Discussions in Shahdara... with Beishan

[Serenierre]

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Council for Diplomatic Affairs
Shahdara
​

The Imperial citadel had been busy that day. The flags of Beishan had been raised, provided ever so promptly by their embassy, and flying alongside the Sikandari imperial tricolor on the main avenue of the city, along the path of the visiting delegation. The venue for the meeting, held expressly at Shahdara's request to develop a consensus on the Yujin situation, was in the heart of the ancient city. The Council for Diplomatic Affairs was located in the former palace of the Commander of the Imperial Fortress, a grand building dating back to the glory days of Shahani architectural style.

The delegation from Sikandara was led by the Grand Councillor for Diplomatic Affairs, Rustam Ghaznavi, a man in his late fifties and with a robust political and diplomatic background. Smiling, he shook the hand of the Beishan counterpart, and each member of the visiting delegation before refreshments were served; a combination of Sikandari delicacies and Beishani cuisine. The highlight, at-least of the Sikandari menu, was of course the pomegranate wine that was the national spirit.

"So," after the meal was finished, Grand Councillor Ghaznavi began, "Let us begin." The two teams were led into the conference room, an elegantly, yet traditionally decorated room meant to impress and to demonstrate the cultural and historical wealth of the empire.
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[Sixia]

The Imperial Beishani Government had accepted the invitation from Sikandara to reach a consensus between the two countries on Yujin's internal strife. It wasn't a complete surprise that Sikandara had requested an audience with the Beishani. Officials from Sikandara were probably keen on knowing what where Beishan stood. From the exterior, the government had no formal stance in regards to their rival's strife, feeling indifferent to what occurs in Yujin. It was only recently did Beishan opened its borders for refugees as humanitarian aid, though this was only partly a guise to support Hongmenghui forces to seek refuge within Beishani borders. Communist or not, Beishan has begun seeking to aid factions to either divide the country or overthrow the government for their national security. In their eyes, Imperial Yujin will always see Beishan as territory that must be reunited, a threat to Beishani soveriegnty.

Despite the limited support of Hongmenghui forces, Beishan are unable to fully commit without feeling the repercussions with non-communist and socialist states without a good excuse to cover it up. With this line of reasoning, this discussion with Sikandara may not be a total waste of time to look for an alternative solution. Declining a meeting with Sikandara would not display... a favourable image to the state, especially with Emperor Minshui's recent enthronement and speech about Beishan needing to shoulder some responsibility for the region. The government hopes something meaningful could come out from this bilateral meeting.

Minister of Foreign Affairs Zhu Hong was led into the conference room after their delightful meal. The historic architecture was exotic yet impressive, it was nothing like Beishani architecture. Delegates from both states took their seats and began their conference.

"First, before we begin, I would like to thank you for the hospitality here in Sikandara and extending an invitation for us to be here in these talks," began Zhu. "As per your request, we will try and formulate a consensus on the civil war in Yujin with Sikandara. I am sure you are curious as to what Beishan's stance is on the strife in Yujin, so we will brief you on where we stand at the moment."

"We have currently taken a neutral stance to the internal affairs of Yujin, as we've had for several decades. The internal affairs of one country is not for us to discuss about. However this is a position we cannot hold any longer as turmoil prolongs and engulfs Yujin, which will affect neighbouring countries like Beishan and Sikandara. We have begun to take humanitarian measures to reduce casualties in Yujin, but we have not sent formal aid to the imperial government that resides in the capital." Obviously, the details involving Hongmenghui are top secret, including Beishan's desire to undermine imperial authority, so those details were left out. Though it wasn't a secret that both the government and its society sees Yujin as a hostile threat.

"Now Mr. Ghaznavi, where does your state stand on this matter?"

 

[Serenierre]

"Minister Zhu," Ghaznavi began, "The Empire of Sikandara is quite open about its concerns about a weakening of the status quo in Yujin. The civil war is, for us, the greatest national security threat since the fall of the Princely State of Vangala. As such, we have, since the preceding year, albeit quite clandestinely, along with our international partners aimed to solidify the control of the Imperial Government there. I am in a difficult position with the state of affairs in Yujin," he paused. The Imperial Government in August, the year before, prepared plans to intervene directly into Yujin to protect its own interests. The situation, as it was developing, could possibly require that action. However, Shahdara needed to try every other option before sending in the boys in a great number.

"Sikandara has seen refugees come from the Vangalan revolution and from the Yujin Civil War, so we can be the first to say that we recognise the problems associated with that kind of mass migration. And we commend the Beishan Government for their humanitarian steps... however we must make it clear that we are not particularly appreciative of the neutrality of the Government. But, we recognise that there is a context to Beishan and Yujiner diplomatic relations that must be considered. The history of your nation is marked with the blood of your martyrs and I am fully aware of that fact." He paused and was thoughtful for a moment, "Minister Zhu, it is quite an opportunity that the tides have history have delivered to you... here you stand... the smaller power... and the historical bully stands weakened and internally divided... quite an amazing moment in history... that much is certain."

He became serious. "But let me ask you a few questions."

"First; does the Beishan Government realise the threat to our own imperial systems... in both countries from a communist stronghold in Yujin?"

"Second; is the Beishan Government an entity that can be trusted by the Imperial Government of Sikandara?"

"Third; what is the nature of threat that is posed to Beishan by Yujin. And if there anything that we can do to mitigate your concerns?"

 

[Sixia]

"It is unfortunate that Sikandara experienced problems with mass migration from both Yujin and Vangala. We in Beishan have been rather fortunate that we haven't had a problem with mass migration thus far and have begun taking precaution to migration." Indeed, the Beishani-Yujiner border has never had an influx of mass migration... mostly because of earlier policies on 'shoot first, ask questions later' in regards to the border with Yujin on trespassers. Thankfully Beishan has relaxed this policy and... occasionally apprehends trespassers instead of shooting them. Largely depends on if the Beishani border guards are bored. "We are disappointed to hear the Sikandaran government does not appreciate our neutrality. Neutrality has always been a blessing for us. But we appreciate that you have a thorough understanding for our peculiar position and our long history with Yujin."

"To answer your questions, the communist stronghold in Yujin is a threat to not only Beishan and Sikandara, but also the regional countries in Toyou. This we understand. The Hongmenghui forces must be quelled out of Yujin. The Imperial Beishani Government can be trusted by both the people of Sikandara and its representative government. This bilateral talks has brought us the attention of Sikandara's concerns, we will re-evaluate our policies on Yujin so that both our interests are aligned. As for the nature of threat, it would primarily be a militaristic one. A fear of reconquest, reunification of former lost Imperial territories and incorporated into Yujin. This is a fear that is shared by the Beishani, that we will lose our freedom, culture and national identity. The people are frightened by Yujin's sheer size. We ultimately want our sovereignty to be protected above all else, much of our foreign affairs is centered on national sovereignty."

Truth to be told, Minister Zhu would be telling a lie about trustworthiness, at least when its involved with behind the scene strategies on Yujin. The Imperial Beishani Government might have misplayed a card with the Hongmenghui now that Sikandara is becoming more involved than they expected. This may have been the consequence of foreign affairs being so centric on Yujin that they had dismissed Sikandara altogether from the equation. In addition, top officials did not believe the Hongmenghui to be a threat. However to admit that to Sikandara would be disastrous, no matter how they tried to spin it. "If our concerns were to be migrated, we would be more willing to cooperate with Yujin and aiding their efforts. However we feel just for being on the same page, we would ask too much just for an exchange for a consensus if it were military intervention. The Imperial Beishani Government wants Yujin to reaffirm its relinquishment of all territories held by Beishan under a renewal treaty that will be recognised by the current government. Unless Sikandara has another way of reassuring Beishan's national sovereignty, we simply cannot see us fighting alongside Yujiners, who has been seen as a threat to our country for centuries."

"With that said, nothing is off the table outside of military intervention. And we may yet try to achieve this treaty with Yujin ourselves. We recognize the importance of this matter that we cannot be too unreasonable. What suggestions does Sikandara have on how we should assist Yujin?"

 

[Serenierre]

"Sovereignty is indeed a treasure worth protecting," the thickly bearded man leaned forward to say, "This is the very basis of our own ideology. People in the Occident think that we are fascists or monarchists... no... at our heart it is the principle of anti-imperialism that truly governs us. Why do you think that we are so obviously opposed to the evils of communism, republicanism, and Post-Delegationism?" he let the question hang in the tense air, as his voice became filled with emotion. "They are all foreign impositions. And Yujin represents each of these foreign evils and what effect they have on a society as rich in culture and heritage as our oriental civilizations are... they do not allow our own cultures to develop and instead seek to impose the visions of men belonging to lands far across the seas. This, in our view, is an unacceptable thing."

"To think that Yujin can in any harm your independence... I suppose that historical precedent weighs heavy on the psyche of your nation... and as I said... we are aware of that. But we would also like this to be clear to you, my good friend, that we do not necessary require a united Yujin... in the sense that it stands on the map currently... but rather we seek a Yujin that does not have elements of foreign evils within it. We have, for the past many years, supported the Imperial Forces with weapons and funds, gold bullion and oil... all of which have had their effect in buoying that regime... but do not think for a moment that we are naive. We see the situation as it stands. If we, and our allies, pulled our hand... the regime would tumble and then a new civil war would begin between the Communists and the Republicans. That again, is not the kind of situation which would benefit either one of us strategically in the long run..."

He looked down and placed his spectacles back on the table, "We have a large number of intelligence operatives in Yujin and we are keenly aware of the situation, perhaps in a manner that the Beishani counterpart is not... as a neutral stance might have kept the Yujin situation on the backburner in your capital. So please, I must convince you that, we are aware of the intricacies and background of the current situation in Yujin... particularly in the Xianbei Province... the north-western quadrant of Yujin."

"But, I am not unreasonable, I see the position of your country... Yujin must accept the international border with Beishan as it stands at this moment. However, let me predict, that the Imperial regime is in no position to enter into such agreements... it would very easily turn into a rallying cry for the hardened nationalists in that nation to challenge the authority of the Emperor there even further. But we may offer the next best arrangement. Sikandara is willing to sponsor an agreement with your country to guarantee the sovereign independence of the Beishan State. However, this is only a preliminary offer at the moment that would require further deliberation by His Excellency the Chancellor and His Majesty The Shahanshah, Emperor Mir Bahadur II, " he used the official title as the conversation was being typed by a scribe for later review by the Imperial Government. "But we want this to be carried forward to your capital that this option is available... if the circumstances are right." He cleared his throat, "Besides, as far as any military option is concerned... Sikandara is in a fine enough position to handle what needs to done... if at all... on its own... you need not worry on that point."

Leaning in close, the immense frame of the steely eyed Ghaznavi stared straight at Minister Zhu, "I ask you again, my friend, can the Empire place its trust in the Beishani nation-state?"

 

[Sixia]

Minister Zhu had feared the worst. The Sikandara intelligence caught onto their plans, never mind it was caught so quickly. Grand Councillor Ghaznavi was just being diplomatically polite to the Beishani, who blatantly lied to them on their trustworthiness. The lack of foresight of this plan are becoming apparent, such as not factoring foreign intelligence services monitoring the situation. It is fortunate that he has been relatively tolerant of Beishani's action and inactions on Yujin affairs, though one has to wonder what the government has to truly think behind its diplomatic handling of Beishan.

Grand Councilor Ghaznavi is indeed correct, the Imperial Yujin government is unlikely to support such agreements, despite its ratification of such treaties five centuries past. But the state cannot see any other means of guaranteeing its sovereignty against Yujin. Sikandara's offer is a likely alternative for their national security. "I see... We acknowledge our position has not been as neutral as we would like to portray ourselves to both Sikandara and the international community. For that, we apologize sincerely. Your patience and understanding with our government will not be easily forgotten."

"... The Sikandara Empire can place its trust in Beishan, we will do everything within our ability to uphold that trust, even if it means abandoning our recent actions on the Yujin affairs." Despite the lack of foresight of the plans with Hongmenghui, a plan was drafted in the event their plans were known. Cooperating with the Sikandara would be essential. If news broke out that Beishan had been secretly habouring Communists, which was confirmed by Sikandara, would have been a disaster for Beishan. "Sikandara's proposal will most certainly be forwarded to the capital for debriefing upon this new option."

 

[Serenierre]

"Yes, that would be wise." Grand Councillor Ghaznavi said with a thoughtful stroke of his white beard. The security agencies, ISIS in particular, had picked up on a sudden increase in activity of the Hongmenghui, especially in areas not linked to Lianggang - the den of communism in Yujin. It had not taken long for them to determine that channels of foreign financing had been funneling in the funds making that activity possible. Though at no point in time were the intelligence reports pointing conclusively to Beishan - an odd ally for the communist cause in Beishan. The very fact that Ghaznavi confronted Zhu was a risk, but it had turned into a very serendipitous risk to take. The reaction of his Beishani counterpart seemed to have confirmed the ISIS reports.

"The Government of Sikandara would be especially pleased if a task force could be formed at your embassy in our capital to have the offices of power, both, here and there be in better communication on the Yujin matter." Not to mention covert operations by Sikandara's Imperial Security and Intelligence Service (ISIS) would enhance their coverage of Beishan, just to make sure that they could indeed be trusted. Words alone, in this day and age, counted for naught. "I am proposing a definitive dialogue to now commence to effectively communicate our stance and strategy on the matter in handling the situation in Yujin."

"Following Sun Daoshi assassination by the Imperial forces in Yujin, the south-lands are essentially on their own and are just as much against the Imperials as the Communists and the Republicans are... so the official government is being besieged by three forces hostile to the idea of a peaceful Yujin. This is absolutely unacceptable to us. Commander Sun was a viable non-imperial solution to peace in Yujin. But the expansion of the communist base in Lianggang is what concerns us the most... and seeing that the region borders your nation as well, I would expect that there are similar concerns being echoed in Jingbao. Now with your open border policy, it is only a matter of time before communist agents trail into Beishan and begin causing problems... this is what we ourselves witnessed with the aftermath of the Vangalan revolution... revolutionaries entered our lands as refugees and caused problems. But, you see, our response was robust, swift, and brutal."

"Sikandara needs to see a Yujin, whether it is united or divided, we are not particularly choosy in that regard but, we must have the communist foothold destroyed. Sikandara is prepared to do what must be done and Beishan has a stake in the matter as well... we are the states most affected by the gameplay of nations as far off as Carentania and Sylvania. We will not sit idly by as this region is consumed by the foreign colonizers. As a nation noted for its strong independence, does Beishan not agree?"

"I do not know how this will be taken," he said after a sip of water, "but the Imperial Government of Sikandara would like to see a Pact of Cooperation between it and its Beishani counterpart as far as Yujin is concerned... this pact would cover clauses such as, for example, limiting the movement of Yujiner refugees, sealing off the border in the Lianggang region, a denunciation of violent ideologies, and other such aspects. On the state level, we of course will look to share our intelligence with you and expect reciprocal treatment, perhaps our security agencies may train Beishani ones in tackling covert groups of revolutionaries that might be operating in Beishan. Let us not forget how easy it is for the virus of war to spread. We truly believe that it is only through strong measures of cooperation that we can effectively save the situation."

 

[Sixia]

"A task force stationed at the embassy would be acceptable." Minister Zhu responded. He made no assumptions on Sikandari covert operations extending its coverage in Beishan. Though even if he did know, the permission would have been granted by the government anyways. The Beishani had nothing to hide from the Sikandari that would be harmful to their state directly and it would be better to appease to them than anger the Sikandari government. Grand Councilor Ghaznavi began to debrief the situation in Yujin, matters that were already common knowledge by the Beishani state. Nonetheless, the Minister let the Grand Councilor go over the situation once more. Perhaps there were information that were overlooked or their intelligence know more than the Beishani counterpart.

"You are correct, the Beishani state strong values its independence. While our focus has been against reunification with Yujin, we realise there is a potential threat looming over Yujin and other Toyou countries. Seeing how the Sikandari intelligence are already well aware of what has happened in Beishan, we will confirm that Hongmenghui forces have crossed the borders, though that was not publicly disclosed." Minister Zhu had taken Grand Councilor's lead, there was no use in trying to be subtle over a policy with Hongmenghui that will abandoned now that the two states are fully cooperating with each other. Minister Zhu made sure he didn't mention anything about military hardware or that they weren't disarmed. It was deemed necessary to include as part of their agreement to convince Hongmenghui, otherwise unarmed soldiers would be vulnerable should the Beishani state decide to apprehend them. "Considering our position has shifted... we will remove Hongmenghui forces from our refuge."

"Despite what it may appears for the Beishani state to the Sikandari government... we do not condone their ideological spread into our country. The Hongmenghui has been under heavily monitored by the Imperial State Security Intelligence Unit (ISSIU) and regular members of the Imperial Beishani Forces (IBF). For the clauses, we have taken measures to limit civilian refugees. They are not to cross 20 kilometers from the borders or will face prosecution for trespassing. Reenacting the closure of the border with Yujin can be simply reenacted. As you may know, the Beishani-Yujiner border is heavily guarded on our side. However we believe refugees should still be able to cross the border in seek of refuge at border check points. We welcome the cooperation between Beishani and Sikandari intelligence as well as the Pact of Cooperation. Considering how the Sikandari have more experience tackling Communists your security agencies may train ours on the nuisances of the revolutionaries."