[centre][img=http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/a0/Republic_of_China_National_Emblem.svg/300px-Republic_of_China_National_Emblem.svg.png][/centre]

Comrades!

The year before held profound changes, for both our Republic and the world.

Undertaking a virtuous mission to purge corruption from the ranks of the Kuomintang, the Control Yuan has came under criticism from a few of our friends within the press due to its heavy-handed measures. To them I say; would any responsible parent allow their child to commit thefts? Our revolutionary government absolutely does not wish for a repeat of the Qing Dynasty's corrupt decadence. In the days of the Manchu Emperors, attempts to relieve the people's grievances and to carry out modernisation efforts would always fail before they had even started. And why? Corrupt officials, who in following the horrific example of Heshen, were afraid of losing the sources of their ill-earned money. These greedy officials hastened the decline of the Qing Dynasty. The New China is one that absolutely cannot condone such vile acts that threatens the livelihood of our four hundred million peoples, and both the Kuomintang and the common people must ensure that this plague never again befalls China.

To turn an eye to international matters, it disheartens me greatly that the peace in Europe once guaranteed by the Congress of Vienna and the Treaty of Berlin has been shattered. Now the Great Powers of Europe have been embroiled in their bloodiest conflict in a century. In only a few months, millions have died, and yet even more have been displaced by the sharp vicissitudes that war has brought. Us Chinese are deeply saddened at the destruction caused, and it is our hope that bloodshed comes to an end soon. Let it be known than China shall unswervingly hold aloft the banners of peace during these dark times.

It is also with the dawning of Republican Year 9 that I would like to welcome both the UNSR-led Union of Mexico and the newly-christened Empire of Daito into the family of nations.

I am not surprised by the authoritarian measures undertaken by the National Synarchist Union for the Revolution. Indeed, they resonate soundly with my own Three Phases of National Reconstruction. Would it not be foolish to end the stagnant reign of President Diaz, and expect successful elections to take place immediately despite the great trauma of the Mexican people in light of their civil war? Instead it is only natural that a strong government form to maintain stability after a bloody civil war, a strong government so as to educate the people towards representation without repression, and a strong government to carry out reforms for the benefit of the long-suffering citizens. I wish Chairman Zapata the best of luck in his revolution.

It is a delight to hear of the union of the people of Japan and Korea into one. Where once opportunistic officers believed war was the way forward, their violent actions were proven wrong. Instead the actions of his Imperial Majesty the Emperor has enlightened his subjects, and brought the nations together in a way that the Emperor Meiji would approve wholeheartedly. Goodwill and generosity are what has brought these brotherly peoples together. The harmony in which they live in is truly magnificent. We in China gladly accept the outstretched hand of friendship. I wish Prime Minister Inukai all the best in leading the united people of Daito forward.

[centre]Dr. Sun Yat-Sen
[i]Extraordinary President of China.[/i][/centre]