is still open to business. It also signals a clearer shift in foreign policy towards states commonly classified as "pariah states" by developed countries, in contrast to the semi-isolationist foreign policy of Xi's predecessor Yuan Xiannian.

by **Xiaodong** » Sat Mar 25, 2017 3:02 pm

Elections will not solve Xiaodong's democratic deficit
18 December 2016

In a month Xiaodongese voters will be going to the polls in a rematch of the election last September, with the opposition United Democratic Appeal for Xiaodong polling ahead of the caretaker government of the long-ruling Xiaodongese Regeneration Society. With the UDA almost certain to win the election, many are anticipating that on election the authoritarianism of the Xiaodongese Regeneration will be swept away in an instant, creating a new, democratic republic, a rarity amongst Monic nations.

It is true that in the past 30 years, Xiaodong has both politically democratised and gone through social liberalisation. In 1986, Xiaodong was a rigid police state, where torture was common in overcrowded prisons and political opponents sent to large reduction centre reminiscent of the resettlement camps under the genocidal Xiaodongese Heavenly State. The press was censored by the Ministry of Propaganda (translated abroad as the more neutral "Ministry of Public Information") and political dissidents who escaped abroad assassinated by Public Security Secretariat. The economy was centralised into the hands of state bureaucrats and corporate cartels, little better than criminal gangs whilst Christians and homosexuals were regarded as either enemies of the state or mentally deficient. Abroad Xiaodong was perhaps most infamously known for its harsh restrictions on personal appearances - clothing was strictly uniform, facial hair, tattoos and piecings banned, and only a dozen approved haircuts, under the guise of protecting Xiaodongese culture from foreign influence. Now, personal restrictions have been mostly removed, the re-education centres dismantled, the economy liberalised and a degree of democratic freedom allowed in a way that was inconceivable when Sun Yuting promised that "Not a single Senrian agent will live" when crushing human right supporters in the Huayuan massacre.

Despite these measures, there is a growing complacency amongst Xiaodongese people that democracy is a given now, and that by simply electing liberal democrats to office will undo the repressive legacy of the Xiaodong Regeneration Society. However, there is a raft of evidence to suggest this view is unfounded, and that even if the UDA is elected Xiaodongese citizens must continue to pursue the democratic cause with as much dedication as was displayed in the 1990's.

Xiaodong's political system is, simply put, not intended for party politics. The creator of the Auspicious Republic, Lu Keqian, intended for Xiaodong to be a non-partisan, with the Xiaodong Regeneration Society the ideological pillar of the regime rather than a political party per se with power centred on Lu Keqian rather than any one institution, although his successors transformed the Xiaodong Regeneration Society into the powerbase at the centre of governance. This has meant that Xiaodong's rather malleable institutions, intended for a non-partisan autocracy, have become more of an arm of the Xiaodong Regeneration Society which has itself become a political party with its own internal organs. Thus, the creation of a multi-party system has called into question the nature of Xiaodong's government structure, and whether it can be truly democratic.

Take for example the Examination Secretariat. Xiaodong like other Monic nations such as Tinzhan and Tuthina has retained a civil service examination system, which has traditionally served to create a quasi-meritocratic bureaucracy. The Tinzhanese Office of Examination, whilst having some influence in government policy, is mostly concerned with the training of the civil service - however its Xiaodongse counterpart, the Examination Secretariat, not only trains civil servants but also members of the judiciary and government ministers, with all members of the government (both the executive and legislative branches) having to gain approval to ascend to their positions by the Examination Secretariat. It is for this reason the legendary human rights activist and People's Party founder Chen Xianfeng never sat in the State Presidium, having been denied a seat by the Examination Secretariat. As the Examination Secretriat's Governor is appointed by the Chairsperson of the State Presidium on advice from the Council of Ministers and its eight-man ruling committee approved by the State Presidium, it has become highly politicised with its appointees having connections to the ruling party - and as the institution tasked with appointing and approving the civil service (including the police and army), judiciary and government it has become highly based on patronage within the ruling party. It is no surprise that many members of the opposition in the State Presidium were formerly associated with the regime - as they are the only ones approved by the Examination Secretariat.

Former State Chairperson Jiang Zhongyu (left) and Xiaodong
Regeneration Society chairman and former First Minister
Yuan Xiannian (right)

Politicisation of the civil service has become even more apparent in recent years thanks to the power struggle within the government between the former Chairperson of the State Presidium Jiang Zhongyu and Xiaodong Regeneration Society Chairman and First Minister from 2005-2016 Yuan Xiannian, both of whom since 2005 have vied to control over Xiaodong. Both have stacked the state bureaucracy with their own supporters with the intention at projecting their own power within the government and ruling party, resulting in infighting within the state bureaucracy. This has resulted in contradictory policy making, especially in regards to foreign and economic policy. The differing sectional interests that Yuan and Jiang have courted accordingly set government policy wherever they have been appointed, meaning any new government will find it difficult to adjust policy without losing patronage from a sectional group. The removal of Yuan from the position of First Minister has none little to change to change this - if anything his successor, Xi Yao-tong, has begun to incorporate more sectional interests into the government to shore up his own powerbase, creating a three-way power struggle. This raises a question as to can a new government change policy without risking a confrontation with the powerful, highly politicised state bureaucracy, and if they can't will Xiaodongese development continue to be stifled as policy is made on sectional rather than national interest? This power struggle alongside close cooperation with corporate cartels and organised crime has led to a political climate of institutionalised corruption and a disregard for protocol in the pursuit of sectional interest.

The judiciary of Xiaodong too is highly politicised, with judicial appointments made and approved by the Examination Secretariat. If the UDA comes to power and pursues reforms that negatively impact the ruling elite, the judiciary could convincingly oust the government on false charges to protect their interests. The lack of a truly independent judiciary will mean that Xiaodongese democracy is not scared, with judicial bias towards the old regime likely to maintain the status quo rather than champion the human rights of Xiaodongese citizens.

As well as this, Xiaodongese experience of democracy is limited to say the least. The long rule of a single party, even after the promulgation of multi-party democracy, has lead to a degree of democratic immaturity amongst opposition parties. The UDA is riddled with ideological contradictions, with its constituent members ranging from left-wing democratic socialists to ultranationalists on the far-right. Countries such as Vyvland, Arkiasis and Geadland have extensive experience of coalition governments, but it Xiaodong this could lead to unstable governments, frequent elections and an exasperation of democratic politics that could engineer a desire for a return to stable (but autocratic) rule as championed by the Xiaodong Regeneration Society - for a case and point, the fall of the unstable but reformist government of Nevan premier Valtteri Rantala and replacement with the long-ruling, undemocratic and far-right National Coalition Party shows that many voters prize stability over democracy.

What can be done?
The bleak picture of democracy in Xiaodong does not mean our country should remain an autocratic state. If the UDA do indeed rise to power it should be with the promise to usher in major constitutional change in the form of a referendum to guarantee Xiaodongese democracy. An elected head of state, a more proportional legislature, a codified Xiaodongese Bill of Rights and an independent judiciary should be paramount. The Examination Secretariat should undergo major reform, with its purpose being limited to train civil servants and judges and not appoint them, with its leadership being internally selected rather than appointed by the government. As well as this, the culture of appealing to sectional interest, rampant corruption and disregard for rule of law should end and be replaced with more transparent government.

Xiaodongese citizens must remain active in civil society and be critical of our government if we are to become a democratic country with respect for human rights. Although such a prospect may be difficult to achieve, if it is abandoned then Xiaodong will once again be condemned to autocratic and corrupt rule.

by **Xiaodong** » Sat Mar 25, 2017 3:03 pm

Election postponed due to "real threat" of Senrian hacking
January 5, 2017 | By Li Kuang

Former First Minister and current Xiaodong Regeneration Society Chairman Yuan Xiannian voiced concerns that Senria could "tamper with the vote count" to favour pro-Senrian opposition candidates

RONGSHUI, XIAODONG - After a day of debate within the State Presidium, the legislative body has voted to approve a bill forwarded by the Xiaodong Regeneration Society that will postpone the election by six days after former First Minister and current Xiaodong Regeneration Society Chairman Yuan Xiannian stated the election results could be subject to interference from Senria.

"There's a real threat" Mr Yuan said today in a special presidual session, scheduled to be the last before the election, "that the Senrian Republic has a room full of cyber spies ready to hack into the electoral commission the day of the election to tamper with the vote count. It would be in the best interests of the Senria to see a pro-Senrian government take power in this country, and give Senria all the concessions they want as part of a so-called "détente" process.".

Mr Yuan was likely referring to a proposals by the opposition United Democratic Appeal (UDA) alliance to open a "constructive dialogue" with Senria over ownership of the currently Senrian-occupied Rijian Islands and issues such as Senrian demands for Xiaodong to pay reparations for the Senrian-Xiaodongese War, although the UDA has denied it would relinquish claims of sovereignty over Rijian or pay reparations. Critics say these policies will cause "irreparable damage to the pride of the Xiaodongese nation" and accuse it of amounting to appeasement to Senria.

When the motion from the Xiaodong Regeneration Society was passed to debate in the State Presidium, opposition delegates criticised the proposal to postpone the election by six days. Opposition legislator Hu Wenjiang stated Yuan was "engaging in Senrian-baiting" and questioned the need to postpone the election, with fellow UDA delegate Ren Xiulian joking "a six day postponement won't give the armed forces much time to take out this "room of cyber spies".

There was fighting between delegates as the vote passed

Nevertheless, the bill passed with all 100 Xiaodong Regeneration Society delegates, 8 Kuoshun Alliance and 2 pro-government independents voting in favour giving a total 110 votes for compared to 105 votes against, all from members of the UDA. During the final vote a fight broke out between government and UDA delegates, with a group of UDA delegates attempting to prevent other delegates from voting in favour of the motion by throwing punches and slapping pro-government delegates before the fight was broken up by security guards. Following the fight, acting State Chairperson of the Presidium Jin Baoshun ejected almost 50 delegates from the chamber, mainly from the opposition benches calling such behaviour as a "breach of protocol". However, UDA delegate Jiang Yu, criticised the motion as "undemocratic" and questioned the reasoning behind the postponement.

"Yuan Xiannian may be a Senria-hawk, but I find it unlikely that he, First Minister Xi and the rest of his party seriously believe that Senria will hack the election. Either they are simply doing nationalist posturing or want to buy some time so their pork-barrel political machine can bribe as many voters before election day."

Foreign policy consultant Huang Yunshan has said whilst Mr Yuan's comments may be received frostily by Keishi, they will be unlikely to have a large impact overall. "Yuan's still a big player in Xiaodongese politics, and is set on becoming State Chairman and probably de facto head of government if the ZSH manage to win the election. However, he's not part of the government and it was probably a deliberate move that he made the motion rather than XI Yao-tong, who can save face if this boils into a diplomatic incident"

The new election for the State Presidium will be held on the 14th January.

by **Xiaodong** » Sat Mar 25, 2017 3:04 pm

Xiaodong's silent election
13 January, 2017

A bustling group of people sit in a cramped hall in central Kuoqing. Most of them are young and restless, cheering and clapping enthusiastically as a small, nondescript women enters on a polished stage draped in yellow banners. Shouts are heard - "Chen and Kang for First Minister!". "Xiaodong without corruption!", "long live democracy" "May our ancestors spit on Xi and Yuan!" as Chen Qianshi, leader of the pro-democracy Alliance for Democracy in Xiaodong in Xiaodong gives a triumphalist speech on "advancing the Xiaodongese democratic revolution".

"We won't wait" he says as the crowd cheers her on, the mood more electric with every word "for change from above. We won't trust someone from this old, decrepit regime to give us what they call democracy only to rig it from themselves! We won't wait for corruption to end itself. We will act now in throwing out this corrupt system and not rest until sovereignty resides in the people!"

The crowd roars in approval as placards emblazoned with the words "Vote for Democracy" flood the room. If one looked simply at this hall, it would seem this election campaign has been the most passionate and the most exciting since the first democratic election back in 1986.

Unfortunately, this is a plea to the converted - those who vote for the Alliance are part of the young, radical student movement that has longed dabbled in pro-democracy politics. Moreover, despite this being the age of social media and mass communication, the election campaign has been quiet even by Xiaodongese standards, with the government and the mainstream opposition United Democratic Appeal (UDA) being almost absent from the campaign trail.

This is somewhat expected - Xiaodongese elections are typically dull affairs, thanks to the tight control of the media and strict campaign rules championed by the Xiaodong Regeneration Society. Televised debates have never been held due to the refusal of the ZSH to engage in them, campaigns are allotted only one 90 second campaign video to be shown on television, and rallies must be subject to approval by the government. The pro-government media often portray the UDA as being controlled by trade unions, the Senrian government and global finances intent on "carving out Xiaodong, whilst the Alliance was said to be by the pro-government Xiaodong Daily as "a far-left terrorist front for Koy interests". But even so, whereas the previous election saw vigorous debate, the campaign this time around is silent.

Partly this silence is due to a sense of unease between the moderate opposition in the form of the UDA and the ruling ZSH. Polls suggest the ZSH will win the most seats, but that the UDA and the Alliance together will get a majority, paving the way for a reformist government committed to democratic reform. The ZSH loath to relinquish power are attempting to win government once again, even a minority one, being willing to make concessions to the New Frontier Party and appealing to nationalist sentiments by accusing Senria of attempting to hack the election.

Kang Yongqing, co-leader of the Alliance

Alliance co-leader Kang Yongqing has told the Xiaodongese Human Rights Monitor the the relatively understated nature of the election campaign is because the ZSH know they will lose the election, and have thus attempted to stifle public debate. "Last summer the regime made a last-ditch attempt to improve their image by ditching the unpopular neo-fascist, Yuan Xiannian, who has the charisma of a piece of wood, and replace him with the "respectable" Xi Yao-tong. The fact that Xi was a puppet of Yuan and offered nothing but the same anti-democratic, anti-people and anti-Xiaodongese policies of the Xiaodong Regeneration Society meant that the people rejected his "moderate" persona." Kang has said that without the removal of the Xiaodong Regeneration Society and giving power directly to the people "Xiaodong will remain a stratified, corrupt dictatorship like Koyro, Ankoren and Senria. Democratic reform however can't come from above - all to often that leads to continued corrupt governance of the same dictators who ruin their country - look at how the Namorese have voted recently for the great grandson of a brutal dictator. No, reform has to come about by destroying the old regime completely and utterly, and making a new society from the remains."

Who do we endorse?
In reviewing this election, we say as we always do that due to their appalling human rights record, historical revisionism, dictatorial governance and economic management that has harmed the lives of ordinary Xiaodongese that voters should reject the Xiaodong Regeneration Society at all costs - both Yuan Xiannian and Xi Yao-tong have shown themselves to have utter contempt for human rights. The United Democratic Appeal for Xiaodong, with its moderate policy stances and strong defence of democracy, seems like a good choice.

However, we will recommend a vote for the Alliance for Democracy in Xiaodong. The UDA for various reasons is made up of former ZSH officials, and so more radical democratic pressure from the Alliance will surely lead the naturally cautious UDA to be more radical and reformist in government, and see greater democracy and human rights implemented in what has the potential to be an island of democracy, or just another dictatorship in Borea.

by **Xiaodong** » Sat Mar 25, 2017 3:06 pm

Xiaodong election 2017 - Regeneration Society win shock majority
January 14, 2017
By Fu Bingbing

RONGZHUO - With almost all the ballots counted, it has become clear that the Xiaodong Regeneration Society has returned to power with a convincing majority of 14 seats and 48.9% of the vote. Since last September Xiaodong has been ruled by a caretaker Xiaodong Regeneration Society government which had lost its majority for the first time since 1933 and after failing to elect a new State Chairperson was forced to dissolve the State Presidium and call for new elections.

The victory of the Xiaodong Regeneration Society goes against polling data which predicted a win for a coalition of the two main opposition forces, the United Democratic Appeal (UDA) and Alliance for Democracy in Xiaodong - the UDA only got 71 seats, down from 18 and the Alliance 14, down 2. Other parties such as the pro-government New Frontier Party lost two seats, whilst the 8 independent delegates were all re-elected to the State Presidium. The results means the Regeneration Society will form a majority government, but not the supermajority they retained between 1933-2016.

First Minister Xi Yao-tong has called for opposition parties and the international community to "respect the people's democratic decision" and has called for Xiaodong to "unite and move forwards so we can build a better Xiaodong."

"The people have clearly chosen stability and competence over instability and uncertainty. As such, we will strive to improve the economy, strengthen our foreign policy commitments, and give the Xiaodongese government the reformist vision to make our the country the greatest in the world. We will represent all the people, not just the ones who voted for us." Xi said as the results were announced by the electoral commission.

The Chairman of the Xiaodong Regeneration Society, Yuan Xiannian, called the result "a victory for the Xiaodongese nation and the Xiaodongese people. There were major concerns about the election being compromised by foreign hackers, but the results show a clear democratic decision by the people.".

The opposition Alliance have refused to recognise the results, saying they represent "gross discrepancies in the voting figures.". Alliance co-leader Chen Qianshi has said that there "have been shortages of ballot papers in anti-government areas. Independent electoral monitors have not been allowed. There's strong reason to believe this election has been rigged." The mainstream opposition UDA have also questioned the results, and have launched a judicial case to examine the results of the election which they accuse also of being rigged. The electoral commission has so far refused to comment on the manner.

The election result saw the value of the Renjin go up as a result.

What will the new government have to deal with?

Xiaodong Regeneration Society
Chairman Yuan Xiannian celebrating
his party's election victory

The re-election of the Xiaodong Regeneration Society has been a shock to international and domestic political commentators, who predicted the opposition UDA/Alliance coalition would gain a majority in the State Presidium. The landslide victory of the Xiaodong Regeneration Society gives a mandate for Mr Xi Yao-tong and Mr Yuan Xiannian, widely tipped to become Chairman of the State Presidium and thus head of state, to carry out their political program. The first two priorities for the new government is to heal political divisions caused by two polarising elections in the past six months and restore confidence in the XIaodongese economy, which underwent a stock market crash last June and is currently in flux regarding participation in the Esquarian Community's Common Market.

Student protests in 2015, the extraordinary success of the Alliance for Democracy in Xiaodong and deeply polarised elections has led to a divided society in Xiaodong, with some supporting the status quo and others calling for radical democratic reform. The hardline nature of the Yuan Xiannian government between 2005-16, and his likely appointment as State Chairperson will further divide society. The accusations that the polls were rigged must also be addressed seriously by the government, who needs to listen to the opposition and possibly adopt their proposals if XIaodongese society is to stay united.

The victory for the Xiaodong Regeneration Society, and reappointment of Xi Yao-tong as First Minister, has led to the Renjin's value to increase. Xi and Yuan have a reputation of pragmatic economic management and have stated that they seek to restore confidence in the Xiaodongese economy by implementing far-reaching reforms. Of more immediate importance is that Xiaodong must ratify Esquarian Community legalisation that affirms Xiaodong's commitment to human rights if its to enter the Common Market, which will be in flux until accusations of electoral rigging are resolved.

The government will also have to sort out relations with Senria, whom during the election was accused of planning to "hack the election" which has caused a diplomatic spat.

Results in depth
The results of the election are as follows -

▉▉ - Xiaodong Regeneration Society - 122 seats (Up 22)
▉▉ - People's Party - 49 seats (Down 11)
▉▉ - Alliance For Democracy - 14 seats (Down 2)
▉▉ - Progressive Party - 6 seats (Down 4)
▉▉ - Kuoshun Democratic Party - 5 seats (No change)
▉▉ - New Frontier Party - 6 seats (Down 2)
▉▉ - Social Democratic Party - 5 seats (Down 3)
▉▉ - Independents - 8 seats (No change)

by **Xiaodong** » Sat Mar 25, 2017 3:07 pm

Largest protest in Xiaodongese history as trilateral summit held
January 16, 2017
By Gao Qiao

RONGZHUO - As Xi Yao-tong holds a trilateral summit with the General Secretary of Tinzhan, Ki Fong, and the Regent of Tuthina, Anteko,over the issues of Monic integration, climate action and joint security issues, the largest protest in Xiaodongese history is taking place in Rongzhuo with over 900,000 protesters taking to the street to protest the alleged rigging of the Xiaodongese election last Sunday. The protest was organised by the Alliance for Democracy in Xiaodong, a political party formed from the student protests of 2015, who claim over 2 million have gone to Rongzhuo to protest the election. Protests have also been staged in Baiqiao, Shenkong (the centre of the 2015 protests), Henjintao and Kuoqing, although they have not been as high profile as the ones in Rongzhuo.

The Rongzhuo protests have been damaging for the Xiaodongese government, which has been put under the spotlight due to its hosting of the trilateral summit and comments by Senrian dictator Hayato Nishimura challenged Yuan Xiannian to visit a "death camp" in Senria. The government has deployed riot troops around the Lanhuatingzi, the official residence of the First Minister where Mr Xi, Mr Ki and Anteko have met. So far protesters have not attempted to enter the Lanhuatingzi compound. One protester who does not wish to be named told the Xiaodong Daily that the government of Xi Yao-tong "is incredibly bold and arrogant to host a trilateral summit a day after his government rigged an election. There's still an investigation going on regarding the rigging issues, for f*cks sake."

A statement from the First Minister's office has called for the protesters to disperse, stating "on a day where three Monic nations have come together in solidarity, there are some in this nation who are agitating and causing civil unrest". Alliance for Democracy leader Chen Qianshi has dismissed concerns from the central government, saying "the unelected Xiaodongese government is talking with and bribing an absolute monarchy and a former communist state. They should instead talk to the Xiaodongese people about why they hate democracy, why they hate the people, why they hate Xiaodong". The Alliance's co-leader Kang Yongqing has challenged Mr Ki to "speak out against the Xiaodongese government" if "you are really committed to democracy as your constitution states it is, and if you really see yourself as a friend of the Xiaodongese people".

The summit is expected to end tomorrow on the 17 with a joint press conference between the three leaders.

Yuan Xiannian - Nishimura engaging in "hyperbolic revisionism"

Yuan Xinnian holding a press conference
responding to Nishimura's accusations.

Following a challenge by Senrian strongman Hayato Nishimura for former First Minister and prospective State Chairman Yuan Xiannian to "come see the mass graves that your forefathers left scattered over my country", Yuan has held a press conference where he has dismissed Nishimura's claims as "hyperbolic revisionism".

"Xiaodong is a peaceful nation, and for over 80 years has not declared war on another nation. Our culture, informed by Buddhist, Confucian and Taojiao traditions, abhors violence and upholds the sanctity of life. It is an insult to the Xiaodongese nation to suggest that our country has the shadow of genocide associated with it."

Yuan went on further to say that "if a genocide took place, why then do 8,000 Senrians live in Xiaodong? Surely, if we are to believe Mr Nishimura's claims, that the Xiaodongese committed genocide, we would not show such hospitality to such people?" Yuan went further to call Xiaodongese war crimes a "detail of history" and that "both Senria and Xiaodong did atrocities in the war...every country does so in war. However, the Senrian claim that there was a pre-planned effort to kill civilians on a mass scale is absurd, especially as the "proof" they show is some grainy photographs - probably from Senrian labour camps their regime sends people to - and burnt out buildngs. Why would a nation, especially one with as peaceful culture as Xiaodong, do such crimes? I cannot understand Mr Nishimura's account of history."

Yuan also said Mr Nishimura's comments reflected a victim mentality. "Mr Nishimura and other Senrian leaders seem to think Xiaodong's actions in the 1920's and 1930's constitutes something uniquely cruel. Yet many other nations have held colonial empires no different to Xiaodong's - Luziyca, Ainin, Francilie, Lyonsland, Nevanmaa have all held colonies, and yet have never been forced to apologise. Xiaodong has apologised to Senria and Tinzhan countless times, and none of those countries have apologised for colonial crimes in Nautarya, Kaona, Tuleena, Toksan and countless others, and yet they are not singled out as "genocidal". Senria simply has an anti-Xiaodongese mentality, and whenever the Senrian regime is becoming unpopular they have to appeal to anti-Xiaodongese sections of society to remain in power".

by **Xiaodong** » Sat Mar 25, 2017 3:09 pm

Xiaodongese government surpress protests, over 200 dead
18 January, 2017

RONGZHUO - Following a rigged election, mass protests, a spat with the Senrian leader over genocide denial, international condemnations from developed countries like Ainin and a summit overshadowed by thousands of protesters calling for real democracy the last five days have tarnished the reputation of the authotarian Xiaodong Regeneration Society (ZSH), which has sought to cling onto power and appear on the world stage as having a mandate they lack as protesters demand the government to adhere to the democratic values they claim to uphold. However, today the government has dispensed of all trappings of representing democratic principles as the Xiaodongese Army was sent to break up protests today with no restraint on the force applied.

Peaceful protests, organised in Rongzhuo, Shenkong, Baiqiao, Henjintao and Kuoqing by groups such as the Alliance for Democracy in Xiaodong, have since Sunday been calling for a review into the results of the 2017 election held last Saturday, which was disputed due to huge electoral irregularities such as announcing 100% turnout in some electoral districts, ballot stuffing caught on camera, electronic voting machines automatically registering all votes for the ZSH, opposition voting areas facing ballot shortages and powercuts limiting electronic voting and ballots in support of opposition candidates destroyed. The announcement of the results, only a hour after the polls closed even though counting votes often takes several hours means it is almost indisputable that the ZSH, an organisation with utter contempt for democratic principles and human rights, rigged the election in its favour. The Alliance for Democracy, United Democratic Appeal and several other pro-opposition and pro-democracy groups rightfully protested these results - over 2 and a half million people have protested in Rongzhuo alone, with more protesting across many other cities in the country. All the protests have been peaceful with the intention to exert pressure on the regime to admit the real results of the election.

Earlier today at 8:00AM in downtown Rongzhuo where protesters were peacefully demonstrating, tanks rolled down the streets firing at protesters randomly. Riot police waded into crowds beating protesters with metal spiked truncheons and arresting as many people on sight. Around the same time, protesters outside of the Lanhuatingzi were gunned down by members of the military. Similar action has been undertaken in other cities where hundreds of protesters have been arrested by the military. Independent news organisations within the country have been temporarily shut down, and a firewall has been put over the Xiaodongese internet to prevent outside communication with the world.

When the tanks rolled out many protesters fled the scene, although some engaged with the police throwing bottle bombs and fighting police officers attempting to arrest them. Many have been arrested without charge, as the military has also entered universities and rounded up suspected members of the Alliance for Democracy, with ADX co-leader Chen Qianshi being arrested whilst protesting outside the Lanhuatingzi. ADX co-leader Kang Yongqing's location is currently unknown, although its rumoured she has escaped to Senria.

Although precise information is scare, it has been estimated that the regime has killed over 200 people as part of its ruthless purge to eliminate opposition in Xiaodong, with many more held in custody without trial or charge. It is also reported that a Katranjian journalist for the paper Slevdovatel, Tsetska Neynsky, has been detained for allegedly supporting protesters.

The Xiaodongese government has announced on national television that a state of emergency has been announced after a protester was alleged to have killed a police officer, with the government claiming the protests were part of a wider plot by foreign powers, implied to be the Senrian Republic, to overthrow the Xiaodongese government, and that a "measured response" has been enacted in light of this information. The government has banned the Alliance for Democracy on the grounds it is a "terrorist organisation" and has announced a nationwide curfew across Xiaodong as part of a "Normalisation" process.

The appalling human rights abuses committed today constitute the worst human right abuse in Xiaodong since the Kuoqing Massacre in 1977, and is a sad day for the Xiaodongese people. Yuan Xiannian and Xi Yao-tong have blood on their hands, and every responsible democracy should condemn this massacre orchestrated by a brutal dictatorship.

by **Xiaodong** » Sat Mar 25, 2017 3:10 pm

State of Emergency declared
January 19, 2017

Today a special convening of the State Presidium has voted to give State Chairman-presumptive His Excellency Yuan Xiannian emergency powers as well as fast track his appointment to the role after the military was forced to put down an attempted coup d'état by foreign-backed agitators over the last few days.

His Excellency Yuan has addressed the nation to announce that a state of emergency has been put into effect because of worries of "foreign actors manipulating our democracy; an atmosphere of chaos and divisions; people are in despair about the state of the nation; some have even turned to violence for their political ends. Xiaodong is in moral chaos; it needs healing and reconciliation. We have taken the first of a series of measured responses to heal Xiaodong of divisions; to save this country from the collapse of the nation."

The state of emergency means the State Presidium will see many of its powers given over to the Council of Ministers and State Chairperson. It also allows for the creation of Anti-Sedition Courts to deal with terrorists, spies and agitators who threaten the territorial integrity, security and legitimacy of the Xiaodongese nation that report to the Council of Ministers alone. The police and military reserve the right to detain and question those suspected of terrorism, sedition and general malevolent intent against the nation. Constitutional rights are temporarily suspended and the government has exercised temporary controls over the media. Political organisations are to be shut down in the interest of national unity and all members of organisations branded as anti-patriotic must present themselves to the police for processing. Resistance to arrest and engaging in violence against police forces is punishable by death during this state of emergency. A curfew is to be implemented, and the police reserve the right to search homes and monitor citizens without a warrant.

These measures have been taken by the Xiaodongese government to restore peace, root out foreign agents and seditionists and heal the divisions caused by agitators, and it is encouraged all Xiaodongese citizens comply to the so Xiaodong can enjoy both peace, prosperity and progress again.

by **Xiaodong** » Sat Mar 25, 2017 3:11 pm

State Chairman holds first press conference since election
January 20, 2017

Newly appointed State Chairman Yuan Xiannian has held the first press conference since the Xiaodongese election on Saturday and beginning on the Normalisation process on Wednesday, in which he was questioned by foreign and domestic press on what the plans on the XIaodongese government will be in the coming months.

Mr Yuan has criticised the Luziycan, Senrian, Saint Hadrian, Namorese, Lec, Aucurian, Daeconese and Lyonese governments for spreading "blatant anti-Xiaodongese propaganda" and that the actions of the government in recent days has been in the interests of protecting the Xiaodongese people from terrorism. "Western governments - like the ones of Arkiasis, Luziyca, Toksan and even the normally irrelevant Pisdara - have sought to criticise this great country for taking measured responses to terrorist agitation. Yet they are surprised when they are attacked by terrorists of various stripes. Whilst in Xiaodong, when we take a preventative, measured response to terrorist agitation we are condemned as a "rogue state" and as "inhumane". This gross hypocrisy perhaps explains the reasons behind increased terrorism in developed and western nations - they are totally unwilling to prevent terrorism in a calm, peaceful and measured way as we have done and as a result have seen terrorist attacks left, right and centre."

Mr Yuan has said his government has committed to "healing divisions in Xiaodongese society" but has ruled out calls to hold new elections, as the recent election showed a clear mandate for the Yuan-Xi Yao-tong government "Why should Xiaodong subject itself to more division, more unrest, when we can attempt to unite our country in peace and total harmony." Yuan said.

Yuan also outlined an economic plan to boast the Xiaodongese economy, based on liberalising wage controls, cutting government expenditure, enforcing temporary price controls, devaluation of the Renjin, privatisation of state assets and curtailing the Bank of Xiaodongs ability to print money, especially in light of the EC looking likely to strike down a transitional agreement with the EC to regain limited access to the single market. Yuan has also pledged to deepen economic integration with Tinzhan and Tuthina.

by **Xiaodong** » Sat Mar 25, 2017 3:14 pm

Xiaodongese government jails 41 opposition legislators
23 January, 2017

Top to bottom, left to right - Hu Wenjuan, leader of the United Democratic Appeal - Chen Qianshi, co-leader of the Alliance for Democracy - Ye Jiuguo, former leader of the People's Party, Xie Guoqing, deputy-leader of the People's Party, Li Zheng, opposition candidate for State Chairman, Jiang Liyuan, general-secretary of the UDA

In another assault on democracy, the Xiaodongese regime has jailed 41 delegates from the State Presidium under the charges of "encouraging domestic terrorism and sedition" with a further five charged, although as all have left the country in wake of protests they have not been jailed.

The Xiaodongese regime today sent in police squads during an "emergency" presisidium session where they arrested several opposition lawmakers accused of "collaborating" with protesters, called by the regime "terrorists" and "agitators". These politicians mainly came from the United Democratic Appeal for Xiaodong, with 24 People's Party, 2 Progressive Party, 1 Social Democrat and 3 UDA independents arrested, with a further two People's Party delegates being charged, although both have escaped Xiaodong. Meanwhile all 14 Alliance for Democracy in Xiaodong delegates, banned last Thursday at the start of the crackdown, have been charged with sedition with 11 of them including co-leader Chen Qianshi imprisoned, although the other 3 including co-leader Kang Yongqing have also escaped Xiaodong. In addition to Chen, UDA leader and leader of the opposition Hu Wenjuan has been arrested as has former UDA leader Ye Jiuguo, UDA Secretary-General Jiang Liyuan, UDA vice-president Xie Guoqing and Li Zheng, the UDA's candidate for State Chairman. In total, 46 seats in the State Presidium have become "vacant", and the UDA has announced in light of these arrests it will follow a policy of abstentionism leaving only the Regeneration Society, New Frontier Party and two pro-government independents in the State Presidium.

The Xiaodongese regime has also imprisoned over 6,000 people over the last five days as well as kill over 900 people for peacefully protesting as part of the "Normalisation process", the innocuous sounding name of the brutality in Xiaodong. Over the past five days leaders from Senria, Lyonsland, Pavonistade, Aucuria, Namor, Phikam, Ainin, Luziyca, Lanos, Katranjiev and Lecistan have condemned the protests with the brutal dictatorships of Ankoren, Koyro, Teutonia and Kaona predictably endorsing the governments tough line. The only democracy to support the Xiaodongese government is Tinzhan, whose General Secretary Ki Fong vowed to stop Xiaodongese asylum seekers escaping Xiaodong through Tinzhan. Ankoren has been also particularly vocal in its support of Xiaodong, and has agreed to send the regime new bombers and other military hardware.

World leaders such as Antelope Shohai and Dhonna Carlsson have called for the XIaodongese government and opposition to resolve the crisis peacefully, but the reality is that Yuan Xiannian, Xi Yao-tong and the rest of the regime will stop at nothing until all opposition to the Regeneration Society is crushed. Its time for the international community to take a firmer hand with Xiaodong - sanctions, ejection from the EC common market, etc - if this human tragedy is to be stopped.

by **Xiaodong** » Sat Mar 25, 2017 3:15 pm

Xiaodong to sever ties with EC common market
as deal with the Most Serene Empire agreed
January 26, 2017

First Minister Xi Yao-tong has announced in a press conference today that following a week of debate in the Council of Esquarium over a proposal that seeks to undermine the Xiaodongese nation and its people that Xiaodong will "sever effective ties to the Esquarian Community common market" following a deal with Tuthina to provide military and social aid to Xiaodong.

"Since the dissolution of the Esquarian Union and integration of the Greenwich Area into the Esquarian Community common market, we have enjoyed preferential access to EC markets. However, the actions by the EC in the past few days - including a proposal to enforce the unlawful and illegitimate Treaty of Keishi onto our nation alongside condemning our measures to protect this country from terrorist agitation - have shown to the Xiaodongese government that continued association with the EC will only lead to the ruination of Xiaodong. As such, Xiaodong has formally submitted to the Esquarian Community to be removed from the single market."

"We do not seek to undermine economic stability, however. Xiaodong will continue to push for free trade and will refrain from implementing crude protectionist policies that would undermine our great nation."

Xi also announced that the Xiaodongese government has concluded several bilateral agreements with the Most Serene Empire, in particular several main battle tanks and a warship alongside smaller armament imports. Xiaodong has also agreed to host the Most Serene Empire's Elysium recreational company in the Xiaodongese government's effort to combat drug abuse and establish effective drug rehabilitation in an effort to combat the powerful drug cartels, especially in the south of the country. Xi praised the decision to participate in the Elysium programme as "being a vital part in our effort to eliminate social decadence and moral indecency in Xiaodong".

At the conclusion of his conference, Xi addressed recent talk of dead Xiaodongese citizens on the Tinzhanese border. "The Xiaodongese government cannot confirm any facts at the moment regarding this issue, and so we cannot comment on the matter."

by **Xiaodong** » Sat Mar 25, 2017 3:16 pm

State Chairman announces "bold reforms" as economy enters recession
By Lu Jiacheng | Rongzhuo, Xiaodong
Date: January 30, 2017

State Chairman Yuan following his visit to Germania

RONGZHUO - State Chairman Yuan Xiannian fresh from a successful visit with the Teutonian Führer Friedrich Ulrich has announced today that the Xiaodongese government will in the wake of leaving the EC common market commit to "bold reforms" to bring stability back to the Xiaodongese economy.

Over the weekend the government announced it would be withdrawing from the EC common market after the EC published a resolution designed to impose the unlawful and illegitimate Treaty of Keishi onto Xiaodong - as a result several businesses in Xiaodong announced they would be closing their operations in Xiaodong as part of an EC directive to undermine Xiaodong, with the value of the Renjin collapsing overnight and the economy entering a state of recession as inflation has exploded to 450%.

Today the government announced 金4.7 trillion ($45 billion) would be pumped into the economy as part of a "stabilisation" plan that will seek to "reduce inflation, adjust to new economic realities and aim to restore prosperity to this great country." This stabilisation plan will include -

A short-term period of fiscal stimulus followed by significant cuts in government expenditure (estimated between 金500 billion - 金1.5 trillion) over a five year period.
Privatisation of state assets.
Liberalising wage controls and working conditions.
Emergency price controls to be placed on basic goods and services.
A sharp devaluation of the Renjin.
New regulations on the Xiaodongese Central Bank which will curb the ability to print money to cover deficits.
Halve the corporation tax from 13.44% to 5.68%.
Expand the Central Economic Directive and consolidate government cooperation in the economy.
Liberalise foreign trade and draft new free-trade agreements with economic partners.

The Yuan government has stated that governments will be given "preferential access to Xiaodongese labour and resource markets" if they agree to invest in Xiaodong . Already Teutonia has agreed to invest in heavy machinery, industrial and agricultural tools and export rifles, missile systems, artillery systems, light and heavy armoured vehicles, and several frigates in a show of solidarity against imperialist countries within the EC. Yuan has stated the government would be interested in expanding into other deals of a similar nature, citing Ankoren, Tuthina, Koyro and Tinzhan as possible partners. In regards to EC countries, the Yuan government has indicated that any nation that voted on the recent resolution condemning Xiaodongese anti-terrorism measures - singling out Ainin (a known collaborator with the social fascist state of Senria) Daecon (a militaristic state with no regard for national sovereignty) and Toksan (a willing pawn to imperialists that disregards its own heritage) - as being "back of the line" and "have no right to interfere in Xiaodongese affairs."

by **Xiaodong** » Sat Mar 25, 2017 3:17 pm

Xiaodongese government arrest over 2,000 including foreign citizens
3 January 2017

Xiaodongese prisoners arriving at the Luogang Prison Camp in northern Xiaodong

RONGZHUO - As condemnation of Xiaodong begins to die down the Xiaodongese government has started to widen its so-called "Normalisation" process, arresting over 2,000 people across the country for encouraging "subversion, sedition, public agitation, collaborating with anti-Xiaodongese foreign governments, assault, murder, terrorist activity and hooliganism.". Many of these people are either pro-democracy protesters who survived the initial bloody crackdown in January or their acquaintances who are being repressed simply as a message to the Xiaodongese people to not question the iron fist of the regime.

During the last week Xiaodongese police, military and intelligence officers have entered universities, schools and workplaces with lists of pre-prepared names to round up those suspected of being dissidents or those associated with them, where they were subject to the usual harassment and torture by security forces in an effort to brutalise them as is standard practice for the Xiaodongese regime. Most of those arrested were done so without charge, currently legal under Xiaodong's state of emergency, and as such are to be tried in Anti-Sedition Courts. Anti-Sedition Courts were lasted used in Xiaodong in the aftermath of the brutal Kuoqing Massacre in 1977, and in effect host show trials which will see almost all defendants sentenced by the state simply for protesting for their democratic rights.

As well as this, over 4,000 public servants have been fired from their jobs and placed under police surveillance. This includes teachers, bureaucrats, judges, police officers and military personnel - General Zhao Shenfu, a known opponent of the newly launched "Normalisation" process, has been detained for being a "anti-Xiaodongese foreign agent". The Xiaodongese regime has accused people, predictably, of being "anti-Xiaodongese" agents of Senria, Ainin, Daecon, Namor and any other power that strongly opposed the Xiaodongese crackdown.

Most worrying, Xiaodong has started to arrest duel nationals in Xiaodong, most prominently Anne Ku'ang, a duel Xiaodongese-Crethian citizen and prominent writer in Crethia. Ku'ang was detained yesterday for "supporting anti-Xiaodongese elements" with her husband and two children placed under house arrest. This blatant jailing of a foreign citizen shows the Xiaodongese regime's disregard for human rights and international law, and once again should be responded with a firm hand by the international community.

The Xiaodongese government has also sought to detain and brutalise those who have escaped Xiaodong. According to our press office in Tinzhan, the Xiaodongese First Minister yesterday phoned his Tinzhanese counterpart to appeal to him to "get those [22 dissidents arrested in Xiaodong] returned to this country as quickly as possible" for trial, whereas the Xiaodongese ambassador in Senria has continually lobbied the Senrian government to extradite Xiaodongese dissident Kang Yongqing.

by **Xiaodong** » Sat Mar 25, 2017 3:22 pm

State Chairman and First Minister hold press conference - dual citizenship to end and foreign assets to be seized
February 13, 2017
By Fu Bingbing

State Chairman Yuan Xiannian (left) and First Minister Xi Yao-tong (right)

RONGZHUO - Addressing journalists today, the State Chairman Yuan Xiannian and First Minister Xi Yao-tong have hosted a joint press conference where they have outlined several policy proposals, including ending dual citizenship and freezing and confiscating assets of countries listed by the Ministry of Domestic Affairs as "terrorist states".

First Minister Xi stated "Several countries have taken it upon themselves to declare economic warfare on this great country, placing punitive sanctions and stealing the wealth of Xiaodongese people within their borders. They have also sought to finance and support anti-Xiaodongese terrorism within Xiaodong itself. As such, for the interests of Xiaodong, assets from countries within Xiaodong that engage in this behaviour will be temporarily frozen and held by the Xiaodongese government until it is confirmed that these countries will cease supporting terrorism in Xiaodong and end their economic warfare against Xiaodong.". Amongst the countries listed included Luziyca, Senria, Francilie, Ainin, Toksan, Daecon and Namor.

Dual citizenship will also be ended for Xiaodongese citizens, with current dual nationals abroad required to attend Xiaodongese embassies to either choose Xiaodongese citizenship or take the citizenship of their host country. Dual citizens within Xiaodong will automatically have their citizenship of another country stripped, unless they choose to move to other country in which case their Xiaodongese citizenship will be revoked. State Chairman Yuan said this measure would "finally solve the question of national loyalty; for to long, dual citizens have divided their loyalty between two countries, leading to distorted nationality. Now, if a Xiaodongese dual citizen rejects his Xiaodongese citizenship we will know who are not patriots and who do not adhere to the values of our country." The move to end dual citizenship comes after the nation of Crethia demanded that terrorist agitator Anne Ku'ang, a dual Xiaodongese-Crethian citizen, be given over to Crethian authorities. Yuan confirmed in the press conference that Ku'ang's citizenship has been revoked, and that she will remain in Xiaodong whilst her family will be returned to Crethia.

Yuan and Xi also announced several new economic reforms, including that the government owned Xiaodongese Airlines, Xiaodongese Water and several hospitals will be privatised over the next few months, as well as announcing the sale of the government's remaining 33% stake in Xiaodongese Post. The government will also invest 金1 trillion stimulus package will be delivered in the next week to ensure the stability of the economy, the first of a planned 金4.7 trillion to be invested into the economy in the next 6 months, which is intended to help stem the tie of the current recession. In response to concerns of protectionism in Xiaodong, Yuan dismissed the notion stating "Xiaodong is open to businesses and investment", and has upheld commitments to ensure the full liberalisation of tariffs in the next five years.

The government has also stated that it will uphold the removal of teachers and civil servants on the grounds of promoting anti-Xiaodongese propaganda as part of the security measures imposed by the Normalisation process. "We have ensured over 100,000 anti-Xiaodongese propagandists and terrorist sympathisers have been removed for anti-Xiaodongese views, and have been barred for holding public jobs for their actions" Xi stated. "Xiaodong will not be undermined by terrorists and their allies."

Yuan also stated that Xiaodong is working towards agreements with Koyro, Tuthina and Ankoren that will stimulate the Xiaodongese economy, and criticised nations that support terrorism in Xiaodong. "Countries like Ainin, Namor and Senria alongside the Esquarian Community constitute an axis of evil that seeks to undermine national sovereignty and support terrorism." Yuan stated.

by **Xiaodong** » Sat Mar 25, 2017 3:23 pm

Interior Minister - Subversive groups "have infiltrated the government"
February 15, 2017 | By Li Kuang

Minister of the Interior Jin Baoshun warned a "subversive group" - known as the "Righteous Harmony Movement" - infiltrating the government

RONGZHUO - Minister of the Interior Jin Baoshun claims in a recent investigation the Public Security Secretariat has uncovered evidence that the government has been infiltrated by a "subversive group" that "seek to undermine the democratically elected government of Xiaodong for the purposes of pursuing an anti-national agenda." This subversive group has been identified as the "Righteous Harmony Movement", shortened to "Yundong" by the government, which is the secretive salavationist cult group within Xiaodong. The Yundong already retain a political front, the New Frontier Party (which currently retains 6 seats in the State Presidium), and have in the past worked closely with the government in supporting its retention of power in exchange for political influence - however today Jin has stated that the Yundong has used this influence to "corrupt and infiltrate the government for the purposes of taking power for themselves". According to Jin's comments today, the Yundong have penetrated the military, government, civil service and state-owned enterprises "in order to bring about a soft coup."

Evidence was brought forward following the removal and interrogation of an anti-Xiaodongese terrorist activist, who brought forward a list of names and organisations controlled and infiltrated by the Yundong. The Yundong were formed in 1992 by Kang Rongguo as a spiritual salvationist movement, and gained popularity with those who felt "left behind" by the economic and social changes in the 1980's. After Taojiao, Buddhism and Christianity Yundong is the fourth largest religion in Xiaodong with a little over 2.5 million followers and the largest of the "salvationist" religions.

For years, the Yundong under their demagogic leader Kang Rongguo have given lip service to the principle of wu wei whilst building up a "deep state" within the government with the purpose to subvert the Xiaodongese people and take power for themselves. Kang has for decades presented himself as a spiritual prophet, manipulating those to join his Yundong whilst maintaining a façade of cooperation with the state and the Xiaodongese people. Kang's patronage network has meant his Yundong have deeply penetrated the Xiaodongese government despite the best efforts of Yuan Xiannian to investigate this patronage network - which has been protected, if not unsurprisingly, by foreign interests. It is possible the "Axis of Evil" of Namor, Senria, Ainin and the EC have been key in ensuring the Yundong have infiltrated the Xiaodongese government, with the probable intention of putting a puppet ruler such as Kang in power and subjugating Xiaodong to foreign interests.

The First Ministers office has promised to "purge and eliminate all Yundong influence in Xiaodong", with the cult quickly named a terrorist organisation, and the New Frontier Party's seats invalidated in the State Presidium. Leader Kang Rongguo has been arrested, as have 5,000 of his fellow cult members and over 2,000 officials have already been put under investigation. In a speech today, Yuan Xiannian has stated that "we will not allow this subversive cult to corrupt Xiaodong...as part of the Normalisation programme, we are aiming to cleanse Xiaodong of moral decadence. The Yundong is but one indicator of this moral decadence, and so in the interests of the Xiaodongese people must be purged from our society."

by **Xiaodong** » Sat Mar 25, 2017 3:24 pm

What is the Righteous Harmony Movement, and why Xiaodong is repressing it
17 February, 2017

The controversial leader of the Righteous Harmony Movement, Kang Rongguo

With so-called Normalisation having entered its first month, the Xiaodongese government has systematically murdered and purged thousands of people it considers to be threats to its repressive regime. With over 1,000 people already killed, 13,000 arrested and 100,000 removed from their jobs and currently under investigation, the regime has sought to purge all remnants of civil society in Xiaodong, branding them as "terrorists" or agents for a fanciful "axis of evil" of various nation-states. Nevertheless, it has only been in a few days that the government have alleged a "subversive group" have infiltrated government, which has led the regime to start to cannibalise itself as its leader, Yuan Xiannian, continues to monopolise power for himself.

The group in question is the Righteous Harmony Movement, commonly known simply as the movement, or yundong. The Yundong have been a part of Xiaodongese public life since the early 1990's, when its founder and leader Kang Rongguo began to tour the country promising spiritual salvation if those followed his "path to righteous harmony amongst the spirit and the body."

Kang's message was not original - spiritual salvation religions have for centuries been practiced in Xiaodong, and all preach similar rhetoric. During the early 1990's with the gradual liberalisation of society such salvation movements were common and prominent as the governments quasi neo-Confucianism broke down. However, Kang's movement stood out from the rest for a number of reasons - partly, as a former marketing specialist, Kang embraced modern advertising techniques and maintained a high media profile giving his movement more prominence than its contemporaries. Partly also however Kang's charisma has resulted in his followers to maintain a loyalty to him bordering on god worship. So no other religious movement - including the in many ways similar Evangelical Christian movement that became prominent around the same time - could boast adherents who maintained the same devotion to their cause as Kang's Yundong followers. Many of these followers were recruited from farmers' and industrial workers' who had been "left behind" in the economic transition under Qian Xingwen in the 1980's.

Unlike the Christian movement however, the Yundong were loyal to the regime - they worked within the structure of the regime to gain power, but by cooperating rather than confronting the regime. This set them apart from other organisations outside the regimes direct control - even these which worked within the confines of the regime were at loggerheads with it, whilst the Yundong were almost absorbed into it. As a result, the Yundong have grown to be far more powerful than many comparable groups, with several top government officials being part of the Yundong. The political arm of the Yundong, the New Frontier Party, often supported the government, and worked closely with the government in passing legalisation. As such, the regime tolerated the Yundong, turning it attention to the democracy and Christian movements whilst ignoring the Yundong.

Following the start of Normalisation, the Yundong remained the only group to retain autonomy as the pro-democracy movement has been crushed and the Christian movement marginalised. The Yundong's followers almost live in an isolated world, with their own newspapers, television channels, practice and communities, rendering them somewhat detached from Xiaodongese society. So why has the regime decided to target the Yundong?

Firstly, the Yundong's supporters within the government as associated with the regimes "doves", who have been more critical of the crackdown than those around State Chairman Yuan Xiannian and First Minister Xi Yao-tong. By questioning the loyalty of these people, Yuan can consolidate his power within the government and finally eliminate the remaining anti-Yuan factions that remain staunchly opposed to his rule. The Yundong are an easy scapegoat in that regard - they are highly secretive, have intense loyalty to their leader and are largely separate from Xiaodongese society. As such, any opponents to Yuan can be easily given the label of a "Yundong" member and be purged.

Secondly, the Normalisation Process has so far concentrated on dismantling all traces of effective civil society and impose ideological orthodoxy over the Xiaodongese people. The Yundong represent one of the last parts of society not ideologically controlled by the regime, and so according to the twisted priorities of Normalisation must be wiped out.

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