[IC] The Pen and the Sword -- Modern NRP (High Casual, Low Advanced)

[AYoungWarthog]

JANUARY 2015

UN Security Council Members

• People’s Republic of China


• Russian Federation


• United States of America


• United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland


• French Republic


• Saudi Arabia


• Brazil


• Canada


• South Africa


• India

AROUND THE WORLD TODAY…

Europe

Economic crisis has slammed the European Union this week as many Exchanges around the world have begun selling off their shares of the Euro. Economists predict a viciously sharp drop in the currency’s value over the next six months due to growing tensions between NATO and the Russian Federation. Many nations have switched to heavy investment into the Ruble, Won, Yuan, Rupee, and Yen. Russia’s economy has nearly exploded with this sudden investing and their economic PPP has grown drastically. The Euro has now lost roughly 30% of its value to the USDollar and is projected to lose an even greater chunk before March. Romanian protests are becoming more and more drastic as well.

These protests, which just turned into minor gunfights in eastern Romania, are becoming the world’s focus for the New Year. Will NATO be able to lend the much needed aid to Romania after such a drastic blow to its economy? And if so, will the United States be able to shoulder the burden of aiding its European allies in a war against Russia that is sure to come from NATO troops stepping in to Romania?

Only time will tell…

Africa

Africa’s central regions are now plagued with one of the largest outbreaks of Ebola in the history of the world. An estimated 13 million are affected by this lethal virus. The World Health Organisation and the UN Security Council are set to meet this month to discuss possible humanitarian aid efforts. The outbreak is in the Sudan, the Congo, and Kenya.

The Horn of Africa has been declared an extreme danger zone in the present increase of pirate activities by an estimated 300%. NATO vessels as well as Eastern Navies are beginning to prepare large contingencies to quell the dangers in the shipping lanes.

Middle East & Central Asia

Jundallah al-Afghani, operating out of bases in Northern Afghanistan, Pakistan, and southern Tajikistan, have begun striking NATO ISAF forces. Many officials’ eyes are on Afghanistan as a conflict resurgence could mean continued NATO presence in Asia for the foreseeable future. The world is focused also on the new elections in India which have brought in a much more radical regime that has stated its plans to align with Russia and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization.

Oceania

Australia is suffering record droughts in the mid-summer months. Brutal heat waves and the lack of rain has caused on of the worst dry seasons on record. Many officials are seeking aid from the UN and their allies. China’s presence in the Asiatic has increased as they have begun sending submarine patrols into the Central Pacific as well as having begun training exercises with their blue-water LPDs and Aircraft Carrier for a “mock invasion and expeditionary force landing”. This has raised many alarms in the West and in southern Oceania.

Asia

Japan’s Prime Minister is stretching ties between his nation and the rest of Asia even further as time goes. As peace-talks continue between the United States, North Korea, and South Korea (held in Shanghai), many are wondering not IF China will strike Japan, but WHEN as the flashpoint is apparently only months away. With China’s new ADIZ stretching out past the first island chain and threatening to put Chinese forces within striking distance of Japanese and American forces, as well as putting Chinese vessels just 75 miles from Taiwan, NATO and the EU have a single question looming in the case of Asia: “Where will the first shots be fired?”

The Americas

Venezuela is another hotspot that the world's powers are watching closely. With a rising nationalist movement, South America could be the place for the newest wave of revolutions and political shifts. Major hurricanes have leveled much of the Virgin Islands as well, this past year, and many of the world's nations are involved in humanitarian missions in the Caribbean. The most urgent issue to be focused on is the growing cocaine trade and cartels.

World Summary

• Eurozone on verge of collapse. Euro loses 30% of value.


• Romania now in the midst of minor civil war.


• Russian economy booming.


• Ebola outbreak in Central Africa affects 12 million.


• Horn of Africa is now a "No Go Zone" for many countries and companies


• Jundallah al-Afghani becoming more and more belligerent to NATO-ISAF in Afghanistan


• India's new regime aligns with the SCO.


• Australia suffers record drought


• Cartels in Americas are growing


• Hurricanes have badly damaged the Caribbean.


• Korea Peace Talks being held in Shanghai


• Japan and China on verge of war


• Chinese forces preforming "invasion" exercises in Pacific with new blue-water capable vessels

[Boss_Dude]

United States Activities and Schedule
January, 2015

Overall view: The U.S. wishes to become a more individualistic nation, and is withdrawing slightly from the global stage, cutting down a bit on trade and becoming self-reliant. Effort is being put into streamlining multiple processes and removing unnecessary layers, along with a new initiative aiming for low homelessness, unemployment and obesity rates. Tax is rising, but being placed more into product tax instead of income tax.

The Big Problem for the U.S. right now is the Ebola outbreak. It wants it solved, ASAP. The possibility of it spreading beyond Africa could put the entire world into a danger state, so the U.S. wants to corner it now and stomp it out before it can get any further. Wants to open up one of their Biosafety Level 4 Labs to an international team to take care of it.

Trade

The United States will start focusing on drawing back business to within the U.S. The Department of Commerce and Labor both agree that, with all factories and the jobs that follow it being outsourced to China and other countries, there's a large hole in vital infrastructure, leaving unemployment and poverty in it's wake. Beginning February 2015, an initiative to bring companies and their jobs back to the U.S. will begin, offering tax breaks to those same companies.

Along with that, the U.S would like to make a move to become an exporter again, not an importer, and will re-open several old rare earth metal mines, that have been closed for years. The spokesperson for the Department of Labor is declaring that "these mines, when re-opened, could all over several thousand jobs each in their respective areas." Environmentalists are of course in an uproar, and want to see a 'Solution for Pollution' before re-opening these mines again. With some possible technologies that can lower the carbon footprint of these mines, one is being selected for use.

Trade is going well otherwise.

Public Services

Along with the opening of more jobs, the biggest goal, called "Under Five Percent" wants to start aiming to make sure that nearly all citizens in the U.S are all capable of getting access to making money, living in a home, and being healthy overall. The Under Five Percent initiative will aim to get unemployment, homelessness, and obesity (a national issue) all under 5%. The initiative includes building public housing in rural areas, which could possibly bring extra business to those places, and a health focused regime at public high-schools, with efforts in Physical Education to get those overweight and obese on the right track (provided that it's fat and not just a lot of muscle).

Under Five Percent wishes to have completed its goals by 2035, and make some first steps to progress by 2020, with noticeable differences by then.

Taxes

As expected of the rather ambitious projects, there's also going to be a re-working of the tax system, along with a slight raise for middle class and above. The tax system is definitely broken, with loopholes installed there by companies looking for a way around such thing as 'tax compliance'. the Department of State claims that a hundred billion dollars could be recovered with the reworking, so that taxes can be lower in the future.

Currently, the tax will rise. Income Tax will go up 1% for the average middle class family, and up to 5% for upper class. The rest of the increase will be present in such things as fast food restaurants, where there will be a new tax that will raise prices by possibly 10%. McDonalds complains, but tax breaks are offered right back at them to purchase and use higher quality ingredients, along with healthier ingredients. Lastly, there is a court case of the United States Government vs. ATT, Time Warner, and Verizon for not fulfilling the Telecommunications Act of 1996, and actively working against it in times. The case is currently in the Supreme Court, and the general public is unsure of what the results may be.

Lastly, the Department of State claims that the debt will be the next goal, but once the tax systems are reworked and there is possibly a surplus amount, it should be paid back faster. Some people are criticizing the move, but most agree that it's better to have an efficient system of gaining money than losing some from the holes in the pockets.

Military

The Military is a rather extreme tax drain, and the government is aware of this. However, it does open up thousands of jobs that are extremely valuable to the government itself and to the people working for them. So a number of reforms within the military is going on to make wages a bit more fair, in terms of people who put their life at risk should earn more than those who don't.

The US Army is pulling out of Afghan and some other stragglers in other areas, though in Afghan five (now permanent) military bases are being left behind as part of an agreement to assist Afghanistan until they can self-sustain their own military. These military bases will be around for a while, so all serving there now are being offered a chance to go home for a while, and some fresh-spawn to go to replace them, and maybe raise the total number.

Drone warfare is still being worked on, since it keeps men from dying unnecessarily. Unmanned and manned drones are both present, and an agreement is being sorted with the government of Afghanistan to allow these drones to fully and accurately map the entire country, allowing the militaries to see any terrorist activity. On that, manned drones are currently looking for the leaders of the new terrorist group, and any information for their location.

This group is a bit extreme, so the Reserve is now being kept on its toes, just in case of another 9/11.

Immigration and Emigration

Immigration has always been a big problem, with many illegal immigrants looking for a better life in the land of the free. The government is aware that plenty of these illegal immigrants work extremely hard to stay where they are, and the Department of Homeland Security is also streamlining the process for immigration. While it still has an advanced screening of all individuals looking to naturalize, it does now offer the opportunity for people to gain citizen status or even a work visa a lot more easily. Some people complain about how these immigrants are taking all the jobs, but it's pointed out that these immigrants take the jobs that nobody else wants, and are extremely good at it.

The TSA is also streamlining the process. Aware of the fact that it is ridiculed everywhere for it's high standards, it's requesting a budget increase to allow for a new system, where people can walk straight into the U.S. Of course, they'd walk through the new scanning machines that can recognize different elements instead of just metal, which is going through testing right now by some local law enforcement in some areas. The reviews are positive, as for the most part it isn't intrusive, and the TSA just need to watch the screens and keep the crowd flowing. Most reviews are positive, apart from a few patriots.

The immigration across the Mexican border is still strict for now, though (see Organized Crime)

Organized Crime

Always a problem, it's grown a bit more in the Americas recently, mostly in the South continent. The U.S. is keeping restrictions on the Mexican border, and keeping drugs out of the country.

Ebola Outbreak

The U.S. now places it top priority to solve the outbreak before it spreads beyond the continent. the Biosafety Level 4 Labs in the U.S. are now focusing exclusively on Ebola, and possible solutions. Nanobots has come up again and again, but more testing is needed. The U.S. is willing to put forth a budget and work in an international team to solve the problem ASAP, putting aside any possible differences. In terms of humanitarian aid, the U.S. will help fund the Red Cross and airdrop any necessary supplies.

END REPORT

[AYoungWarthog]

Beijing, China
January 2, 2015 – 0700-LOCAL
The door closed with a curt snap. Within the brilliantly lit room, sunlight from the dawn flowing in through the large panels of glass that looked out over the small lake and over to the Forbidden Palace creating a dazzling dance of light and a wonderful view, a gathering of more than twenty men in suits (and the occasional military uniform) sat around a large oak conference table. Xi Jinping, the Zhuxi (lit. Chairman, though used to address the President), slowly strolled to the head of the table as the entire room stood with those in uniform offering firm salutes.

He returned the gesture, half-heartedly, before adjusting his blazer and nodding to them all, “Good morning, gentlemen.”

“Good morning, Xi Zhuxi!” they chorused before each taking their seats. Pulling notes from within his messenger bag, the President clicked his stylishly expensive pen and cleared his throat. The agenda before him was long, and the morning was projected to be very rough. A sip from the hot tea in front of him relaxed his nerves before he heaved a heavy sigh and dove in, “Right, so this meeting comes to order at,” a glance at his watch, “Seven in the morning. Shall we begin with the first agenda item?”

There was a pause as he looked around the table, beginning at his right with Premier Li Keqiang, and working his way down. The silence broke once more when a man, three seats down from Keqiang, spoke. His voice was commanding, captivating the audience, “Operation Hei Hu (Black Tiger), I assume you mean?”

“Indeed,” Zhuxi replied, offering the floor to the Defence Minister.

Chang Wangquan, a tall man old man wearing a Liberation Army uniform decorated with a breast of medals and a shoulder of stars, stood and cleared his throat, “Well, as you all know from our meeting last week, we have an Operational Exercise taking place at the end of the month that will continue from the trials we conducted last month in the Central Pacific. Operation Hei Hu is designed to allow us to enact varying levels of sea-trials with our blue-water capabilities. The Defence Ministry is devoting the Liaoning, as well as an LPD, three LTDs, four nuclear submarines, and three destroyers to the exercise all from the North Sea Fleet.”

“What is the exercises goals?” Keqiang asked quietly, his voice conniving and looming, “Or should I ask, what is the Operational Plan?”

“The Operation will take place over the course of five days. The first three days will allow our twelve-vessel Task Force to practice coordination, minor Carrier operations, anti-submarine warfare, high-speed manoeuvres, and operational planning including tactical procedures. The last two days will act as a jumping-off point for launching a Marine Expeditionary Force. We will be landing roughly fourteen hundred Marines and their vehicles in a zone that has been pre-agreed upon between China and Indonesia,” Wangquan said plainly, offering notes and OPORDERS to the staff.

Zhuxi leaned forward, sipping from his tea. A marine-expeditionary landing exercise was good. The PLA had been working on developing an expeditionary force for years, and with this blue-water exercise force, they were within six months of having the capability of putting 1,400 troops anywhere within twelve thousand miles in less than a week. Grinning, he nodded, “Exceptionally well-developed, Buzhang (Minister), thank you.”

“My pleasure, Zhuxi!” he replied before retaking his seat. Turning to the man directly across from him, the President cleared his throat, “Wang Buzhang, I believe you are next on the agenda, no?”

“Yes, Zhuxi,” Wang Yi, the Foreign Minister, said with a firm nod. A small spiral notebook in front of him flipped open and he placed a pair of horn-rimmed reading glasses on his face which seemed to be perpetually locked in a grimace, “The next agenda item, Buzhang, is the coming Peace Talks that we are planning to mediate between North and South Korea in Shanghai.”

“Are they scheduled?” the Zhuxi asked.

“Not yet, Zhuxi,” Wang Yi quipped, “but we are working feverously at achieving an agreed-upon agenda for the meeting. Xinsen Dashi (Dashi is used for Ambassador, Zhang Xinsen is for S. Korea) and Hongcai Dashi (N. Korea) are keeping me updated on the talks between Pyongyang and Seoul which are coming along slowly. We’re trying our best to accelerate the talks, with Japan’s aggressiveness growing, we need the Korean Peninsula to be at peace in case Japan were to become a threat that we will need to deal with.”

“Nicely put,” Chang Wangquan inserted quietly.

“What is the closest estimate to a schedule?” Zhuxi inquired, cutting over the Defence Minister’s input and taking a gulp of his tea.

Wang Yi took a drink of water from a glass before him and continued on deliberately, his speech slow and concise, “Well, the Dashi want to try and make sure the Koreans agree to meet in Shanghai by the end of the month, though it could take until the end of March.”

“Make it happen before the end of the month, at any cost, understood?” Zhuxi ordered quietly.

“At any cost, Zhuxi, of course.”

“Good,” Xi Jinping sighed and leaned back in his chair. Turning slightly to his left, he looked out at the bustling city that was beginning its busy day, and the beautiful Forbidden Palace, “We’ve discussed the issues rising with Japan, as they continue to disobey our Air Defence Zone in the South China Sea… But what about Taiwan?”

“They released a statement last week stating that they believe we could invade them by the end of the winter,” Wang Yi stated plainly.

“I am aware,” the President replied, “but is their fear accurate? And General,” he said, turning to the General Chief of Staff for the PLA, General Fang Fenghui, a man he called Feng Ge as he took many lessons from the man who had known his father very well, “do you feel that we should be conveying that to Taipei, or should we loosen our grip?”

“Zhuxi,” the General leaned forward, folding his hands in front of him, “Taipei is correct in their fears. Depending on the success of Operation Hei Hu we could theoretically strike at Taiwan within the next two months. However…” the room waited with baited breath as the General reviewed his notes, “The United States is sworn to defend Taiwan if we attack. As is most of NATO. I say that instead of military action, it would be better to let Wang Buzhang take care the situation… Pressure Taipei into joining the People’s Republic as a Special Administration Region, like Hong Kong.”

“This could take time, but I’m sure I could do it,” Wang Yi inserted quietly.

“Then make it happen.”

“Of course, Zhuxi.”

“While we’re on the subject of Foreign Affairs,” Li Keqiang said from his slouched position in the chair to the right of the President, “it would be best that we address Romania.”

Wang Yi paused for a moment and the room was silent. Nobody had any drastic opinions either way, or so Zhuxi thought. Romania was far away in Europe, and it did not directly matter to the Internal Affairs of Zhongguo (China) at that moment. But he did like Keqiang’s ability to address the hard questions and think outside of the box. They made a strong team. Eying up Wang Buzhang, he waited for a reply, but received it from the opposite side of the table, “I propose that we send a Security Force to Romania. Placing troops in Europe would, of course, enrage NATO, but if we do not aid our allies to the north in their stance against the Imperialists than what kind of ‘Protector of the Weak’ are we?”

“Absolutely not! We do not have the capabilities to send a Security Force into a NATO-controlled state and still take the blunt repercussions that would follow!” Wang Yi exclaimed.

“Then we send a Fleet. Or a Task Group. We station them in the Black Sea! It’s practically controlled by Russia, anyway, and they’re our strongest military ally!” Chang Wangquan said flatly, cutting off the Foreign Minister, “My point is that we need to become more involved in Global Security if we are to meet our goal of becoming a super-power in the next ten years. People need to know that we will come to the aid of the weak!”

Zhuxi raised his hand, calming the wolves, “Sending a Security Force to Europe is risky, of course, but what is more risky is siding with these Romanian separatists… We don’t know how badly this is going to play out. And what about the economic ramifications?”

“Zhuxi,” a voice from the far end, on the left, brought the argument to a sudden halt, “if I may interject?”

It was Zhou Xiaochuan, the Governor of China’s Central Bank. He was the man who could easily affect the decision on Romania and so the President leaned forward, “Go ahead, Zhou Guanli (Supervisor).”

“The Yuan has grown in strength over the past two weeks. People are losing faith in the Eurozone. In fact, the Euro fell almost thirty percent last week alone! We gained a value of twenty percent against the American dollar, so a strong Chinese economy is actually a benefit from what is happening in Romania. People are investing in the yuan, the ruble, the yen, the won, and the rupee… Eastern currencies.”

“Well then,” Zhuxi said plainly, “I see no reason why we cannot place a Task Force in the Black Sea to aid in Security in Romania. Russia will, undoubtedly, welcome us. Perhaps we could send the task group from Operation Hei Hu to the Black Sea upon success of the exercises, yes?”

“That could easily be done,” Wu Shengli inserted from the silence he had been sitting in. The Supreme Admiral of the Chinese Navy sat next to the General Chief of Staff, his uniform the only white in the room of black and green. President Xi Jinping nodded and made a small note on his pad, “Then let it be done! What is next on the agenda?”

“I do believe that is me,” the Admiral replied, “Zhuxi. I’ve got a task group gearing up to leave later this evening from port in Guangzhou. Task Ground Africa, part of the Chinese Anti-Pirate Security Force, or TGA-CNAPSF, is heading for Zanzibar, Tanzania where they will make port for a six month deployment to the Horn of Africa.”

A series of nods went around the table as the President sipped his tea. Silence fell on the room again before Xi Jinping waved his hand toward the Admiral, motioning for him to continue. The rap of a pen on the table cracked loudly before he spoke once more, “The Task Group consists of Hulls 999, 570, 568, and 170. That is, in order, the Jing Gangshan, an LPD; the Huangshang and Hengyang, two Frigates; and the Lanzhou, a Destroyer. Their mission is the security of shipping lanes at the four hundred to five hundred mile distance from the Somali Coast and the conduction of combat operations against pirate vessels within their Area of Operation. Pang Da Xiao (Commodore Pang) is the CO and Senior Officer aboard the Jing Gangshan.”

“Is that all, Wu Shang Jiang ((Supreme) Admiral Wu)?” the President asked flatly.

“It is.”

“Right then, and the Operational dangers are?” Zhuxi inquired.

The Admiral cleared his throat and scanned his notes, “Most notably, it is the weather, actually. Weather in the region has been uncharacteristically bad as of late, with rough seas and bad storms.”

“Alright. Be sure that we have a strong Replenishment route, and see if you can’t attach a Hospital Ship to the Task Group.”

“Of course, Zhuxi,” the Admiral replied, making a note on his tablet.

A short beat, and a familiar voice broke the silence once again. Wang Yi cleared his throat before beginning, his words seeming to be chosen very delicately, “What does the Board think about the purposed UN-Security Council humanitarian aid to the Ebola affected areas of Africa?”

“What exactly are the nations affected?” Li Keqiang asked after swallowing a mouthful of tea whilst scribbling notes on his legal pad in half-hearted English mixed with Chinese characters.

“As of now, the outbreak is affecting twelve million people in the Congo, Kenya, the Sudan, and the Central nations between them. It is showing signs of spreading into Somali and Ethiopia as well, and a few cases have popped up on Tanzania’s western border,” Wang Buzhang replied, “and the UNSC, along with the WHO, is pushing for a Security Council-led quarantine and aid effort.”

“I purpose, myself, that we send a detachment of our Medical Aid teams to the Sudan. They’ve been a strong African ally, and we’ve invested in them heavily. Perhaps three hundred doctors, a few hundred nurses, and a few hundred troops to protect them?” Chang Wangquan stated.

Zhuxi nodded slightly, “I see no problem with that, all in favour?”

Nearly the entire room raised their hand, those who did not were those who were not affected about the situation in any way, shape, or form. The last agenda item was, following the noticeable trend, military-oriented, and so Zhuxi turned to Chang Buzhang, “Buzhang, you sent me message yesterday about a purposed Security Plan for Afghanistan.”

“Ah!” he exclaimed, the rest of the room slightly caught off guard, “Yes, Zhuxi, thank you for reminding me! As some of you might have heard, the United States has stated their intent to go back on their agreement with the Afghanis and withdrawal most of their troops from Afghanistan within the year. So…” he passed around a brief OPORDER detailing a planned joint Chinese-Indian Forward Operating Base in Afghanistan, “I purposed to Zhuxi yesterday, Long Jidi (FOB Dragon). It would, with Wang Buzhang’s help, be the first of many optimistic bilateral cooperation agreements between China and her newest ally to the south. While we have not yet received the go-ahead from India, or Afghanistan, we plan to construct the base that will house roughly three thousand troops of both India and China, in the Wakhan Corridor where Afghanistan borders China, India, Pakistan, and Tajikistan; with whom I remind you we have a Defence Agreement.”

The room was silent. This would take longer than a simple meeting to persuade the Board to deploy three thousand troops into a nation that was now experiencing a brutal resurgence of fighting from the new force, Jundallah al-Afghani. Turning his chair to face the windows as the Board continued to talk, Xi Jinping merely stared at the Forbidden Palace. Only time would tell where China would go from here…

500km from Somali Coast, CNS 999 Jinggang Shan
January 12, 2015 – 0200-LOCAL
Rough seas rolled and bolstered the floating beast, attempting with all their might to roll her. But she was strong, persistent. At the helm, a uniformed sailor fought the current and the vicious swells while the Skipper, Pang Wonin, held night vision binoculars to his eyes and scanned the seas ahead of them. The forty-year old Commodore had experienced rough seas before, and he was not affected, but the young sailor, on his first deployment, was indeed shaking under the pressure.

They had fought brutal waves ever since drawing within 1000km of Somali, and they were still more than 1000km from port. Within the belly of the Jinggang Shan, 800 Chinese Marines and their amphibious vehicles sat for sickening ride as the Commodore attempted to find a softer lane. He turned to the helmsman and spoke loudly and deliberately so the entire Bridge heard him, “Helm, bring our course to 233, port five degrees!”

“Aye, Commodore, port five degrees rudder!” the sailor answered almost instantly and the vessel slowly began to turn to the left.

“XO?” the Commodore asked, turning to his Executive Officer, a Captain, “What is our power output?”

“Green, sir.”

“Helm,” Pang Wonin cried once more, “All-full ahead!”

“Full power, aye, Commodore!”

Rough seas and dark skies were their only partners in the next three days until the Task Group reached Tanzania. He resumed his watch. Six more months, he reminded himself, only six more.

Summary

In this two week long period, China has sent five Naval Vessels in TGA-CNAPSF to Zanzibar, Tanzania as well as begun planning the dispatch of 1,000 doctors, nurses, and soldiers to the Sudan for humanitarian aid efforts. The Ambassador of China to India, Zhang Dan, has been informed of the planned FOB Dragon and is working diligently to get the Indian approval. Afghanistan is planning to give China their answer by the end of the month.

Operation Black Tiger, a twelve-vessel and 1,400 marine “Expeditionary Force Landing Training Exercise” and a “Naval Deep-Water Manoeuvring Exercise”, will begin on January 20, 2015 and is scheduled to last 5 days. After the exercise, if deemed a success, Task Group Black Tiger will be dispatched to the Black Sea (against NATO’s demands for Eastern powers to remain uninvolved in Romania). Korean Peace Talks are also in the process of being discussed.

Troops Abroad: 1,010 Sailors and 800 Marines (TGA-CNAPSF)
Value of Yuan: 元1.00 = US$0.20

[MagnificentOne]

The Blue House
Seoul, Republic of Korea

A new year descended upon the land of morning calm, and with that a new cabinet meeting was in order to discuss the pressing matters facing the Republic of Korea. A gathering of sixteen men and two women had arrived, and an exchange of bows and wishes for the new year were exchanged between all present. With the greetings out of the way, it was time for business to begin.

The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Strategy and Finance, Hyun Oh-seok, adjusted his glasses before presenting his laptop's screen upon the projector. "I'm sure many of us are aware of the new economic crisis that has been affecting the European Union as of last week. Our top economists now believe that the Euro faces a rapid decline in value." With a press of a button, a graph of the Euro's value flashed upon the screen. "There has, however, been a knock-on effect to such another devastating crisis to the Euro."

The projection switched to one showing an upward growth to the value of the Korean Won. Hyun stared up at the chart with a relatively stoic face before turning back towards his fellow ministers. "As you can see, with the major businesses of Europe beginning to invest in the currencies of Asia, the value of the Won has began to rise."

Murmuring could be heard between the other economic ministers; most concerned and only few positive. Amongst all of this President Park spoke out, ushering a silence. "Let's not be full of gloom, gentlemen. With our three-year plan to rebalance our export-led economy, a rising Won can hold benefits for us."

"Thank you, madame," replied a grateful Hyun. "Indeed, both company officials and industrial analysts are confident that this is something we should no longer fear. Even our famed exporters, the shipbuilders, have seen a growing share of their revenue in areas where the Japanese have no presence." Another tap upon the keyboard brought the statistics of Korea's imports upon the screen. "With a lack of natural resources our industries are forced to import - and with a stronger Won, their raw resources are all the cheaper. What this means is that our homegrown industries are looking forward to a tremendous growth. What more, we shall even face growth in investing upon facilities - where there was an era of decline - which shall help our long-term competitiveness."

Park nodded. "I had warned you before that our past methods of growth had reached a limit. We had to change, and a rising Won is exactly what can help us bring the fruits of growth to all Koreans." She offered a confident smile to her cabinet members before looking back at Hyun. "I assume measures shall be taken to ensure the Won maintains a slow rise?"

"Certainly, madame," replied the Minister of Finance. "I should mention that many service industries can benefit from an appreciated Won. This could assist in our plans to boost the steadily-growing service sector even further. Combined with our affordable economic reforms, Korea shall be in a strong financial position," concluded Hyun as he sat back down.

"Excellent." The President scanned across the room, reading her agenda. "I believe our next issue shall be that of the planned Korean Peace Talks."

The grey haired Minister of Unification, Ryoo Kihl-jae, cleared his throat before reading from his own laptop. "As you all know, China has been especially insistent upon holding the peace talks for the Korean peninsula. With them as a mediator, I see a great opportunity for the basis on unification to be modelled around."

Sitting beside him was Yun Byung-se, the Foreign Minister. "An approach of dialogue has been working well with the north over the last year. Combined with pressure, not only have we managed to avoid nuclear scares but the family reunions have been going spectacular."

At this, Ryoo beamed proudly before projecting a schedule upon the screen. Highlighted in a light blue were key dates - February 20th, April 14th, June 29th, August 15th, and November 26th. "Five, gentlemen. Five family reunions in the one year. An astounding record by all counts!"

Yun chuckled at the minister's enthusiasm. "Yes, we've never managed such successes before. Tell me, did they ever get back to you for the next family reunion?"

With an unceasing grin, Ryoo answered. "The Vice Minister of re-unification is currently engaged in talks with his counterpart as we speak. I predict we may even manage one by the end of this month, if not by February."

"Remarkable timing. But no matter how well they go, we mustn't lower our guard," warned Yun, a frown crossing his face. "Satellite imagery has shown their nuclear programme has taken no signs of dismantlement, and the treatment of their people has hardly improved - if at all." He let out an annoyed sigh in light of both facts.

"This is what these peace talks can handle," interjected Park. "Foreign Minister Yun, you do raise good points. To allow the north to continue possessing such dangerous weaponry at the expense of its own people is something which not only threatens the livelihood of North Koreans, but ourselves too."

A fast talking and sharply dressed Kim Kwan-jin quipped. "Let's take a moment to remember their cold war era precision systems are well-known to be unreliable, and that they have the full knowledge any nuclear exchange will result in their absolute destruction. What's most at threat from their nuclear programme at present is not our own people, but rather their economy." The Minister of Defence smirked at his comment before continuing. "Besides, our newly developed cyberweaponry only requires the slightest finetuning before it shall be able to easily dismantle their programme by force." Kim briefly paused, with President Park glancing over to him. "Of course, in the name of inter-Korean relations we would never pre-emptively deploy such weaponry unless they were to begin a repeat of their bellicose acts in 2013."

Park nodded approvingly, "Return kindness with kindness, and anger with anger. Our approach must be from two angles, of course: dialogue and pressure. As Minister Kim shows us, we have the pressure. So what can be better dialogue than Peace Talks?" The President projected the Chinese government's invitation to Shanghai upon the projector.

"With the North Korean government having shown a more reasonable face this past year, and my good friend Xi kindly offering to mediate, I believe a new summit can get us far. You all know my thoughts on the Sunshine policy. We can't be over-reliant on either benefits or pressure. What will get us far with North Korea is building relations, and with last year's success I believe we can push trustpolitik even further."

The Minister of Unification nodded eagerly. "That's exactly my thoughts, madame. Your dining room table strategy can go far."

Ryoo referred to one of Park's own strategies, where in return for establishing trust and enacting a policy of denuclearisation, the Republic of Korea would grant the North additional amounts of humanitarian aid alongside giving assistance to North Korea's infrastructure and people's well-being. It would furthermore come with inter-Korean cultural projects and increased communications, which would prove useful for a lasting reunification of the peninsula.

"It's time to move beyond the appetisers and offer a great variety of delicious dishes--"

"--and in return for them, they shall take steps towards dismantling their nuclear programme," continued Yun, finishing off Ryoo's sentence.

Park smiled to them both. "It's something that will benefit the entire Korean nation, and this summit is the perfect chance."

Yun leaned forward as he inquired, "Who shall be attending on behalf of the Republic, madame?"

"I took time thinking about it the moment we received China's invitation, and I came to a conclusion." she replied, piquing the interest of all present. "One of the most important factors in inter-Korean relations will depend upon honest discussions about all concerns between myself and Kim Jong-Un."

A silence followed the President's announcement. The Foreign Minister was unsurprised at such a decision, but carried his own reservations. Not only was the dictator of North Korea known to be irrational, he was a man who had so far succeeded in distancing North Korea from China. Yun simply couldn't help but wonder if North Korea would even agree to attend the talks. Regardless, it was a meeting that Yun was supportive of.

"I agree with you. Considering that these will be our most important summit since 2007 - and perhaps rivalling even the original armistice agreement - it's only natural that our President represents the people.

Park added on, "Such a meeting is vital for trustpolitik, don't you agree?" Her question elicited nods from all present.

"My position is that I can hold a meeting with Kim Jong-Un at any time to help develop our trust, or to secure peace on the Korean Peninsula - and the Shanghai talks can achieve both." The President turned back to Yun. "Send a message to Pyongyang and Beijing detailing our proposal."

"As you wish, ma'am."

As the President began to address the matter of education with the remaining cabinet members, both Yun and Ryoo instead embarked upon notifying the concerned parties of Park's proposal. South Korea was ready to attend the Shanghai Peace Talks - but what of the North?

Summary

-The Korean economy uses rising Won to its advantage as it seeks to re-orientate its export-led economy, while seeking to maintain gradual appreciation
-The service sector and import-fuelled industries, amongst others, are growing as a result of the rising Won
-Talks for further family reunions continue between South and North Korea
-The Foreign Ministry notifies both North Korea and China of the proposal for Park Geun-hye and Kim Jong-un to attend the peace talks

[Wernher]

It had been 2 months since the socialist government had lost its coalition in the parliament and, after 4 attempt of passing a budget failing, that France had been forced in elections. The socialists were ineffective, the financial crisis only deepened, the Centrist party had been wreaked by the audio records of Sarkozy while he was still president and didn't have time to turn around and propose a good candidate. All of this however had only given more fuel to a third party, the National Front. The government was corrupt and ineffective, the economy was slowing to a crawl, but yet they kept allowing immigrants in, there was no more money but yet they spent always more on generous hand out. A vote for the Far Right was a vote to make all this stop, a vote for the reactionary and return France to a point in its history where work conditions were perhaps less good than today, but where you actually had work to worry about this. The FN now had a majority in the parliament, won most of the municipal election and considerable weight in the European parliament, it was time to prove they could reverse the steam and do what Germany had failed to do and save fortress Europe, besieged by immigrants in Africa, now carrying deadly disease, terrorists in the middle east and a resurgent Russia in the east.

In the Élysée Palace, Marine Le Pen, newly elected President, met her cabinet. Many ministers, but a few chairs had been added for military officials. Greater influence of the military in civilian affairs had been pointed out as a dangerous flaw of Le Pen's plan, but there was other ways to see this, greater influence of the civilian on military affairs was one of them.

"Gentlemen, I declare this meeting of the Cabinet open. Of course, everything said here is state secret and disclosure of anything discussed here will be considered treason. So if anyone would register these conversations I'd ask them not to do so, which is why I asked you all to keep any electronic devices such as phones outside, that and I don't like interruption by ringtones to occur. Now, Mister the Prime Minister Jamet, if you would."

The man nodded getting up from his seat. "As we all know, the Euro as suffered in the last week alone a catastrophic meltdown, its value lowering by over 30% and rising compared to the US dollar and the Eastern currencies rising accordingly. While the situation seems critical and many are calling the end of the Eurozone, force is to consider that now is the moment to strike while the East as shown weakness and our minister of Finance has a bold plan to this regard where the longer the crisis and the worst it looks like, the more we are at advantage, mister Aliot, if you would."

The prime minister sat down and the minister of Industry raised. "Thank you mister the prime minister. Indeed, 30% lost value means that people doing business with us will find to their great surprise that this also means that our products are 30% cheaper, and this of course, if only in the United States, this rise in eastern currency is, and I am certain of it, what will save us. Their economies are heavily based on mass exportation and ours on importation, which is what caused this situation in the first place. I had the CEO of Renault and the chairman of the board on the line and indeed, it is the time to strike. Renault made intelligent investments in the past by buying Samsung Motors and so, we can offer for the nouveau riche and the rising middle class, both alternatives. A European car, luxurious and which brings prestige since no Asian manufacturer yet has the reputation Europeans have. And on the other side of course, the cost efficient model, with the large Samsung name all over it, but yet, produced by french interests to profit from frenchmen. Hyundai and others will have a hard time competing with us after a 30% price shift in our favor. China will suffer the same faith and I am sure that their government will not like to be put on the same stage we were in the last 30 years, that of globalisation, the end of profits and factories closing their doors."

"All of this of course brings me to the next point which is the home front. Although we had to take some loans to get this done, now that the stock markets were crashing, it was the time to strike good deals. We, of course, followed our policies of not sending out money for nothing, like the americans and ourselves did by offering 0% interest loans and the likes. We bought significant parts of our national industries and like asked madam president, we have officially put an halt on payment to the debt to Russia until the Romanian crisis resolves. We estimate a significant increase of revenue in the next trimester budget, but I will of course leave this for the budget report. Thank you for your attention ladies and gentlemen."

Some words were exchanged and Le Pen slowly nodded. The common people, the peasants if she were a queen of the ancien regime, were always so easily frightened on one side, and could always so easily reach euphoria on the other. Right now the climate of fear in the west was their ally and it should be maintained for as long as possible, but this was good only if France didn't lose control now. Likewise, the Euphoria in the east would cause their downfall, the old continent just had to wait for the next bubble to pop and all the people with a head on their shoulder knew what it would be: Their Export industry. Europe and America were their largest customer, Europe was failing and thus there already was a significant lowering in demand, and even if now China and Korea could sell their products to their own people to compensate, this was only a short term solution. "Indeed, let us follow on this, the budget and social subsidies cut."

Another man rose, he had been keeping silent with a smile and exchanging a few words with a man in military uniform. "Indeed. As you all know the bill will finish its reading in tomorrow's session and, thanks to our anti-filibustering bill last week, it will pass with no problem now that we hold the absolute majority. The entitlements will be reduced by about 85%, only the handicapped and the families, of French nationality if I might add, will now be receiving social security. Any immigrant without a job will be deported and anyone applying for help for the government will be told to join the army, if physically unfit, will be remembered that either the army will make him fit again or he falls in the handicapped category. Most certainly a lot will cry about this, I'm expecting riots, but along with the deportation if any crime is committed on immigrants, this will serve its purpose, in fact I do believe that this could have the effect of lowering the Euro even more if we are lucky, people would see this as us losing control, while we are in fact, resuming our control. Lower Euro will of course mean great rise in gas price, but I do believe Renault is preparing an alternative in electric bus and so forth? It will actually force people to use common transport and thus finance said transport... This may be considered insider trading, but as we are the state it doesn't really matter, but we've made significant investment to acquire shares in major transportation companies and we should force a fusion under one, if possibly state controlled through majority ownership, corporation, which will be able to weather international fluctuation much better than smaller manufacturers. There are other minor things, such as the 'Leave no one behind' project where people on the street will be put either in mental institution or in the army as to put their lives back together, but I think this is about it. Thank you for your time ladies and gentlemen."

The man sat down with people smiling and in general expressing their enthusiasm. Finally, something to deal with the filthy immigrants, provide employment to the youth and the lazy as well as show the world, Russia in particular, that Europe being willing to go to war wasn't just something said with no intention to actually act. "This brings us to the first foreign affair matter, Romania... I will make my stand clear on this, we've lately 'Accidentally' leaked that France would stand and fight and was ready, if need be, to deploy its nuclear weapons. People see the Front National as extreme right, that we're, quote, 'Crazy enough to do it' in our xenophobia. Well, this again works in our advantage. I'm sure Germany looks for a quick end of this, to stabilize everything and move on. I say we take our time, organize elections, deal with the objections to the results, maybe rig a few things to keep the fear in Europe for a while. You are aware of how much I wish for France to leave the EU and NATO, but we must do so intelligently as there is yet something to be salvaged out of this mess. Italy, Spain and Portugal mostly, as fellow Latin countries, are to be saved, if only to be used. Belgium is part of the core countries of the EU, the rich ones, it will be a tougher nut to crack, but I refuse to see the Frenchmen of this world divided as it has been for the last few centuries. I think they can be manipulated by the fear of actually having to repay that debt."

"Next of course is, Africa. As mentioned before, we need to limit immigration if only to limit the spread of the disease, we do not have the resources to be nice anymore, much less to face a pandemic. Minister, if you would proceed." Another man got up. "Thank you. While we are in the line of going for opportunities, this might just be the best of them all. Africa has thus far been unable to exploit the vast resources it has and now that it faces this disease, we have a reason to go in there, in the ex colonies. Central Africa and Mali were a good start but only a start. Our old colonies are not yet touched by this plague, but they fear the consequences, mass refugees, the spread of this thing, and they do not have the strength to prevent this. We do however. While we are helping them however, I think it would be best to... do some other things. In the 'Corner the market through debatable financial initiatives if France was a person and not a state'..."

There was a few laugh, but the minister lost his smile when he looked at the President, who did not smile. He cleared his throat and continued. "Mmm, yes, well, we have invested significantly in a mining company in difficulty, renamed it 'Francosphere Mining' and we are now ready to send it to Africa. We'll offer slightly larger salaries than they are used to there, but still nothing compared to paying french workers, and call it 'Humanitarian help' and so forth, equitable trading and whatnot. This, combined with the climate of fear in African countries right now should insure we have plenty of workforce willing to work in mining camps, being fed, and protected by French military from bandits and the disease. For those willing to do more for more, we have planed a large recruitment effort in foreign countries, especially Africa, to get people to join the Foreign Legion. French citizenship after serving, French level pay and so forth. To the lowest of the low I am certain this will be attractive and, having locals serving in our... helping force in Africa, should lessen local tensions that are certain to arise. Next on this recruitment drive will be other European nations now that the fear is settling in, and maybe we'll move to Asia once their factories begin to close down." The man sat down, there actually was a small ovation.

The significance of this project wasn't lost on anyone, it was kind of corrupted: The people at the top all working together and creating, lets say it frankly, monopolies. French interests in the automobile industry with resources mined in countries with french interests by companies with french interests in them. The mod was set: Let China and Russia have a taste of their own medicine for a change.

Summary

1: Since the Euro is now 30% cheaper, try and keep the Euro low to export more European products in Asia as well as bring back the jobs there to Europe since it costs more to import.

2: Since the french government can make economic trend, use this to manipulate the stock market at their advantage and nationalize some parts of the industry for cheap, great collaboration with some CEOs under the premise of work with us and we'll allow you to have insight in our politics before the rest, thus cornering the markets.

3: Maintain the climate of fear in Europe by being slow to react to Romania, but while keeping it within the Eurosphere. Use the fear to create a 'Us against them' mentality in France, increasing popular support for radical moves and in general for the government, as much as possible increase nationalism and make it be seen as 'Unpatriotic' to buy foreign products.

4: On the side, invest on a cheap electric car to be used by the population and begin planing infrastructure for 'Electricity Stations' so the government has some part of the ownership of said infrastructures and to decrease the importance of foreign imports of oil. Use the lower value of the Euro, thus rising price of gas, to get people to use common transportation.

5: Remove all entitlement and support except for ethnic french single mothers, children and handicapped (Later receiving support only if they go in specialized establishments as to centralize their care and lower the costs) and transform unemployment offices in army recruitment posts under the idea that the state will help you only if you give back to the state. Creation of adds about how someone who spent 2 years in the army is much more employable than someone who spent the last 2 years only 'Looking for a job'.

6: Elimination of non-European or north American immigration, immigrants without a job can't apply for any form of social assistance, homeless immigrants are deported, illegals are deported without any form of delay or considerations, immigrants who commit any crime are deported, immigrants have no place in 'Purely French Debates' (EG, immigration) and citizenship for immigrants require to be second generation resident, speak perfect french, pass a citizenship test and swear to uphold french values, including France for the French and thus be pro assimilation.

7: Get the homeless in the army or in psychological institutions as to 'Get their lives back on track'.

8: Refuse to pay any debt owed to Russian banks until they officially say that they will not take in Romania. Interests will not be accumulated in the mean time and even if Russian banks say that they will be, France officially declares it will not pay back said interests.

9: Seize Russian assets in 'Government Critical Industries', such as armament (Airbus is based in France but owned at 6% by a Russian National Bank), such assets being given back only once Russia officially declares that Romania will never unite with it.

10: Send massive support in troop, and some in doctors, to ex-french colonies in Africa and blow the Ebola crisis out of proportion in Europe and Africa as to make people fear it as much as possible. Use this as a cover to establish a French owned corporation to exploit African natural resources as humanitarian support, providing food, decent wages (For an African nation) and shelter from political instabilities and the Ebola endemic. In truth, focus more to protect the work camps than the countries themselves and in situations where refugees simply decide to run for it, let them in the countries under the premise of 'Not hurting the innocents', preventing the disease to spread is, in truth, only secondary. The doctors will mainly study the plague and try to find a cure, but also keep it locked up as a possible bioweapon.

11: Offer to train and even equip some forces, but only if they are trained and equipped with French products from Thales and Nexter, both owned partially or entirely by the French government. Offer experts and the likes to make the countries as dependent on French assistance as possible.

12: International French Foreign Legion recruitment drive at embassies, promote web-sites and make it easier to join up, especially in Africa under the promise of eventual french citizenship as well as a french level (If low for France) pay and military benefits, try and deploy the African volunteers locally as to lessen local tensions. Anyone who joins the Foreign Legion disappears, can wipe any debt and be forgiven any crime in exchange for their service, the French government will not extradite murderers in the foreign legion under the fact that people joining the Legion are given a new french identity

[flylittlecat]

The sounds of chairs moving and papers being shuffled died down, being replaced by a hollow silence. The Supreme Leader of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea surveyed the massed ranks of the National Defence Commission and other miscellaneous assorted bodies before him. The discussions that were about to take place were no ordinary discussions – only the most high ranking of the party’s personnel were allowed to attend. He gave a quick glance down to his papers; briefing notes containing records of the foreign ministry’s work, the state of the Korean People’s Army and two particular papers – adorning the state emblem of China and the southern puppet regime respectively. The Supreme Leader was not bothered in the slightest that all eyes were upon him, awaiting his word – after all, his loyal compatriots knew the meeting would only begin at the sound of his voice. He picked up the a letter from the Chinese, one which politely demanded the attendance of a North Korean delegation to some damned meeting around that capitalist shrine, Shanghai. Of course, it wasn’t exactly what it said, but he thought he had developed a sense of what these messages really meant. Beneath that light disguise of courteous rhetoric was the insistent meddling of a chauvinist power. It was something that ever since taking power he had come to expect from his ‘dear friends’ across the Yalu River, much like his father and grandfather before him. Their recent appeal to a visit was all the more annoying however. Not only would it prove to harm the glorious socialist motherland’s image in countries afar should they reject an offering of peace under the auspices of China, but the Wicked Witch of the South herself had made the bold decision to attend the conference. A slight sigh ushered from his lips as he read over Seoul’s own message. It was of no use. He could no longer delay the inevitability of having to attend himself. The Supreme Leader knew his father had met with the southern puppet leaders during the Sunshine Policy, and now it seemed he would have to do the same. Kim Jong-un grimaced, knowing he would finally be forced to attend China after almost four years of careful avoidance.

“Gentlemen, I’m sure you all know why we’re here today,” he announced, taking a brief pause to drink from a glass of water. Pity that it wasn’t a nice glass of soju. Regardless, he continued. “We are here to discuss the peace talks that are to take place in Shanghai. I don’t want to take up too much of everyone’s time as I’m sure we are all busy doing our part in the construction of a thriving socialist state under the guiding light of Juche, but there are still some important matters that have been raised which I will need to address. The first and foremost shall be the decision of sending a delegation. Having taken the time to learn from the eternal wisdom of Kim Il-Sung and Kim Il-Jong, I have considered all available options and came to a final conclusion – the foundation of peace within Korea lies within me.”

"Well, of course sir!" quipped a lonely voice from the back of the room. Almost every chair swivelled around, before a murmuring of agreement echoed before the smiling Kim. The Supreme Leader could tell that many of his associates were surprised at his courageous decision, but it was an understandable shock. After all, this would be his first international visit since taking office.

“My aims for these peace talks are the same as always,” continued the Dear Leader, with his awe-filled comrades latching onto his every world. “To secure further cooperative assistance to strengthen Korea, to remove the imperialistic Americans and their militaristic hooligans from Korean land, to bring an end to ridiculous human rights accusations - which as we all know is nothing but lies - and most importantly, to pave the way for peace and stability on the Korean peninsula and work towards national reunification.”

He turned directly towards a surprised Kim Ki-Nam. The Vice chairman of the Committee for the Peaceful Reunification of the Fatherland gave a little start at being suddenly addressed, and awaited his commander’s word. “On that subject, I’m certain that the issue of the family reunions will be brought up. How is that all going?” questioned the Dear Leader.

“Th-the situation with the family reunions,” Kim Ki-Nam cleared his throat, shuffling his papers slightly “Ah, yes. As I’m sure you already know, the family reunions have been going exceptionally well. Five in one year. There has been an unprecedented level of cooperation from the puppet regime... In fact we’re currently in discussions with them about hosting another one, and I must admit I am astonished at their level of cooperation which can only be explained as being testament to your masterful diplomacy”

“Thank you, carry on the good work. I’m sure that information will come in handy considering the family reunions are always a good bargaining point. Another issue which I am sure they will bring up - they always do after all- is our nuclear deterrent,” proclaimed the Supreme Commander with a small grimace. It was always a point of contention but also something they absolutely could not budge on. “Our nuclear deterrent is essential to the stability and peace of not only the Korean peninsula but in Asia as whole, as proudly stand up as Asia’s sole protector to the American devils. Indeed, it can be said to bring peace to perhaps the entire world. As such there is no question about getting rid of it until the threat from the US warmongers has been removed permanently. As much as I would like to fulfil my Respected Grandfather’s wish of a nuclear-free Korea, as it stands it’s completely impossible. However, as a reasonable man, I am of course more than willing to enter talks with them on the issue if they meet our requirements.”

He paused in his speech, once more to take a sip of the water. It really needed to be something stronger. But it couldn’t be, not yet anyway. He still had things that needed doing today. There were further issues to talk of, namely leading the most arduous struggle to achieve a socialist paradise. Not to mention his planned visits to some factory or other, or was it a fisheries station? He’d have to double check later. As he calmly carried on with his speech, the prospect of attending the meeting in person was looming ever darker in the back of his mind. He wasn’t enthusiastic at all, but it would be a terrible lookout should the puppet regime’s leader attend a meeting with some graduate from the Kim Il-sung University’s department of International Relations. No, that wasn’t an option. The only option was for himself to attend.

---

Pyongyang, January. 10 2015 Juche 104

'Kim Jong Un, first secretary of the Workers' Party of Korea, first chairman of the National Defence Commission of the DPRK and supreme commander of the Korean People's Army, visited an electronics factory.

Kim Jong Un looked round different places of the factory including assembling shop.

He learned in detail about the performance, quality and packing of "Arirang" hand phone being made at this factory.

He highly appreciated the creative ingenuity and patriotic enthusiasm with which the officials and employees of the factory laid a solid foundation for mass-producing hand phones by building a new modern hand phone production process.

He praised them for developing an application program in Korean style which provides the best convenience to the users while strictly guaranteeing security.

After learning about the performance of a touch hand phone, he said that a hand phone is convenient for its user when that part of the phone is sensitive.

He noted that these hand phones will be very convenient for their users as their camera function has high pixels.

After being told that "Arirang" hand phones which the factory started producing a few days ago are high in demand among people, he said he was also pleased as they are liked by people.

Looking at the trademark "Arirang" inscribed on the hand phone, he noted that mass-production of goods with DPRK trademark can instill national pride and self-respect into the Korean people.

How nice to see hand phones being successfully produced with indigenous technology, he said, adding it is of educational significance in making people love Korean things.

He said that only when the quality of products is improved while boosting their production, people will like home-made things and they will be in high demand.

He advanced tasks to be fulfilled by the factory.'

[Boss_Dude]

QUICK OVERVIEW: The US is under major reform, cutting out unnecessary parts left and right, loopholes getting thrown out the window.

Trade & Commerce

The US has now begun its initiative in bringing back companies to the US. Tax breaks are being offered to multiple companies that open up offices and factories within the US. Plans are also in the works for a more comprehensive small business grants program.

Another move for infrastructure is the re-opening of several mines across the countries. With a new carbon conversion technology, it can actually filter out a lot of escaping smoke from plenty of these plants, reducing the carbon footprint by up to an estimated 20%. The environmentalists have been soothed as a result.
Trade is going well otherwise.

Public Services

The Under Five Percent Initiative is going well enough, with the move to healthier foods a hit with over 90% of parents. About 16% of kids are complaining, but only 10% actively dislike the change, and only 5% actively hate the change. More polls are being collected, but it seems that it is working well. The physical education move is also working well, and there’s a plan to offer specialized curriculums for some students who wish to practice in a certain sport.
Unfortunately, more than a few individuals do not want to comply with getting fit, an online community that seems to reinforce bad behavior by claiming that it’s ‘genetic’ and that ‘it’s impossible to lose weight’. For all that freedom of speech may apply, it’s being considered to have a warning implemented that says that some of the information may possibly be untrue. Until then, they’re going to leave it alone.
Lastly, some old apartments that are condemned are being considered as candidates to be remodeled and become state-provided housing.

Taxes

With the tearing down of the tax system, there have been 7 arrests for corruption and about 3 more for embezzlement. It’s terrifying exactly how broken the system is. Accountants are being hired by the dozen to help fix the system, along with some lawyers to catch any legalese loopholes left behind. The first change was implemented for the system, which is the remodeling of the 1040 form, which now is just an online system that gets you to pay the exact amount, and cuts out tax refunds. An estimated 10 million will be saved by this.
Taxes have been raised for upper and middle class, but only slightly. The real tax raise is in product tax, specifically on unhealthy foods and drugs. Drugs being marijuana. The president is forcing congress to move marijuana from Schedule 1, and legalizing it. Even though it’s being taxed to high heavens, most people are pleased.
Taxes are doing fine otherwise

Military

The military reform is also opening a few eyes and removing rose-tinted glasses. Wage reform is going on, and plenty positions are being removed to prevent paper-moving and bureaucracy.
The terrorist group hasn’t made any moves recently, but everyone is being kept on their toes.
Lastly, the US is creating a new research plan that, along with Australia and Canada, will create modern battleships. It’s being considered to use the ships as a testbed for thorium reactors.

Immigration and Emigration

With the budget increase, the TSA is also going under reform, cutting out quite a lot of jobs and automating them. The new system of entry is being tried in Chicago, and consists of a long corridor where you scan your thumb, passport and visa, and smile at the camera, and you’re outside. Travellers are extremely pleased with a system, though fear-mongers are worrying about how this may just be putting everyone on a database (of course it does). The next places for implementation will be New York, San Franciso, and Washington D.C.
The naturalization process is also being revamped, and is similar to the Chicago corridor, though a whole lot more thorough. There’s also a plan in the making to allow naturalization if you join the U.S. Military. By joining, you would serve in the Army or Navy for a number of years, and by the end of it you’ll get a passport and check, and be sent on your way.

Ebola

A team of doctors and a collection of troops are being dropped down to take care of the Ebola outbreak. They’re going to assist the French, and set up a hospital where they’ll try new drugs and treatments on Ebola. In case anyone is worried that human testing might be a problem, these experimental treatments will only be distributed if the patients themselves sign a waiver and give permission.

[Wernher]

Trade and Commerce

The low value of the Euro is slowly working its wonder and this combined with the initiative to publish statistics about France's top 300 companies and the percentage of their production employees working in France makes manufacturers close shop in Asia and reopen in France since they are publicly seen as unpatriotic and vile should they not. The government as broken its stance of business neutrality on this matter and openly points at companies and say that their CEOs are scum, the words of the French prime minister of this particular subject is generally enough to see an enormous drop in sales in the weeks to come and near complete lost of stock value due to the perception that no one will buy their products anymore. While it is more manipulation than the truth, nationalists buy into it and the one to buy the actions of the failing companies for cheap are generally the state or friends of the Presidents from the Government-Industrial Complex.

Public Services

The Experience Through Service is going along well and the fact that people aren't forced to partake limits public objections. Still, through subtle media manipulation the idea that 'Everyone's doing it' and that failing to sail with the boat now may result in a severe disadvantage as people will military experience and training go look for job encourages people to join through peer pressure. This combined with the factories quickly re-opening contributes to melt the unemployment rate, especially in the youth.

'Fat shaming' is in all but words encouraged, the official stance of the state being that it isn't about acceptance but health. France reorganizes youth clubs and forms institutions like the youth cadets and scouts, something they were lacking in comparison to commonwealth countries. These camps aim to 'Create a healthy sentiment of brotherhood and community as well as establish french and european nationalism' as well as to help the social and mental development of the kids and establishment of a healthy and disciplined life style. For the sons and daughters of immigrants, this is compulsive.

Taxes

The close partnership of the government and some areas of the private sectors of course lead to some corruption unfortunately. When news got that a CEO leaked documents regarding the construction of a french weapon system, rather than just terminating the contract, the French government forced the CEO on a military tribunal for high treason and espionage. The mood is set: You don't thread easily with government contracts and if the man is proven guilty, this may create a precedent where corruption is considered treason, something making the bureaucrats sweat more than a little.

Otherwise, as much as the people blame the government on the economic shitstorm in the last month when the government made several high profile bargains and did what would quite frankly be considered insider trading, people cannot deny that the newly nationalized companies bring in both jobs and revenues. The financial situation is looking up but according to the President, it is no reason to lower the taxes. As she is aware that her policy of radicalism makes her unpopular she wishes to do the greatest change possible to France before some more popular candidates willing to tell sweet lies to the people takes over in 5 years. Any surplus will go toward paying the debt.

Military

The Front National government, avowedly hostile to the idea of NATO took the announcement of cooperation with Australia and Canada of the US as a statement that NATO indeed was a English Sphere alliance with little place for mainland Europe. Further co-development with Germany and the BeNeLux trio is being pushed forward, especially in light of the still going hostilities in Romania and the refusal of Russia to end its ambitions. Germany was open to the idea of France and work begins for a Universal European Service Rifle and Universal Eurotank. Still, opposition was met by the germans when france announced it was dusting off the Concorde and was preparing to build a nuclear super-carrier as well as nuclear powered bombers and transport airplanes. When asked if they had considered the damage to the environment this could do, the french Minister of Defense replied that the plan would be to first not have these planes shot down and second, if it had to be, for these planes to be shut down above enemy territory. There is the feeling France is looking to deter Russia and if the US decided to leave Europe be, then France would take the mantle of guardian of Free Europe.

Troop numbers rise sharply even if most of the men and women are in training. Women are allowed on the battlefield but only if they succeed to the same standards men are expected to have, the nationalized industries also offer their jobs mainly to those willing to be reservists at the same time.

Immigration

French Canadians and Franco-Belgians are considered citizen almost immediately on arrival while for other European countries this is a formality, non occidental immigration however is almost completely halted with at most residency permits given, the foreigners inquiring about migrating in France are nearly always re-directed to foreign legion recruitment offices. 'Inspired by US reforms', the Ministry of the Interior is also putting in place a biometric databank of its citizens and the French National Bank as emited a new debit and credit card where when users enter public transportation, trains or otherwise, costs are deducted automatically and no driver or security agents bother you during your travel. Some see this with suspicion, as a computer chip allowing the government to follow your every moves, but the convenience offered to those using transportation (And this number rising due to increase in gas price) find this too convenient to pass. Foreign immigrants however now live in terror as with Thales Glasses (New French google glasses), policemen identify illegals and criminals on the streets just by looking at their faces.

Africa

The fear of the disease triumphs slowly over doubts african governments had about the french presence, this only opening the floodgates to more problems as France wages fear mongering in the world. People panic but see the foreigners as salvation. The shares of Francosphere Mining sky rockets as French lobbyists secure Uranium mines in Congo as well as other metals in other nations. French scientists do what they can and collaborate with the Americans although it is complicated as while part of a government owned corporation, these scientists are still bound by confidenciality of discovered as this pharmaceutical company reserves itself the right of distribution and sales of any vacine or cure that may come out of this. Human research are often conducted on the poorest of the poor and doctors declare that any pursuits made against them are invalid since they didn't know how to write but still agreed to be experimented upon without being able to sign the waver. France makes efforts to locate and categorize any and all strains of the virus, any new strains discovered are sent to facilities in France for further examinations.

[AYoungWarthog]

Tanzania

Commodore Pang Wonin, commander of the TGA-CNAPSF’s five vessels and 800 marines, successfully made port in Zanzibar on 16JAN15. The arrival of Chinese naval vessels to the region (the southern areas of the Horn of Africa, most specifically, areas of international waters south of the Gulf of Aden, along the Somali and Kenyan coast) have seen a sudden drop in piracy. Though, it is not projected for this sudden lull to continue. It is merely a brief pause do to the rough storms in the region, and the short recalculation of pirate crews as they remodel their strategies against the bolstered UN forces.

Commodore Pang is planning to dispatch his 800 marines through Zanzibar, setting up a small Naval Base in the city’s port. From here, he will follow procedures and send the Task Group at for two week periods, patrolling an area roughly the size of the Sudan. The Task Group’s deployment will last the next eight months.

Afghanistan

Chinese foot patrols stepped off from their borders and into the Wakhan Corridor of Afghanistan on 22JAN15. A mechanized regiment, utilizing WZ551 IFVs, made a large push into the region where they began to set up the foundation for the planned Chinese military base, NATO-codenamed “FOB Dragon”. Jundallah al-Afghani made contact with Chinese infantry for the first time on 24JAN15 in a minor exchange that resulted in the deaths of thirteen JAA fighters, and the wounding of one Chinese soldier.

FOB Dragon is expected to house 3,000 Chinese troops by May, and 6,000 by the end of the year.

Malaysia

Operation Black Tiger was a success as Chinese Naval and Marine forces conducted successful landing exercises on the Malaysian coastline. After five days at sea, the Task Force returned to Chinese waters on 21JAN15 and made port in Shanghai two days later. This successful exercise marks the beginning of heavy investment in a blue-water navy, and the advancement of military technologies for the Chinese government suspected to take place over the next 5 years.

South Sudan

On 23JAN15, 200 doctors and nurses arrived from all over China to Juba, S. Sudan. They were accompanied by 800 Chinese troops, who set up small patrol-bases and Security Outposts around the capital city. Foot patrols and mounted patrols are consistent, increasing security within the small nation that is being heavily affected by the Ebola epidemic. Nearly 45% of the nation’s eight million people are ill, and a death-rate of 90% is slowly climbing.

The doctors and nurses have set up twenty aid-stations around Juba and the surrounding jungle. Each station housing 50 troops, the security situation is solid. While minor riots and some looting swamp the other parts of South Sudan, the capital, and the home of the Sudanese Military, is firmly guarded and in the hands of the Chinese government. Nearly US$ 3.5 billion has also been pumped into the Sudan in terms of humanitarian aid, native-run aid stations, food, water, medical supplies, and security.

Beijing, China

During Xi Jingping’s meeting with his Board of Ministers on 25JAN15, the main topic of discussion was formation of the East Asian Community, being founded by China and S. Korea, and headquartered in Hong Kong. This process, projected to take three months, will see the offering of membership to over 16 nations in Southeast Asia, the building of economic and military infrastructure throughout East Asia, the peaceful discussion between member states, and an increasingly strong Asian economy.

Also on the billet was the proposed US$ 5 billion in aid to be sent to Russia for their endeavours in Romania, the proposed formation of a Sino-Korean Joint Military Unit, Xi Jingping’s planned visit to Tokyo in March, and the sudden rise in European imports that have increased Chinese moral, and standard of living.

Yellow Sea

The most controversial actions undertaken by the People’s Republic as January draws to a close, was the redeployment of Task Group Black Tiger, not to Romania, but to the Yellow Sea. The 1,400 marines, aircraft carrier, and 11 other naval vessels arrived in the Sea on 28JAN15 with the claimed purpose of “promoting regional stability and security”. The truth, however, as some suspect, is that the Defense Ministry has sought to constrict Japan’s offensive capabilities which have been growing for some time. Placing China’s only carrier within striking distance of Osaka, Japan, the Chinese government also has two nuclear-missile boats patrolling the Sea of Japan (though, this is highly classified!).