Free Touyou Press

[Touzen]

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THE EAGLE POST
Touyou's Engels Newspaper of Record

MILLIONS FLOOD THE STREETS FOR MAY DAY RALLIES, HAYABUSA: "THE WORKING CLASS WILL BE TRIUMPHANT!"
​

THE international day of the working class was celebrated across the whole world on May First, its celebration the rallying call for an oppressed people to remind itself of its power as an united class. Across the liberated territories of the Anti-State, millions flocked to the streets to demonstrate the power of democracy in action organized by the freely associated working class, with the Touyou Labor Union - Combinist Workers Association (東洋労働組合 ー コンビナート主義労働者連合会、Touyou Roudou Kumiai - Konbinaatoshugi Roudousha Rengoukai) as always calling for the rallies. Official estimates put the turnout in Shinkyô at over 1,5 million workers, in Fengtian in the Jurchen Republic and Hasegawa at about 1 million attendants, while hundreds of thousands turned out across the rest of Touyou, including various cities on the Legation Coast.

This year's demonstrations rallied under the slogan: "No war but the war against exploitation", with colorful displays during the various rallies showing cartoons of Gallo-Germanian and Rurikgrad Pact politicians enriching themselves as the working class covers in the shadows of large, grinning top hat wearing men. As daylight turned to dusk, protesters in Shinkyô held a candlelight vigil for Trivodnia, reminding the world of the ongoing crimes against its people following the destruction of the peace-loving Germanian state now under occupation by he Polesian puppet regime.

At the height of May Day celebrations, Dictator Hayabusa himself stepped out to greet the working masses in Revolution Square in front of the Central Opera, mingling with working men and women of all backgrounds, having explicitly rejected pleas from his personal security attachment to maintain distance from his fellow countrymen, such is the love of the Dictator for the working masses from which he originates. The Dictator urgently warned the workers of Touyou to defend council democracy and continue the great work of building a stateless society on Europe. He emphasized:

"Peace is under attack. The predatory plutocrats and bureaucratic totalitarian party regimes of the world are every day bringing us closer to the brink of total annihilation to satisfy their perverse goals of reckless profiteering and bloody imperialist expansion. In Gallo-Germania and Himyar, brutal regimes enslave minorities and prosecute brave martyrs of conscience, while their sweat shops produce the blood-stained goods required as sacrifice on the altar of degenerate consumerism, replacing free work with chain gang production. Nowhere is this more evident than in the so-called Human Commodity System, which may be going the way of the dodo in word, but not in deed.

There are those that claim that the working class rules in their countries, but it is an apparatus of corrupt bureaucrats and self-made gods presiding over them, making a mockery of the scientific underpinning of Marxism that provides the correct analysis for the material conditions in which these despotic communist warlords perpetuate their criminal ordeals.

The latest and perhaps most concerning threat to peace is the so called Clarence Sea Council. Its Pelasgian masters say it is an instrument of peace, but it is only the peace of the imperialists that seek to cut the lifeline of our Anti-State. Far from securing stability in the Long Sea, the CSC is bringing the world closer to armed conflict. The same imperialists that are now crying for peace are willfully ignoring years of diplomacy during which the forces of democracy have again and again shown their willingness to compromise, to take every necessary step to preserve peace. Again, they have been betrayed. The working class must be resolute in it's demand: No war but the war against exploitation! As dictator appointed by the united will of the working class, I will do my utmost to preserve peace and prosperity for ourselves, no matter the cost.

Today we hold up the banner of the Second International, betrayed by the ultra-left adventurists, the cryptoplutocrats and the revisionists. Today, we celebrate May Day, the day of the victorious Touyou working class and its polity, our Anti-State!"

As night fell, fireworks displays illuminated the night sky over Shinkyô, as traditional yatai food stalls offered chicken skewers, fried octopus and beer to celebrating people. Similar displays could be observed all across Touyou. As long as the working class stays as vigilant and resolute as it has shown itself to be this May Day, it is without a doubt that it shall continue to rally from triumph to triumph.

 

[Touzen]

Touzen Times
The Free East's oldest Foreign Language Newspaper Since 1850


Conservative councils urge stronger support of DDI allies as students protest Silk escalation
​

Deputies from the conservative White Councils have urged the Anti-State to take a more proactive stance on the escalating tensions in the Southern Silk, worried that Shinkyô's subdued response "could threaten DDI unity and perception both at home and abroad". Meanwhile, students in several cities have taken to the street to rally against the military buildup in the Southern Silk.

Vasko Borislov is a busy man these days. On Friday alone, he attended four functions with representatives of the working class to campaign for stronger Anti-State commitment in the emerging hot spot in the Southern Silk (Implarian Ocean), where tensions have been rapidly escalating after a freedom of navigation mission conducted by DDI allies Pohjanmaa and Sylvania alongside Ambrosian forces saw Justosian forces engage coalition forces in a provocative display of brinkmanship that has led to the loss of allied servicemen in action. Borislov, and many of his colleagues in the northern areas of the Anti-State, have come out strongly in the past few days in support of more robust actions against Justosian provocation.

Tensions in the Southern Silk have been growing for months after the decision by the Justosian government to inflate its defense expenditures beyond the already strained confines of its existing budget to fund a massive naval military buildup had sparked regional and global concerns about Justosian attempts to assert itself as a naval hegemon in the Southern Silk, a scenario that had concerned markets worldwide and led to the DDI decision to increase its presence in the Silk region. Yet whereas the Continental Republic and the Commonwealth were quick to commit naval forces, the Anti-State has been notably reserved on the issue of committing forces against Avalon's ambitions. Speculations as to why ran abound in the last weeks - Shinkyô had been eager to enforce freedom of navigation in the Long Sea in the past and has come out strongly against the so-called Claret Sea Council, which has been described as yet another attempt by local regimes to undermine Anti-State commercial interests. Dictator Hayabusa has gone on record saying that his administration was concerned about the Justosian buildup and pointed out that the Anti-State is already hosting DDI task forces on Anti-State territory to provide them with logistical assistance for their activities, but fell short of promises to commit forces himself, even after recent events dramatically escalated the situation in the Silk.

Whether this newfound timidity is because of the Dictator's attempts to deescalate an already volatile situation or to focus on the long standing prime security concern of the Anti-State - the Long Sea -, Borislov and those like him in the conservative White Councils of the North have urged stronger responses to Justosia.

"Continental Navy ships ought to be down there, our airplanes and drones should assert their dominance over their airspace. At the moment, DDI is looking divided and weak, and our enemies know this. I understand that the Dictator has his priorities, but we are potent enough to defend our interests in several places at the same time. Interests that are not only our own, but also our allies' and ultimately, the entire world's", Borislov noted. Among the members of the the Walstadt Catholic Women's Union, a lay organization whom's function he attended in the afternoon, his words were well received. Among Tiburan Catholic citizens, many of whom live in the areas of the northern councils from where Borislov draws much of his support, the violently anti-Catholic rhetoric of Justosia's Protestant officials has engendered a strong sense of opposition to the South Silk nation.

Meanwhile, thousands of students have come out in cities across the Anti-State to protest the militarization happening in the Silk, calling upon the Hayabusa administration to maintain its current stance of non-interference. "Democratic DEFENSE Initiative, not Democratic Attack Initiative", "Hayabusa = Man of Peace", "No war for foreign capital", "Hands off Vanguardia" and other signs could be prominently seen in Tôgoshi, Fengtian and other places with large universities. According to militia officials, the protests remained mostly peaceful. 5 were arrested in Shinkyô for attempting to vandalize a church with graffiti.

 

[Azraq]

Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Wasaarada Arimaha Dibada
وزارة الشؤون الخارجية

The Anti-State, as it styles itself, is more than welcome to send representatives to Jugol to either observe or directly participate in mediation talks given its allied status to Pohjanmaa and Sylvania.

However, as the Empire of Azraq tries to secure a peaceful settlement to the current dispute and tensions, and prevent further loss of life, we urge against the deployment of further military forces to the Silk Sea region by the Anti-State and related entities.

 

[Touzen]

Office of Revolutionary Defense and State Relations

Following the invitation by the government of Emperor, as he styles himself, Boqor Tiirka Illah's government, the Anti-State will be represented in the Jugol talks as a sign of its willingness to contribute to a peaceful resolution of the South Silk Crisis.

 

[Touzen]

Siyang Sentinel Shorts

--> Office of State Relations updates travel information for Eiffelland-Retalia with partial warning

The Office of Revolutionary Defense and State Relations has updated its official travel recommendations to the state of Eiffelland-Retalia with a partial warning, warning against miscarriage of justice and arbitrary arrests. The move comes after a briefing in front of press by the Bureau of Anti-Statist Charter Enforcement during which an official criticized that several Anti-Statist citizens have remained in Eiffelloretalian custody without a formal trial for over year following their arrest near the Retalian Gate in February 2019. The partial warning means that certain travel insurance premiums are expected to rise, with some tour group providers suggesting they were already reconsidering their plans for this season to step up their offerings in places like Tyskonia and Nedernesia instead.

--> Hayabusa visits Central Arms Combine plant

Dictator Hayabusa visited a CAC plant in the Jurchen Republic, where citizen scientists are testing technologies for fighter aircraft anticipated to enter service in the 2040s. After speaking with plant workers and visiting a wind tunnel, the Dictator remarked upon the dedication and skill exhibited by the colleagues in the plant, calling their work "essential for the continued defense of our democracy". Hayabusa also used the opportunity to sit in on a plenary session organized by the workers who are in control of their plant and chimed in on issues of gender equality, calling it "vital that even more women citizens join our engineering efforts in the years and decades to come".

--> Kimoi Union Games announces new gaming subscription service

Kimoi Union Games announced that the games syndicate would be launching its Vapor games client for both computers and the Sakura Bloombox next week, offering an attractive selection of in-house and third party games that would all be accessible for a monthly fee varying between territories and different access tiers. While primarily featuring Touyou-made games, several Sylvanian titles, including top sellers Cogs of Peace and Scream of Service, will also be made available on launch. After several years of disappointing growth figures, Kimoi Union Games and First Colleague of the Union Akira Katsumoto hope to regain the initiative with the new offering, which is scheduled to start offering services across the liberated territories, Pohjanmaa, Sylvania, Nedernesia and Ertruria at the same time.

 

[Rheinbund]

Aussenministerium — Ministero degli Esteri — Ministère des Affaires Étrangères
Trier, Eiffelland-Retalien — Treviri, Eiffellandia-Retalia — Trèves, Eiffellande-Rétalie

The update of the travel information regarding Eiffelland-Retalia puzzles us a bit. We don't see any reason for doubting the integrity of the judicial system of Eiffelland-Retalia. Arrests are always based on at least a reasonable suspicion. We don't arrest any people at random.

Gianluigi di Gravesano-Carone, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Extraordinary Ambassador of the Italophone minority in Eiffelland-Retalia

OOC: I'm awfully sorry, but I was under the impression that that Retalian Gate issue in February 2019 had been retconned as part of the September 2019 reconciliation efforts. Or am I overlooking something? In any case, that is the reason why I never posted about the trial against the hijackers. Well, at least the later reason, the earlier reason was a project at work exploding in my face. If that Retalian Gate incident did take place, you can count on it that the process took place, and that the hi-jackers have been convicted to a couple of years in prison.

 

[Touzen]

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THE EAGLE POST
Touyou's Newspaper of Record

THE GREATEST DEMOCRACY​

THE breathtaking apparatus of total democracy was once again observed to beautifully serve the people today as Reform Group representatives secured a majority in the Jurchen councils at precisely 10:47 this morning local time when local pensioner Lai Niu formerly changed her endorsement to Hai Junjie, which with immediate effect recalled Fang Tingfeng and resulted in Representative Hai assuming his role with immediate effect.

“I thank the people for their support to secure my ability to be their voice in Jurchen over the last 10 months. We saw a steady rise of endorsements, which eventually soared into a broad campaign clamoring for change after the Walstadt Scandal. Jurchen deserves better, the Anti-State deserves better”, the newly-endorsed representative said in a first statement, referring to an embezzlement scandal involving cross-regional fund transfers involving organized crime in the neighboring community of Walstadt, which is also part of the liberated territories of the Anti-State.

With Hai’s confirmation, an informal group of local lawmakers known as the Reform Group now holds a majority, which they have promised to introduce new legislation for transparency, public fund auditing and strengthening of access of the press to elected representatives. Hai personally had also campaigned on a platform of promising to introduce concrete proposals on how to use blockchain technology in the political process, which has been lambasted by opposed lawmakers as “techno-obscurantism”. Reform Group lawmakers had also previously been accused of Jurchen regionalism, claims which they have rejected as “unfounded slander”.

Unlike in statist systems, elections in the Anti-State are happening constantly, with voters able to endorse a candidate or withdraw endorsement at any time, with results coming into effect soon after major shifts in the opinions of the electorate. Terms are in principle limited only by the ability of representatives to maintain continued endorsement.

THE GREATEST PROSPERITY​

THE Dictator Hayabusa revealed the fiscal report for 2021 today, showing that average access to material prosperity rose by 1,3% across the Anti-State last year, showcasing the continued inevitable march towards progress and universal human happiness across the Liberated Territories.

Prosperity rose particularly drastically in the Legation Coast, by 3,7%, while the Jizhou unincorporated territory merely improved access to goods by 0,2%. Hayabusa acknowledged that “more work needs to be done” to ensure steady development across the entire territory of the Anti-State, but also emphasized that global development was still held back by trade barriers, unfair production regimes and the necessity to maintain security vigilance.

“The material conditions trail the ideal conditions, this is a fact. Net productivity on the planet already theoretically provides for the abolishment of all forms of hunger and want, but the inefficient and coercive distribution of profits and the bureaucratic quagmire imposed by unfree trade continues to slow progress. I will continue to work with those who are already partners to lobby those who are not yet partners to work towards comprehensive agreements on the breaking of the tariff chain”, the Anti-State’s head of government vowed.

THE GREATEST VIGILANCE
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THE Anti-State continues to develop weapons of awesome destructive power and lethal defensive ability to prevent the possibility of total democracy ever being dislodged again. This morning, a Yukikaze long-range ballistic missile was fired from the Jizhou Unincorporated Territory, ascended to over 8000 kilometers and then safely re-entered over the Oikawan Sea, in a test that was deemed a success. States neighboring the Liberated Territories were informed in advance of the impending test.

“The ballistic missile performed in accordance with previously defined mission parameters. Older Yukikaze models continue to be an important part of our layered readiness approach. This was an opportunity to give younger recruits a chance to perform their duties under live-fire circumstances”, Strategic Sky RevCom stated in a press release.

Which model of Yukikaze was fired was not specified. The Yukikaze is a family of long-range missiles that exit and re-enter the atmosphere first introduced in the 1970s. The latest model is the Yukikaze V, though older models remain in service. The Yukikaze II, the oldest model still in active service, is set to be phased out by 2025.

 

[Touzen]

Touzen Times
The Free East's oldest Foreign Language Newspaper Since 1850


HAYABUSA ANNOUNCES INTENTION TO STEP DOWN AS DICTATOR, "COMPLETE THE RESTORATION OF DEMOCRACY"​

IN a stunning announcement Dictator Hayabusa, widely acknowledged for his visionary leadership and tireless efforts in steering the nation towards a full restoration of constitutional purity, took to the airwaves last night to share his decision to step down from his position with the citizens. In a speech that served as an account of the last six years of of the state of emergency under which Hayabusa had invested himself with sweeping emergency powers to defend the continued existence of the Anti-State against enemies both foreign and domestic, he expressed his sincere belief that the time has come to entrust the destiny of the nation into the hands of the people and to abolish the remaining executive prerogatives that the central revolutionary authorities had reserved for themselves.

"We are now reaching, at long last, the end of an arduous road that saw the very integrity of the Anti-State as an entity threatened and overcome. As a people, we are now poised to leave behind a difficult, but necessary transitional phase of struggle that required of every man and woman across Touyou the most extraordinary of exertions, acceptance of wants and patience for insufficiency. While the challenges of our world are unyielding and ever-renewing, the last six years have seen the successful conclusion of our anti-corruption and anti-vigilante programs. The victory over revisionism and autocracy now opens the gate to our latest victory: The full restoration of our democratic system", the leader, who took power half a decade ago in a military emergency action, proclaimed. He also defended the methods used during the emergency period, which saw militias roaming the countryside in search for domestic terrorists, delegationist agitators and reactionary cells and extensive wiretapping to root out a cabal of traitorous enemies of the constitution and opportunist gangsters.

The Dictator's decision to resign is a testament to his deep respect for the Anti-State's constitution and its founding fathers. While some observers were skeptical about intentions of Hayabusa, recent years have seen a steady rollback of robust emergency measures, even though the constitutional committee originally expected to present its reform proposals in 2019 only finished with its enormous task that yielded almost 8000 pages of legislative material two months ago in a move that was widely seen as a signal that more changes were imminent, expectations now met today.

At the conclusion of his address, Dictator Hayabusa stated: "I have listened intently to the voices of our people, their aspirations, and their dreams. It is my duty as the leader to respond to their legitimate desire for a fully democratic society. I hereby declare my intention to resign and pave the way for a smooth and orderly transition to the system of our founding fathers that truly represents the will of the people."

In keeping with his commitment to transparency and accountability, the Dictator pledged to collaborate closely with political leaders, intellectuals, and representatives from all sectors of society to formulate a comprehensive roadmap for the democratic transition. This inclusive approach will ensure that all stakeholders are actively engaged in shaping the future of the nation.

The announcement has been met with overwhelming support and gratitude from the citizens who recognize the Dictator's immense contributions to the Anti-State's progress and development. Throngs of citizens have taken to the streets, waving flags and expressing their unwavering loyalty to Hayabusa, underscoring the free territories' unity and shared vision for a brighter future.

 

[Touzen]

Touzen Times
The Free East's oldest Foreign Language Newspaper Since 1850


WORLD ZIONIST CONGRESS PRESIDENT MAKES BID TO ENTER ANTI-STATE POLITICS​

WITH the news of Dictator Hayabusa's announcement of his intention to resign from his post and embark upon the final stage on the roadmap to a full return to constitutional governance still reverberating across the Anti-State, the first responses to the announcement are beginning to emerge from the political scene.

In a surprising turn of events, Samuel Goldstein, the long-serving President of the World Zionist Congress (WZC), the representative organization of the Jewish people campaigning for a Jewish homeland from it's Seora-based headquarters, has announced his intention to step down from his position and enter into politics in the new age of total democracy. Goldstein, who's name has been synonymous with the Zionist movement and its struggle against antisemitic forces and states for over two decades, has announced that he would seek to become a representative for Walstadt as part of the Anti-State's system of recall-based regional representation.

Anti-State political mandates are not determined in fixed elections, instead approval of office-holders is constantly tallied and candidates can be recalled or appointed at any given time. Goldstein announced this morning that he had already formally filed for representative tallying with the local authorities this morning and is expected to be formally endorsable for local residents starting from today, kicking off an initial campaign that depending on momentum could catapult Goldstein into national politics within weeks.

Goldstein, widely respected for his unwavering commitment to the Zionist cause and his tireless efforts in fostering Jewish unity worldwide, is a formidable candidate that can draw upon his extensive experience and leadership skills in the political arena.

During his tenure as WZC President, Goldstein has played a pivotal role in advancing the organization's objectives, promoting Jewish settlement in Himyar, and supporting various initiatives that fostered a strong connection between Jewish communities worldwide and a commitment to an eventual resettlement of Jewish people in a future Zionist state. His tenure witnessed significant progress in strengthening the cause of Jewish nationhood and fostering solidarity with the Jewish people across the globe, particularly in the Anti-State which has been hosting the shadow cabinet and rump institutions of the future Jewish state for decades. At times, the cooperation between the WZC and the Anti-State has been so deep that critics have described the WZC as a post-delegationist puppet organization or the Anti-State a WZC front organization respectively, accusations dismissed by either side.

While Goldstein's exact political aspirations remain undisclosed, political analysts speculate that he may join an established political interest group or possibly campaign on a dedicatedly Zionist platform. In Walstadt, Goldstein will be going up against powerful local conservative interest groups that currently send the majority of Walstadt representatives to Shinkyo.

With Goldstein transitioning to federal politics, the question of who will be succeeding him within the WZC has emerged. As a young and energetic leader with some policy successes on his own, Israel Goldstein, Goldstein's son, has been widely favored for the position, and his father has hinted for years that he would like him to succeed him in the presidency one day. However, a cocaine scandal last year has damaged the once untarnished reputation of the younger Goldstein, and his succession to the position is not seen as a given, as it perhaps once was. Other figures within the senior leadership echelons of the Zionist Congress, such as Machum Gottesman or Zach Aghaki, the leader of the Zionist Defense Forces paramilitary group styling itself the future army of Zion, are expected to have realistic chances should they decide to enter the race.

The upcoming months will be critical for both Samuel Goldstein and the World Zionist Congress. Goldstein's entry into the political arena will undoubtedly generate significant interest, as his reputation and expertise are expected to shape public discourse and garner support from Jewish and non-Jewish voters alike. Meanwhile, the WZC, under new leadership, will continue its essential work in advocating for the Jewish people and will undoubtedly have to refine its geopolitical plans based on the emerging political landscape following democratization within the Anti-State.

 

[Touzen]

Touzen Times
The Free East's oldest Foreign Language Newspaper Since 1850


Oil freighter Kaiba Maru attacked off the coast of Al-Magrab in apparent Tarusan show of force
​

The Kaiba Maru, a long-range oil tanker belonging to East Touyou Heavy Industry's Silk Oil Combine, has reportedly suffered heavy damage from a massive explosion. The vessel had been carrying over 380,000 barrels of refined products.

The Kaiba Maru, a tanker vessel registered under the Anti-State's flag, was on its journey from Touzen to its destination port of Windhoek when it suffered a catastrophic attack this afternoon. Reports are pouring in that the vessel was targeted with explosives launched by Tarusan forces, leaving it in a dire state.

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The planned route of the vessel

Disturbing first images captured by news helicopters at the scene reveal chaos and destruction. The aft section of the vessel is engulfed in flames, while a large section severely damaged by explosives is visible near the waterline. The crew, numbering about two dozen, was on board during the attack and has reported the ship as unmaneuverable. Additionally, oil is seen leaking into the surrounding waterways, raising grave concerns about an impending environmental crisis near the national waters of Al-Magrab and its iconic reefs.

Meanwhile, the geopolitical backdrop adds complexity to the situation. The former European Forum mandate of Al-Magrab remains under the illegal occupation of Tarusian forces loyal to Tsar Ivan. The autocratic empire is grappling with domestic stability issues and facing mounting international pressure from an alliance of democratic governments recently formed in Valls, which opposes Tarusan expansionism and includes the Anti-State as a member. The situation around the territory has been tense for months, with rumors of CETO military forces in the area playing cat and mice with their Tarusan counterparts. Al-Magrab and the equally occupied Noks Free State form a bastion of Tarusan influence in the European South, complicating the mounting crisis in Gallo-Germania with the potential of secondary flashpoints in the case of further escalation.

In the initial hours following the incident, conflicting reports emerged. The Radilan government claimed responsibility, attributing the damage to a CETO minefield laid in the waters off the occupied exclave in retaliation for the Tarusan mining of Bonaventura Bay in an apparent act of failure of its forces to adequately communicate the dangers and extend of the mine field to civilian naval traffic. However, the Anti-State's Office of Revolutionary Defense and Foreign Affairs has been more reserved, naval and aerial intelligence data from within the Anti-State's surveillance apparatus apparently pointing towards a deliberate attack by Tarusan forces operating from out of Al-Magreb, likely involving a shore-based cruise missile or a torpedo launched from a submarine. The damage pattern, Anti-State officials seem to think, is inconsistent with the claims of an accidental mine trigger event, emphasizing that it appears that attack must have penetrated deep into the hull of the vessel to allow large parts of its cargo to be expelled into the sea at the rate witnessed.

"We are currently considering all potential scenarios, from an accidental weapons release or a rogue local overreaction to in the worst case a deliberate retaliation to Touzen participation in the Valls Pact from the highest sectors of the Kremlin's government. Needless to say, the situation is very, very serious. In many of these scenarios, retaliation is not only on the table, but also inevitable", a senior source from within the Office stated on condition of anonymity. A deliberate attack could mean that the Anti-State would invoke the assistance clauses of the recently signed agreement, with a risk of escalation on a global level. When pressed about the Radilan claims of responsibility, the source stated: "The Doge is presumably trying to deescalate global tensions if he is not actually mistaken about the extend of the CETO-deployed minefield. This is coming at a very bad time. The intention behind this white lie is noble, but the reality is that Ivan appears to have dramatically upped the stakes in this confrontation."

The Officer of Revolutionary Defense and State Relations, Shigeru Kato, issued a statement urging for calm and prioritizing the rescue of the crew members and averting an environmental catastrophe. The missile cruiser TRN Yukikaze which had been on patrol in the South Thaumantic has been diverted to the scene to provide assistance, while appeals for aid have been made to the authorities in Hansa-administered Hajr, Azraq, and Radilo.

The nation waits anxiously as the Dictator is expected to address the citizenry in an emergency broadcast shortly. We will keep you updated on this developing situation.

 

[Touzen]

Touzen Times
The Free East's oldest Foreign Language Newspaper Since 1850


Anti-State to build up presence in Himyar, enforce European Forum resolutions
​

The Kaiba Maru incident continues to have repercussions, both ecological and political. As thousands of seabirds are found dead along the coasts of Al-Magrab and Hajr, the Anti-State announces a military response.

Excerpts from Hayabusa's address to the citizenry could be seen running on repeat on TV screens in shops, on smartphones and on WePipe over the last few days. The Dictator's response to the sinking of the Kaiba Maru had been eagerly awaited by an Anti-State that has felt the world around it sliding towards a catastrophic confrontation in the last few weeks.

With the Kaiba Maru presumably attacked, the stage was set for a new escalation. However what has stuck with the Anti-State public was the measured, some would even say restrained, response that the Dictator had given: In his address to the public, Hayabusa acknowledged that a severe incident had happened off the coast of Al-Magrab, that two lives had been lost and that he was gravely concerned about the environmental impact of the sinking following the second explosion that rocketed the ship hours after the initial explosion that set the Kaiba Maru. Yet Hayabusa stopped short of directly naming the Tarusan Empire as the culprit, instead vowing that those responsible for the heinous attack on the Anti-State and its peaceful commercial activity on the High Seas would be brought to justice, and that the Democratic Defense Initative would mount a robust response in defense of the free world. "If war comes, the culprits for this disaster will be known by all", the Touzen leader concluded.

While many had wondered what this response would look like, clarity has now emerged: The Anti-State, in cooperation with local Hansa authorities, will be reinforcing the troubled territory's western Tabrik region's capital of Alexandrette with the 2nd Naval Expeditionary Infantry Division to facilitate DDI security objectives in the area and deter attacks on commercial shipping by Imperial elements. It will be first active forward deployment for the armed instruments of revolution in Touyou in years, highlighting the severity of the incident in the eyes of Shinkyô. Indeed, far from détente as suggested by Hayabusa's address at first glance, observers of the political landscape in the capital see the announcement as an almost complete win for the hawkish elements around RevDef Officer Kato, who's office had the privilege to announce the deployment. The deployment comes at a time as other freedom of commerce operations against rogue piracy elements are being considered by Federation circles in support of DDI and Valls Pact forces in the far northern territory of Gutarike.

And with the Anti-State new recognition of the European Forum as part of a breakthrough at the Valls summit that saw the institution opened for post-statist and transitionary entities for the first time, Kato further stated that as new members of the forum with a seat on the newly created Security Council, the Anti-State planned to "Fully adhere to the resolutions of the Forum - including and especially Resolution 9/2023".

 

[Touzen]

Times
The Free East's oldest Foreign Language Newspaper Since 1850


HANEUL-GA'S LANTERN FESTIVAL - A COMPLEX TAPESTRY OF TRADITION AND TRANSITION​

In the heart of Haneul-ga, a metropolis on the eastern shore of the Seoran peninsula once marked by the echoes of Imperial Touzen's colonial grip, the annual Lantern Festival tells a story of cultural resilience amid the city's towering structures and vibrant streets.

As twilight descends, Haneul-ga's parks transform into a luminous canvas, ablaze with lanterns carrying pieces of paper with inscribed dreams and wishes, an annual homage to the city's rich cultural heritage of poetry and 17th century aristocratic culture. Renowned local artist Mei Lin remarks, "Each lantern tells a story of unity, of healing from the shadows of our history, and the embracing of our collective identity in a time when many polities are trying to figure out where we should belong. But we already belong to each other."

Distinct within the peninsula for sporting a local name instead of one in the Touzen language as stipulated during the colonial period, Haneul-ga stands at a cultural crossroads. Calls reverberate within the city to reclaim ancient names, a symbolic assertion in the context of the Anti-State – and long-standing border states with the neighbors in Tianlong. That the controversially debated and complex history of the peninsula can be discussed at all is a sign of societal change in the last decades. And with the end of the military emergency state, those voices are becoming even more emboldened.

This annual celebration takes on added significance, unfolding against the backdrop of complex questions of Seoran identity in the geopolitical context if Touyou. Activist Jae-hoon Kim underscores this, stating, "The lanterns illuminate both our hopes as well as our confidence in our own identity."

As Haneul-ga's residents navigate the delicate dance between respecting local traditions and embracing the creation of shared customs and cosmopolitan identities in the post-delegationist “state that isn’t truly anti” as H.G. Soothers put it, the festival serves as a poignant reminder that, while the wounds of colonialism may be healing, the journey towards racial harmony in the Anti-State continues. The vibrant hues of the lanterns illuminate a collective path towards a future where, perhaps, local identities and loyalties can coexist with other allegiances.

 

[Touzen]

Touzen Times
The Free East's oldest Foreign Language Newspaper Since 1850

Post-Delegationism of the Third Millennium navigates rough waters
​

In a strategic move to stimulate economic activity, the Touyou Central Bank has recently announced a finely-tuned reduction in demurrage times for the international currency, the Ĵiyuu Tsuuka (Ĵ). This decision comes on the heels of unsatisfactory economic growth, prompting authorities to encourage spending within the union.

Under the adjusted demurrage policy, the Ĵiyuu will now experience faster devaluation when held, signaling a deliberate effort to combat stagnation and promote circulation within the domestic market to counter recent trends of defensive corporate investment policies. Analysts predict a potential uptick in consumer spending as a result of this move.

Bank spokesperson, Aiko Nakamura, emphasized the intent behind this move, stating, "By a measured intervention in the capital market, we aim to incentivize spending and invigorate economic activity. It's a carefully calibrated measure to counteract stagnation and vitalize the combines to unleash their full potential instead of reverting to monopoly capitalist mindsets."

The announcement comes at the backdrop of an intensified anti-banditry campaign in the exclusion zones of Inner Jizhou, reflecting the government's commitment to maintaining internal stability and counter centrifugal peripheral influences. It is the third large offensive in nine months. Security expert Dr. Hiroshi Tanaka from the Free University of Walstadt, comments, "The anti-banditry campaigns signal a proactive stance against internal threats, reinforcing the government's dedication to creating a secure environment for economic development. It is really an economic policy."

However, challenges also persist on other fronts, with troubles brewing in the Thaumantic. The fragile state of affairs in this region suggests that the tough economic climate may persist for the foreseeable future, irregardless of any domestic corrective moves by the Touyou Central Bank. The Anti-State, having stated ambitious export goals for FY24, has encountered hurdles in meeting targets for 2023. The success of the Anti-State's exports is crucial, as growth remains essential to keeping the continental member entities stable and reach the former administration’s declared goal of 30/30: 30% of the population at a living standard of western Gallo-Germania by 2030.

Adding to the complexities, the Anti-State has embarked on a substantial reform course in recent months. In the wake of both domestic and foreign events, former Dictator Hayabusa declared the necessity for a "Post-Delegationism of the Third Millennium" during his final speech before retiring from office. While these reforms aim to address evolving challenges, Post-Delegationism has faced international pressures and has witnessed a waning appeal in certain corners of the world. For many who are critical of the government, they consider the initiative potentially too little, too late.

 

[Touzen]

Touzen Times
The Free East's oldest Foreign Language Newspaper Since 1850

Unveiling the Shadows over Seoran Diplomacy: "Dragonfall" Releases To Lively Reception
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Renowned political journalist Hiroki Takahashi, in his provocatively titled new book, "Dragonfall - The End of Tianlong’s Global Ambitions," delves deep into the complexities of the Celestial Republic's waning influence on the global stage and the failure of of Antistatist-Tianlong attempts at closer cooperation.

Takahashi, known for his incisive analysis and investigate interviews with global leaders, presents a compelling narrative of failed foreign policy and military overreach that marks the recent history of Tianlong, the largest non-member entity in Touyou.

Drawing from a wealth of sources, including candid revelations from Shigeru Kato, the former Officer of Revolutionary Defense and State Relations of the Anti-State, Takahashi unveils the intricate dynamics and unresolved tensions that have characterized the relationship between the Anti-State and its republican neighbors. Kato, in an unprecedented disclosure, in “Dragonfall” for the first time confirms long-speculated discussions that took place during a mysterious and ultimately inconclusive diplomatic summit in Jindao, July 2023, between the leadership of the Anti-State and the Tianlong presidency, one of Dictator Hayabusa’s last trips abroad before the end of the Dictatorial Emergency Administration.

The summit, the details of which had been shrouded in secrecy until now, reportedly broached the sensitive issue of border adjustments on the Seoran Peninsula and the Legation Coast, areas of strategic and economic significance for administrations on both sides of the border, but controlled by the other government respectively. Despite the high hopes for change deriving from the summit, which had reportedly been initiated by Uicheon, seeing a window of opportunity informed by the geopolitical realignments on the globe in the wake of Tarusan aggression.

Ultimately, the talks concluded without yielding concrete outcomes, which is why they had been generally underreported in the media, with only some subject matter experts in diplomacy circles paying any attention to what was labeled as yet another productive working summit between neighboring governments.

"This window of opportunity you are speaking of…this window for territorial adjustments has firmly closed," Kato suggests in the book, pointing to the Anti-State's new direction under its current administration, which has embarked on significant investments in Seora, aiming to transform the region into a hub for tourism, the burgeoning IT sector, and other innovative industries. The World Zionist Congress, traditionally maintaining a network of settlements on the peninsula, has just laid the groundwork for the construction of a major new headquarters complex, with construction expected to be finished by 2029.

Takahashi's narrative goes beyond mere diplomatic chronicles, venturing into bold forecasts for Tianlong's political future. He posits that the nation stands at a crossroads, with only the paths of communist revolution or a shift towards post-delegationism lying ahead in the long-term future. This red-blue coin dilemma, as he terms it, underscores the deep-seated ideological and political challenges he says are facing the Celestial Republic, with bourgeois rule offering neither a way forward abroad nor providing security and economic stability within Touyou that could stabilize regional dynamics and pacify distributive class issues. The working class is expected to reach over 4,2 billion individuals across Touyou by the end of the century, with a significant portion of them expected to be Tian.

Despite its controversial conclusions, "Dragonfall" has been met with remarkable commercial success, resonating with readers across Gallo-Germanian markets, where it was recently released.

It’s not all doom and gloom though according to Takahashi.

“While CETO entanglement and unreliable allies have soured the dragon’s taste to involve itself in world affairs and the Anti-State is struggling with its fair share of issues of its own making, it might be easier for the Anti-State and Tianlong to eventually engage again on a direct basis and develop Touyou into a haven for stable business and peaceful cooperation to act locally on issues of global significance - environmental protection, climate change, migrant rights. This will require work and will have to be revitalizes by each new generation of leaders, but really, what’s the alternative?”