Yu Dynasty Yingdala (4338-4636)

[Wu Han]

Headlines at a Glance
Today's News
TIAN'AN, HAN - 2 October 4276

Divisions Arrise Between Nationalists and Lotus Party
The debate on National Service has exposed a rift between the two parties


TTHE LOTUS PARTY and the Nationalists have, for more than a decade, had an alliance of sorts, working together to restore stability to the Fourth Republic. With stability nowhere to be found in the midst of a constitutional crisis, it appears that this alliance is going through some serious strain, if not dissolving altogether. Following a heated debate regarding the National Service, Huang Zitao charged out of the chamber in full combat mode to deliver his remarks to the press.

(Regarding the Education Minister's resignation and alleged challenges to her leadership) It's pretty rich that Feng Xinyue, who cannot even govern her own party, is telling Indralans exactly who is and isn't fit to serve in government! And further, that she might suggest that those who have served in our Armed Forces have nothing to offer to the governance of our country is a jab in the side of our brave men and women in uniform! We'll see just how well this arrogance will treat them in the next election.

His last comment immediately spawned a question regarding his promise to dissolve the government if their constitutional amendments wouldn't come to Conference after two years:

We'll see after our National Policy Retreat exactly where our party stands on continued support for the government, but Feng Xinyue would be wise to remember that she is serving as Chancellor of a minority government.

Perhaps most shockingly, asked where his party stood on the restoration of the monarchy, Huang said:

It's uncertain. We have made no decision.

When asked about Chancellor Feng's meeting with Trigunian diplomats, Huang raised some concerns:

As Trigunia continues to become increasingly militarized, we must be sure that this Government will act prudently to ensure that our values of peace and justice are resolute. It is rumored that there may be a trade agreement to come from this meeting, and we will have a more thorough response at that time. The Indralan people will be the ultimate arbiters in the strained relations between our countries.

Sun Clan Endorses Republicans, Statement
In a press release from the Sun Clan, family endorses Republicans


IN A SURPRISE PRESS RELEASE, the Sun Clan offered its political endorsement to the Republicans, stating that:

The responsibility of power is like holding an egg. Grasp it too tightly and it will drip through your fingers; hold it too loosely and it will drop and break. There is only one individual who can achieve perfect harmony in governance: the Son of Heaven.

While forces in our land seek to restore the Monarchy artificially, we must remember that the ultimate objective of a superior man is truth. There is no truth, no honesty, when an illegitimate child is placed on the Dragon Throne.

A mans greatest shortcoming is that he neglects his own field and weeds that of others. The Chancellor focuses on the problems of nobility while ignoring the cliff that lies before her.

When the tree falls, the monkeys scatter; such will be the state of the land. However, in seeking a Son of Heaven, we may find that present afflictions may tend to our future good. As such, we support the Republicans.

Wu Hán Inducted into Order of Luminous Jade
Former-Chancellor recieves the highest civilian honour


TODAY, Wu Hán received his induction into the Order of Luminous Jade. In a statement, Wu said:

I am continually humbled by the support of my compatriots. If I were to die today, my final request would be that I could be born again as an Indralan, so that I may serve the nation again for the many blessings I have received from it. This is a great honour, and one that I do not receive lightly. Thank you, friends.

Following his resignation from politics, Wu has continued his work for the International Organization for the Prohibition of Landmines. This year, his International Treaty on the Prohibition of Landmines was ratified by the National Conference and the Republic of Lourenne. He is 68 years old.

Singer Yao Makes Large Donation to Sister's Charity for Birthday
Yao's sister, Huang Xia is the founder and president of the International Children's Defence League


HUANG ZITAO is not the only member of his family making news today: His son, pop singer Yao made a $56,102 INS donation to his sister's charity, the International Children's Defence League. The donation amount is significant, as it is the date of his birth (yy/mm/dd = 56/10/02). He said in a statement:

I want us to live in a peaceful world. It breaks my heart to see children flee from war, violence and poverty. I want to help create a place for them to rest a while. Peace is not achieved by simply thinking about it. It is created by our collective efforts to achieve it.

The donation was matched by the Huang Family, and his fanclub raised $71,345 INS in lieu of gifts.

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Originally posted by Wu Han on 23 September 2017.

[Wu Han]

Opposition Support for Government Officially Ends; Election Expected
Lotus Party Caucus Members have convened in remote mountain retreat to discuss priorities before the upcoming legislative session
RURAL ANLE - 24 June 4277


Left: Leader Huang Zitao is spotted by media admiring the scenery with colleagues; Right: the Anle Mountain Resort, where Lotus Party Caucus Members stayed for the last two weeks

FOR THE PAST TWO WEEKS, Lotus Party Caucus members have been assembled at the Anle Mountain Resort to discuss their priorities and positions moving forward; one such issue discussed was the Lotus Party's continued support for the Nationalist government, led by Chancellor Feng Xinyue. Press were not permitted to enter the caucus meetings until today when Leader Huang Zitao held a press conference to discuss the meeting.


Huang speaking to media at the Anle Mountain Resort

Thank you all for coming today. It has been a very productive two weeks, and we are excited to head back to Tian'an and fight for you.

Before the last election, we decided, out of the people's earnest desire to see stability in our country, to allow Feng Xinyue to serve a second term. Our support was contingent on the fact that we expected her government to bring forward their constitutional proposals within two years, which they have not done. Instead, the government has decided to launch a clear assault on our party's manifesto commitments and on the interests of all Indralans.

The Nationalists' attempted return to monarchism has failed. Evidenced by the Sun Clan's media release last fall, it isn't something that the people of Indrala want, nor even the noble families. Our Party maintained an open-mind as it pertained to the monarchist debate, but Chancellor Feng's plan is one which no one, including our party, will support. Therefore, our party is officially committed to maintaining the Fourth Republic at this time.

Our nation needs stability. This debate which the Nationalists' thrust on our country has been enormously divisive and has resulted in extremist acts that have tragically claimed lives. To echo the words of Chancellor Feng's former-Education Minister, the people of Indrala have "lost faith in the ability of the government to properly run the affairs of the nation". We need a government that is committed to unifying all Indralans around an optimistic message for the future. For that reason, we are rescinding our supply and confidence to the government and the Lotus Party will be bringing forward a motion to dissolve the government in the coming months.

Feng Xinyue and her government have neglected their responsibility to Indralans. It's time that we have a government in Tian'an that puts you and your family first; that acts on the priorities of your kitchen table, not just the boardroom table. We hope, that come election time, the Lotus Party can put forward a vision that looks forward with optimism and hope, and that this message will gain the support of as many of you as possible.

Thank you.

The motion to call for an early election is expected to come to the National Conference in August or September, and it is expected to pass. This development is notable as it indicates that the de facto alliance between the Nationalists and the Lotus Party has dissolved, and that, for the foreseeable future, the Fourth Republic is safe.


Lotus Party advertisement

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Originally posted by Wu Han on 25 September 2017.

[Wu Han]

Republicans Offer Hand of Cooperation to Nationalists
Xuan Shuren proposes cabinet that includes several Republican Ministers, strict conditions


Xuan Shuren appeared stoic as he made the announcement Monday morning

October 14, 4277

Tian'an: The Republicans have offered an olive branch to the governing Nationalists after the Lotus Party revealed during their caucus retreat in Anle Mountain Resort that they would be rescinding their support of the government. The Republicans have put forward a proposal that includes Republicans in five ministries:

Foreign Affairs – Mao Zhihao
Education and Culture – Duan Guanyu
Food and Agriculture – Gong Wuying
Environment and Tourism – Dai An
Trade and Industry – Zheng Song

Xuan Shuren has not indicated if his party will support the Nationalists in the next election, reiterating that this support is “extremely conditional.”

Meanwhile party loyalists have been questioning the Republicans shift to the far right on a variety of issues, with no clear answer from Mr. Xuan about his intentions. Only time will tell if this party can remain stable and avoid another conflict like the one that took Song Yi’s precious life.

More to come…

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Originally posted by Treehugger on 25 September 2017.

[Wu Han]

Tian Elected Leader Of Reformed Nationalist Party
Chancellor announces she won't stand for re-election and backs down on the monarchy
17th November 4277


Nationalist Party leader Tian Zedong (left) meeting Minister for Finance Luo Bo (right)

Indralan Chancellor Feng Xinyue has announced that she would not seek another term in office, regardless of when the next election was held. Claiming that she was satisfied with her record, she told the nation in a live address this morning that it was time for a fresh face to lead the country. Feng's decision comes less than a week after the Nationalist Party elected her replacement as party leader, Tian Zedong. Earlier this year, the Chancellor stepped down as party leader "in order to focus on achieving the best outcomes for Indralan citizens" as criticism from within her party heated up.

Tian Zedong, who had previously been the party's leader in the National Conference, has wasted no time in making his agenda clear with early elections expected in the next six months. By affirming his support for the republican system, he has effectively killed the New Era bill which was the flagship legislation of his predecessor. Instead of reviving the Empire of Great Indrala, Tian has made a robust economy his priority and heaped praise on the reforms implemented by close ally and Minister for Finance Luo Bo. It is on this platform of economic liberalisation, tax reform and labour market deregulation which the Nationalist's will run in any upcoming elections.

A potentially unpredictable factor in the campaign could be the newly blossoming relationship between the Nationalists and the Republicans, who have converged on an agenda which promotes liberal economic policy and a compassionate approach to matters such as the environment and foreign aid. Chang Gang, Professor of Political Science at Tian'an National University, characterises this as the 'pincer approach'. "An alliance between the Republicans, who are popular with the young, farmers and students and embody Indralan society's idealism, and the Nationalist Party, a hardened and experienced political outfit, often favoured with businessmen and women, would create a pincer around the Lotus Party," says Chang "it would leave them grasping at their base".

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Originally posted by jamescfm on 25 September 2017.

[Wu Han]

Electoral Victory for Republican-Nationalist Coalition
Xuan Shuren's Republicans surge to first place; first third-party Chancellor
TIAN'AN, HAN - 1 December 4277



Xuan Shuren's Republicans have gone from third party to government following the dissolution of Feng Xinyue's Nationalist minority. For the election of the Chancellor, Tian Zedong, new Leader of the Nationalist Party placed last on the first ballot and was eliminated. Lotus Party Leader Huang Zitao, in his first campaign for Chancellor, was able to achieve second place at 48.17%. Xuan Shuren achieved 51.83% on the second ballot, and has been elected Chancellor. Xuan will be the first Head of State of Indrala in nearly two decades who hasn't been the Lotus Party or the Nationalist Party candidate.

The Nationalist Party suffered a large defeat, falling from Government to third party status. Dr. Chen Baoyao of the Shi Yawen Institute for Democracy Studies attributes this to multiple factors:

The immense unpopularity of former-Chancellor Feng Xinyue definitely made it hard for the new leader, Tian Zedong, to sell his message to the electorate. This was a change election, and the people certainly didn't view the Nationalists as a change agent. Professor Chang of Tian'an National University noted how vast the base of the Republicans is, while the Nationalists tend to have a more restrictive base and thus they have a harder time expanding outward.

Huang Zitao's Lotus Party was able to make gains, although it did lose 9 points in Jiaozhi, the Lotus Party's home province. The Republicans performed best in the southern provinces, where they have the support of the massive farming and manufacturing sectors.

It is clear that the Nationalists and the Republicans will be entering into a coalition, leaving the Lotus Party in opposition yet again. A cabinet proposal is expected in the coming weeks as Chancellor Xuan seeks to put together his government.

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Originally posted by Wu Han on 25 September 2017.

[Wu Han]

Republicans Seek Ambitious Agenda in Coalition with Nationalist Party
Xuan Shuren propels Republicans to victory in first election as leader

[image missing]
Xuan Shuren patiently waiting to be sworn-in with his wife Qian Lim in Tian’an

December 4, 4277

Tian'an: Xuan Shuren hosted a casual gathering in the capital on Monday for his swearing-in ceremony. His family and close friends, members of the public, as well as representatives from every major industry and government agency attended to witness history. After years of anticipation, the Republicans have finally formed government and elected a chancellor. Xuan Shuren is the first Republican to ever become chancellor of Indrala, even though his predecessor Song Yi was seen as the chancellor in waiting before her untimely death. Cheers erupted at Republican Party headquarters in Hazhou as Xuan Shuren was elected chancellor and the Republicans managed to capture 249 seats – two more than the opposition Lotus Party. The Nationalist Party has become the third party in the National Conference, however Xuan Shuren will be proposing a cabinet that includes several NP positions. This election was seen as some of the Republicans’ last chance to run for ministerial positions, as most of the candidates have been around ever since Song Yi founded the Republicans almost ten years ago.

The Republicans have a broad range of proposals to put forward. Most notably the minister of Foreign Affairs – Mao Zhihao has revealed the government’s intention to ratify several international treaties, as well as host numerous international conferences. This will be the first time the people of Indrala get to see what a Republican government looks like, and the anticipation is strong.

More to come…

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Originally posted by Treehugger on 26 September 2017.

[Wu Han]

Government Hosts Hanzhou Fisheries Convention 4278
Delegations from across Terra settle in Hanzhou, the city that Chancellor Xuan Shuren has proclaimed “The Harbour of Terra”


Xuan Shuren gives foreign investors a tour of one of Hanzhou’s many ageing fisheries

June 1, 4278

Hanzhou, Shu: Chancellor Xuan Shuren and Foreign Affairs Minister Mao Zhihao have welcomed thousands of scientists and industry leaders to Hanzhou for the Hazhou Fisheries Convention 4278. The Chancellor and Minister have taken on an almost brotherly relationship with the commencement of this convention, offering food and drinks to foreigners and joking with one another about the poor state of their Luthorian tongue. All of this comes as the Republicans seek to impress the electorate with their first year in office. It took only but a few months for the government to bring scientists and industry executives together within Indrala and get a treaty drafted, something Foreign Affairs minister Mao Zhihao had been dreaming of:

This could not have turned out better. I have always dreamed of hosting a convention like this one. Our government made it a priority to bolster Indrala’s reputation on the international stage and that has been accomplished.

He goes on to talk about the treaty:

This treaty is a necessary one. I’ve heard from so many fishermen in Shu and across Indrala who have concerns with not only the dwindling number of fish in our waters, but the quality of the fish. We listened to voters and now we have drafted an international treaty to help solve the issue. That’s leadership.

Meanwhile Xuan Shuren was outside all day talking to locals and showing foreigners around. He had a few words to say when asked about what the convention means to him:

Isn’t it nice being outside? People go crazy when they spend all their days cooped up in the National Conference. This is where the hard work gets done. I remember Song Yi reminding me to breathe the air and take it all in, because if we do nothing, it will all be gone.

Reporters went on to ask him if his government will be introducing any further measures besides the treaty:

Look around, this place is falling apart! We have so many dedicated fishermen and women, but the infrastructure is just not here. We will invest 10 Billion INS to modernize local fisheries and help the fishing industry recover from years of neglect by previous governments. We will do all this alongside the men and women who work here, because above all we respect private enterprise.

No plans have been revealed as to exactly where the government intends on getting that money from, or how long it is going to take to modernize Hanzhou Harbour. For now, the show must go on.

More to come…

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Originally posted by Treehugger on 26 September 2017.

[Wu Han]

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

Huang eats school lunch made in his likeness

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Originally posted by Wu Han on 26 September 2017.

[Wu Han]

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

Tian'an Broadcasting System logo

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Originally posted by Wu Han on 27 September 2017.

[Wu Han]

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



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

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

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Originally posted by Wu Han on 28 September 2017.