Kalistani Major History

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Ministry of War Announces That Yingdala Has Secured the First Island Chain


Construction of the joint defense base in Kanjor (OOC Source: Wall Street Journal)

In a miraculous feat that has never occurred in Yingdala's long history, the Ministry of War has announced that the Grand Union has secured alliances and joint defense bases in all of the countries making up the so-called "First Island Chain" that surrounds Yingdala. Already, Terra has known about Tian'an's alliances with Vorona, Gaduridos, and Rildanor. With the completion of an alliance with Kanjor, as both countries are ratifying the agreement, Yingdala will be able to effectively defend choke points that are critical to free and open trade, not to mention it will make it even more difficult for foreign invaders to get near the Yingdalan homeland.

Strategists and economists throughout Yingdala have claimed that this achievement will make Yingdala stronger at defending itself and its allies, as well as create a greater sense of stability and predictability in trade, thereby encouraging more companies to consider international trade. However, although Yingdala has effectively secured its trade to the littoral states of Majatra, West Dovani, Seleya, and Keris - or the Eastern Hemisphere - the Second (Dolgavia, Telemon, Keymon, Badara, and Cildania) and Third Island Chains (Selucia, Davostan, Darnussia and Narikaton, and Beluzia) could still be dominated by a foreign adversary to deny Yingdalan trade to the Western Hemisphere.

Experts it deem it unlikely that Yingdala would deepen its relationships with Second and Third Island Chain countries, outside of Dolgavia, out of respect. It is believed that Tian'an feels the Jelbic Khaganate should secure the Second and Third Island Chain countries in Majatra, while Dorvik secures the Second and Third Island Chain countries in Artania and Macon. Historically, both nations have held spheres of influence in those regions and everyone knows that Yingdala tends to defer to history.

Although the First Island Chain has been secured, this does not mean that a "Grand Oceanic Wall" exists between Yingdala and the rest of Terra. At each joint defense base is a small, but significant, contingent of Army, Navy, and Air Force personnel and equipment. These groups are Yingdala's first line of defense and would allow the Grand Union to better prepare itself for invasion.

Another step Yingdala is taking is to assist Kalistan with the development of its navy. Bound by a friendship treaty, Yingdala has sought to fill the void left by Lourenne to help Kalistan secure its sovereignty. Though never a "strong" traditional navy in conventional thinking, Kalistan has historically made excellent and clever use of fast attack ships. These boats have been known to cause serious damage to larger, but slower, fleets. Clearly, Tian'an sees a stronger Kaliburg leading to a stronger Yingdalan defense.

In any event, the Ministry's announcement is a major milestone. Yingdalans everywhere should be proud that their government has invested so much to defend them from harm.