Sekowo

[Aquinas]

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[Basileus]

HM Prime Minister Suto Yuji was sworn into office today for the second time following a momentous victory in last year's General House of Representatives Election. The Prime Minister, in the First Speech of his second term, reinforced the need for Sekowo to be a inspiration to the whole of Terra as a place to do business freely; and for the nation to maintain a cooperative economic and political stance on the Terran stage.
Prime Minister Yuji, as is customary, traveled to the Imperial Palace where he was appointed by HIM The Emperor in a short ceremony. The Prime Minister then drove swiftly the short journey to his current residence, the Kantei, greeted as he arrived by adoring supporters.
He began his speech thanking the people of Sekowo for granting him a second term and promised to uphold the people's wishes by fulfilling his mandate for action. He followed by declaring that he would work tirelessly to obtain a broader trading relationship across the whole of Terra, not only in Dovani and Seleya, but also with the nations of the West.
Prime Minister Yuji's first term was marked by increasing economic expansion fueled by the relaxation of regulations on Sekowan businesses, most notably laws constraining the power of the Zaibatsu. The Prime Minister also called for increasing trade relationships with various international partners, such as Indrala and Kalkalistan. These policies have been seen as the catalyst for the current growth Sekowo is experiencing, a successful policy which catapulted the Liberal Democrats to an even greater majority.
The Prime Minister's speech also addressed his commitment to the defense of the nation, and unveiled plans for further increases in military funding and for the acquisition of new military vehicles from abroad. Military analysts have seen the rise in political violence across Dovani, as well as the growing influence of radical leaders, as a threat to national security; a threat the Prime Minister seeks to address.
Prime Minister Yuji, leader of the long dominant Liberal Democratic Party, won a landslide victory against National Democratic Candidate Sano Ichiyo. An entrenched firebrand leader, Sano Ichiyo criticised the internationalist policies of the the Prime Minister, advocating for a nationally orientated and populist platform in a strategy which failed to gain widespread support. The Social Democrats, once the undisputed party of government, have seen an even greater decrease in popularity following several years of declining membership.

[Basileus]

TH Sakata Toyoharu, Minister of Defense of Sekowo, has announced in a recent press briefing the Government's plans for the expansion and modernization of the Imperial Armed Forces, most notably a significant expansion in the ISAF's budget. Defense Minister Toyoharu's announcement falls in line with HM the PM's policy on defense spending following a rise in radicalism and violence throughout Dovani.
There is to be an incremental increase in military spending by 20% over the next 4 years, with plans for the acquisition of new technologically advanced armored vehicles and fighter aircraft. The aging J-1 multipurpose fighter jet, developed by Adashi in the late 1970s, is to be phased out of military service, to be replaced with Sekowo's next generation fighter. Whether this fighter is to be built internally or to be purchased on the foreign market is currently unknown, although the government has announced a preference for Sekowan manufacture under contract.
The defense minister also announced a further increase in military personnel of over 20,000 active service members by the next General House of Representatives Election. 
This military expansion comes as Sekowan national security advisers raise concerns about the rise in radical movements throughout the continent and further afield, sparking fears of terrorism. Prime Minister Suto Yuji, following the Defense Ministers announcement, declared that Sekowan's can feel safer in the knowledge that they elected a government concerned with security as well as prosperity.
The announcement, although highly popular amongst Liberal Democratic Voters, has sparked criticism from within the Social Democratic Party membership, who decry the increased military spending as a waste of government funds which could be invested in internal infrastructure. However, the national Polling agency has found that over 70% of Sekowan's believe that the government should do whatever is necessary to ensure national security.
The military has also welcomed the move by the government, declaring in a press briefing that the Liberal Democrats have so far demonstrated effective leadership when it comes to national security, stating that the military is behind the government's approach towards a pragmatic and restrained foreign policy along with defensive military expansion.

[Basileus]

Adashi has announced plans to expand operations into the realm of automobile manufacture, establishing a Adashi Motor Board to organise preparatory planning and funding. The world renowned Zaibatsu, most famous for its electronics products, appears to be expanding rapidly into various other fields, proving a new threat to other corporate entities.
Adashi's chief executive, Fuse Hitoshi, has on many previous occasions emphasized Adashi as a company set to expand, suggesting that this announcement is only the start of a new wave of subsidiaries which Adashi shall establish over the coming years.
Adashi has for many years been a rising star in Sekowo. Beginning trading in 1972, it has expanded over several decades to become the premier electronics manufacturer in Dovani, most notably producing industrial electronics, flatscreen televisions, disk storage devices and games consoles. Its Bank is in the top 10 in the country, and its defense subsiduary has been long involved in Sekowan arms manufacture.

Adashi, like all other Zaibatsu, is a large scale vertical corporate entity centralised around a holdings and financial services company. A long time component of Sekowo's economy, Zaibatsus are renowned for serving as efficient economic units, protected from external pressure and able to carry out long time planning projects without fear of collapse. Although several government's have attempted to reign in the Zaibatsu's hold on the Sekowan economy, the Liberal Democrats have embraced them, ending regulations limiting their size. Economists believe that the freeing of the Zaibatsu has been a major contributor to Sekowo's recent economic growth and rise in overseas investment.

The main Zaibatsu in the Motor world, Tanaga, owner of the ZUMI Motor company, is Adashi's chief rival in its new manufacturing endeavor. ZUMI has long been the largest Sekowan company in terms of revenue, a revenue stream which Adashi wishes to tap into. Although Tanaga has yet to announce a statement regarding Adashi's proposed intentions, it is likely that Adashi's expansion is seen as a serious threat to Tanaga's economic interests in Sekowo. Although Tanaga has investments in a variety of different sectors of the economy, its main focus has always been in consumer goods manufacture, of which ZUMI is its main component.

[Basileus]

HM Prime Minister Suto Yuji has in a recent press conference condemned the Kalistani government's position in regards to the Ananto Strait, stating that their enforced closure of the Strait to foreign naval forces is in direct violation of customary international law. Kalistani Authorities on June 3 stated in an international press briefing that;

The Ananto Straits is not to be traversed by foreign naval traffic ... Consequently, we will continue to enforce the no-transit law in the region.

Such a move would prevent Sekowan and other foreign naval assets from passing through the Ananto Strait, a region which consists mainly of international waters, far outside the exclusive economic zone of the Kalistani Republic. Although Kalistani authorities also announced that military access could be granted following the signing of a Status of Forces Agreement, such an agreement would concede Kalistan sovereignty over international waters.
The Prime Minister, in a Security Press Conference following the announcement, declared the move a blatant violation of maritime law in regards to international waters. He also declared that any attempt by the Kalistani Government to sign agreements by which they grant permission to access the Strait constitute a further breach.
The Prime Minister called on the international community to exert diplomatic pressure on the Kalistani Government to end its closure of the Strait, and announced that his government would be bringing the grievance to the World Congress for assessment. He also stated that the Government of Sekowo is open to any and all negotiations between Sekowo and Kalistan in an effort to end the closure and reestablish international order.
The Ananto Strait is a natural strait between the Kalistani mainland and the Island of Ananto, lying in the centre of the Anantonese Ocean between Dovani and Seleya. The Strait is used to transport millions of tonnes of goods from Dovani and Indrala, north west towards Western Seleya, Keris, Macon and Artania. The Sekowan Navy has been in the past heavily involved in the defense of Sekowan and foreign shipping from non-state actors such as pirates. However, the closing of the Strait forces Sekowan ships requiring naval protection to take longer less efficient routes, or fend for themselves without Sekowan naval support.

[Basileus]

The Ministry of Defense has announced its plans for the ISAF's next Generation Fighter Fleet, revealing that they have been working in cooperation with the Baltusian arms industry on the purchase of F-15 and F-16. The fighters, code-named J-2 and J-3, are to replace the aging J-1 fleet currently in operation. Deliveries are planned to begin early 2020, however, the total numbers to be purchased have currently not been revealed.

The J-2/F-15 is to serve as a long range strike aircraft, capable of carrying out interdiction on targets far outside the range of the J-1, with a maximum ferry range of 5600 kilometers. On announcing the J-2 the Defense Ministry emphasized this range and the fighter's capacity to defend itself without support as the main selling point of the craft.
The J-3/F-16, shall serve as a multi-role aircraft with a greater emphasis on air superiority due to its rapid speed, pace of maneuver and relative lower range in comparison to its interdiction counterpart. The J-3, being the cheaper of the aircraft, is expected to serve as the main work horse of the  fleet allowing the Air Force to defend Sekowo from threats deep into Dovani.
The program comes as the Sekowan military is undergoing a rapid transformation under the leadership of HM the Prime Minister Suto Yuji. The planned expansion of the armed forces manpower by 20,000 by the next election has already begun with a fresh recruitment drive planned within the next few months. Improvements to the naval force are also expected to be announced before the end of the year, sparking interest from major shipbuilding company Hakomi Industries, a subsuduary of the Hakomi Zaibatsu. This comes as tensions over naval rights in the Anantonese Sea are on the rise following the closing of the Ananto Strait by Kalistan, prompting condemnation by the Sekowan government and others.

[mrgod]

Kalopian president arrives in Sekowo for state visit, signs trade deal

[Basileus]

Sekowo's premier oil and gas extraction corporation has today announced plans for expanded operations in the Anantonese Ocean following the finding of new oil reserves within the Sekowan Exclusive Economic Zone. Yamiro OAG, a subsidiary of the Yamiro Zaibatsu, has long operated along the Sekowan coastline, as well as throughout Dovani. This new move would lead to further construction of oil and gas rigs far out to sea around 180 nautical miles from the Sekowan mainland.
Yamiro's CEO, Demura Kenji, stated,

The finding of new oil reserves is of great importance to the progress and prosperity of the Sekowan economy and I am proud of our economic achievements so far. The newly planned developments will lead to a revitalization of Sekowo's coastal economy and lead to new investment from overseas and the creation of thousands of new industrial jobs. 

In regards to the rising tensions in the region, Kenji called for increased cooperation and said he supported the governments efforts to open the strait and allow trade ships to receive protection by Sekowan naval forces. He however emphasized the importance of peace on the success of business conducted at sea.
HM Prime Minister Suto Yuji praised Yamiro for its announcement, and reiterated his government's commitment to economic freedom and deregulation of Zaibatsu expansion. When questioned regarding the current situation in the Ananto Straits, he further stated that rather than hurting the economies of those around them, the Kalistani government should instead focus on building business and strategic support relationships with the rest of Dovani, allowing all to prosper from the economic freedom which maritime law provides.

The Sekowan Ambassador along with a large delegation of military and economic specialists has travelled to the Kizenian capital of Guirgiu to discuss the two countries joint commitment to peace and prosperity, especially in regards to the Ananto Strait Dispute and fears of increased government involvement in the global economy.
The Sekowan Ambassador Shirai Junzo met the Kizenian Ambassador Cezar Albescu at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to discuss, after which a joint press conference was held. TH Junzo has declared the meeting to be a great success, and reaffirmed Sekowan interest in economic and security cooperation between Sekowo and Kizenia as well as the wider Coalition for Cooperation and Security.
Cooperation with CCS was a top priority for both parties, especially with the organisations growing influence in the region. The CCS's focus on widespread security falls well in line with Sekowo's foreign policy commitments, while the involvement of Sekowo in association with the CCS would greatly increase its influence and capacity to spread its multilateral agenda.
Another topic of interest is the Ananto Strait dispute, with both nations expressing concern at the violation of maritime law and the aggressive posture of the Kalistani Navy at a time of unprecedented cooperation amongst the major powers. Agreements regarding the use of diplomatic pressure on the Kalistani government appear to have been agreed upon by both parties.
Finally the rise of Radical politics, both in Kalistan and Trigunia has been discussed amid concerns such developments could lead to increased military and economic protectionism to the detriment of the international economy and the global liberal order. The two nations expressed continued commitments to free trade, entrepreneurial spirit and the efficiency of market competition on global development.

[Basileus]

After decades of state funded healthcare, a remnant of the Social Democratic Party's tenure in power, the Liberal Democrats have finally implemented a new mixed system projected to maintain universal coverage while decreasing costs and injecting market competition into the industry. The new "Modern Universal Healthcare Act", which received imperial assent on July 20, is currently in the process of full implementation, however it is already operational in many areas of the country, most notably Mizuho and Ishinawa. The government intends for it to be fully implemented by the end of the month, allowing them to pass a budget proposal which is predicted to include decreased taxation rates.
The MUHA, proposed by the Ministry for Health, has been a major policy goal for the Liberal Democratic Party for many years, and HM the PM considered it a major pillar of his reelection campaign. TH Health, Labour and Welfare Minister Kida Nobuyoshi, in an interview with ZHK following the Act being implemented said,

The implementation of the Modern Universal Healthcare Act is a victory for intelligent healthcare policy, striking a middle ground between the coverage provided by Single Payer healthcare and the innovation which Private healthcare provides. It will provide our citizens a greater service, at a cheaper price.

What is the MUHA?

The Modern Universal Healthcare Act is a mixed system universal healthcare service, in which employers provide private healthcare to the vast majority of the population. The price of this insurance is heavily regulated by government in order to ensure standard rates and enable overall coverage. It is illegal for an individual not to receive some form of health insurance coverage. Anyone who has not been provided health insurance from an employer is qualified for government paid Health Insurance, which serves as a stop gap to ensure Universal Coverage. The main intention is to decrease the overall national cost, allowing for lower taxation rates, whilst providing Universal Coverage with levels of innovation provided solely by privatized healthcare.

 

[Basileus]

The Ministry of Defense has released a broad roadmap report concerning the nation's future defense and security strategy projected over the course of the next 10 years. The MOD document titled, "Prepared for Prosperity: National Defense 2030", outlines the military's aims in terms of land, sea and air based acquisition programs; focusing on developing a modern and effective military force capable of defending Sekowan interests in the future. The document hints that the development of a military capable of widespread, rapid regional deployment is of specific importance.
On land-based aquisition, the document outlines the beginning of widespread production of 200 S-10 main battle tanks and the rapid phasing out of the older S-90 from current active service to be deployed with reserve forces. The S-10, which currently exists in small numbers with the 1st Armored Division, was designed by Adashi Defense in conjunction with Kasmetall AG. TH Defense Minister Toyoharu stated that the tank is modern and more than capable of defeating regional threats, a great replacement for the venerable S-90. A advanced vehicle with state of the art sensors and a powerful Kasmetall 120mm gun, the S-10 is scheduled to enter active service by late 2020.
As well as wide scale production of the S-10, there are also plans for the production of 60 H-90 Infantry Fighting Vehicles, putting total numbers close to the 150 mark. The H-90 modernised IFV has been in active service with the ISA for the last 10 years, however, this projected increase further emphasises the military's intentions on building a ground based force capable of striking rapidly to defeat threats, with an emphasis on the H-90's top speed, which can keep up with the S-10 over even rocky terrain.
In the air the main acquisitions remain the replacement of the J-1 with the F-15 multi-role fighter by early 2020. There has however, been a significant change relating to the F-16 acquisition, which has been cancelled by the government. citing a change in strategic circumstance. What jet if any will take its place as an air-superiority fighter is currently unreleased.
The naval force strategy is more interesting, with the replacement of the aging Takami-Class destroyers with a new medium destroyer equipped with sensors and command capability to serve as a flagship or as an escort for larger future vessels. The Takami-Class, in service for 40 years, is beginning to look worse for wear, with many relegated to port after suffering severe damage from Typhoons. It is expected that the contract will be released within the next two months, possibly earlier. There is also a plan to increase the overall size of the frigate fleet, although the report remains silent on exact numbers and time frames.
The Report comes as great news for the local defense industry, concerned that the acquisition of the Baltusian F-15 and F-16 could spell an end to the government issuing national contracts. The production of new internally built vehicles should reassure Adashi and Hakomi that they will not be left out of the present military build up.

[Basileus]

The National Diet has finally passed the Government's long awaited budget proposal, which the Ministry of Finance put to a vote last month. The Budget; 2020, brings about significant changes to the government's functions, most notably a significant increase in military spending, the highest of any government since the Social Democratic Government in 1980. The budget also outlines a series of significant investments in infrastructure throughout the nation, as well as a Corporation Tax cut most likely intended to increase investment in Zaibatsu corporations and abroad.
The increase in military spending has led to military investment reaching 2.6% of GDP, a significantly large segment of government funding, much of which has come from the ending of widespread national healthcare to be replaced by the Modern Universal Healthcare Act. An increase in military spending was a major selling point of the Liberal Democratic government of HM Prime Minister Suto Yuji, attracting widespread support from conservative and nationalist citizen's concerned with rising threats both in Dovani and further afield. Most of the military spending budget, as demonstrated in last months Military Roadmap, will be invested in acquisition of new land, air and naval equipment and an increase in the number of military personnel. The Government has announced that the increased spending is a sign of its commitment to increased national defense as threats begin to rise across the continent.
The tax decrease has been the most controversial element of the budget, regarded by many on the left as a capitulation to the Zaibatsu Corporate structure and its efforts to monopolize the economy. However, many prominent Liberal Democrat politicians and some Social Democrats have heralded the move as a necessary step in building a competitive market economy in Sekowo, one which can attract investment from as far abroad as Artania and Majatra. Many prominent leaders in the investment industry have also heralded the development as one of the most positive political moves of the new government, far surpassing the achievement's of the PM's last term.

[Basileus]

The Ministry of Defense has announced that the first batch of J-2's has been delivered to Kuju Airbase in the capital Mizuho, with the fighter's first flight taking place without incident. The J-2. Baltusian made F-15s manufactured for the Imperial Sekowan Air Force, are set to serve as the main jet fighter of the Sekowan military following the cancellation of the planned F-16 contract in August last year. 
The J-2 is capable of  both air-to-air and air-to-ground combat, however, it is primarily a long range air-superiority fighter capable of defending itself from attacks independent of escorts until it reaches its target. The Defense Ministry has cited its long range and capacity for independent interdiction as key selling points, ideal for combat against limited militaries or non-state forces throughout Dovani.
The cancellation of the F-16 purchase came as a shock for military analysts, who expected the government to acquire a shorter range, cheaply produced multirole craft to supplement the J-2 and to serve as escort craft for other aircraft. It is however, likely that the military will begin further plans for future acquisition of a craft capable of such a role. When questioned about the cancellation of the F-16 program, Defense Minister Toyoharu stated that,

The F-16, although a formidable fighter in its own right, was after careful consideration deemed incompatible with the nation's current defense objectives. The F-16's short range  when compared to other jets of its type for instance was deemed unacceptable for ISAF use going forward, and we concluded that other jets currently on the market could fulfill our specifications to a greater degree.

[Basileus]

Hakomi Industries, the goods production wing of the Hakomi Zaibatsu, has announced in conjunction with the Ministry of Defense plans for the designing and development of a new class of Destroyers for the Imperial Navy, along with an expansion of the Frigate Fleet to 10 ships. The announcement of a new Destroyer was announced in last years Strategic Defense Roadmap Report, however, until now we did not know which company was going to be granted the contract. Both Hakomi, Adashi and Yamiro were in major contention for the contract, however, long time ship producer Hakomi, which constructed the last line of Destroyers, the Takami-Class, appears to have won out over the upstarts.
The Takami-Class, of which 4 were produced, currently serve as the most advance wing of the navy, and act as flagships for the Defensive Convoys which operate throughout the Anantonese Ocean and beyond. The new ship is expected to far surpass the old variants capability in terms of stealth, naval defenses, armament and communications, with Hakomi declaring its planned destroyer to be, "at the cutting edge of naval technology on par with the world's best vessels". 
The planned increase in the number of frigates also indicates future acquisition of larger and more modern ships, with the frigates serving as convoy escorts for the larger flagship vehicles. The government has so far remained highly secretive when it comes to long term naval expansions, although leaked reports of cruisers and helicopter carriers remain a focal point for speculation.
Defense Minister Toyoharu in a press release congratulated Hakomi on winning out against its competition, highlighting the companies expertise in the field and stated that the government is looking forward to the release of details pertaining to the new destroyer. The government has faced widespread criticism from the opposition regarding its expansive military buildup. However, polls continue to suggest public support for the government's security and defense policy.

[Basileus]

The left wing faction of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party has announced a long awaited breakaway, forming a new political party, the Civic Democrats. The large Big-Tent Liberal Democratic Party has long consisted of a wide variety of political groups from the center to the right, sparking a past focus on unity and coalition building among the party's top brass. However, with the tenure of HM Suto Yuji, more emphasis has been placed on acceptance of a united platform, centered on support for Zaibatsu economic organisation and increased military spending, policies aimed at creating a secure and stable economy for future governments to build of. Such support for the monopolizing influence of the Zaibatsu as well as the increased militarism of Suto Yuji's second term has sparked rumblings of resentment among the more fiscally conservative aspects of the party's left, which has come to a head in this recent announcement.
The new Civic Democrats are led by the long disgruntled RH Muto Sanzo REPS, one time Economic Minister of the first Yuji Premiership, who's classical liberal economic models have long been swept to the wayside in favour of government support for Zaibatsu entities, corporate structures long seen as antithetical to free market competition. Hence the new CDP has announced commitments to end overt financial support for Zaibatsu structures and increase emphasis on small businesses and community organisations. The party has announced a commitment to classical liberalism and fiscal conservatism, decrying the 2020 budget as a sign of state overreach and militarism on the behalf of the LDP government.
At present the CDP is small, consisting of only 5 Representatives and 13 Councillors. However, there appears to be an increase in support from the LDP's liberal wing as well as base supporters of the Social Democrats, now long out of political contention and increasingly encroached on by more far-left elements of their activist wing. This influx of center to center-left individuals could lead to rapid increases in party membership and hence a likely increase in political candidates. With upcoming Councillor elections in December, this new political force could truly shake up the legislative process and pose a threat to LDP dominance going into the next decade.
In other news there have been concerning reports of rising support for the far-left, in both the traditional Social Democratic Party, but also in the long isolated Democratic Communist Party, a crazed faction of republicans and socialists inspired by rising radicalism in Trigunia and Kalistan. These political extremists, long on government watch lists as distributors of hate, pose a grave concern to established democratic liberal governance. The DCP's leader Akiba Okura, once a leading activist in the Radical Student movements of the 1970s, has suggested that his party may provide a shock to the system at this years Councillor elections. Whether that is the case remains to be seen, although ZHK remains committed to following their rise and ensuring that democratic accountability is maintained.

[mrgod]

Kalopia and Sekowo announce "GPN", Lodamun joins

[Basileus]

The final results are are in on the Group A House of Councillor elections, with a weakened LDP minority and a new official opposition. The Civic Democratic Party gained 53 of the 121 seats up for reelection, making them the second largest party in the House. The results came as a shock to many commentators with prior polls indicating a weaker result for the CDP.
Most of the CDP's gains came at the expense of the Liberal Democrats, as well as a continuously weakening Social Democratic Party. CDP leader Muto Sanzo declared the election a great start, one which indicates future CDP governance within 3 years. HM PM Suto Yuji declared a great victory and thanked his supporters for coming out the vote, but it was clear that the CDP's insurgency into the LDP's base of support has left a lasting impression on the government.
However, most commentators expect that this election was far more positive for the National Democratic Party who, although now relegated to third party status, have unbridled influence on the new minority LDP block. There are numerous reports of talks between the two party's top brass on a formal confidence and supply arrangement to be declared within the next few weeks. The involvement of the NDP however brings about some fear within the LDP's membership of further moves to the right, leading to more losses to the CDP in 2022's House of Representative Elections.



The impact that these developments may have on government policy is uncertain, however, it is likely that military development and deregulation will continue as planned until 2022, however, the government may become far more hawkish in its military outlook, and may become more conservative in relation to immigration and justice.
Another significant shock is the rise of the far-left with 2 Councillors elected from the Democratic Communist Party, indicating a further splitting up of the traditional social democratic coalition and the birth of more radical extremist elements within the labor movement.

[Basileus]

HM the Prime Minister Suto Yuji has called an emergency vote in the National Diet on Sekowan intervention in the Likatonian Civil War, following calls from the Likatonian Government for support in defeating left wing rebel groups who have declared themselves in control of the state. PM Yuji has declared support for the Royalist forces and is seeking support from the legislature to intervene militarily. An intervention in Likatonia would be the first in Sekowo's modern history, demonstrating a capacity for the country to aid in maintaining democracy and sovereignty throughout Eastern Terra.
The royalist forces, currently confined to the island of Pirland, have made widespread calls for support to the surrounding nations. These calls have already prompted Mordusia to intervene, declaring the left wing provisional government illegitimate. The Minister of Foreign Affairs has stated that,

The maintaining of international peace and security sometimes requires intervention to prevent a national conflict escalating into a regional one. The rise in radical left wing terrorism throughout Seleya poses a grave threat to the security of Sekowo and of our allies throughout the region. Hence, an intervention in this case is needed to prevent a crisis developing into a catastrophe. 

A prominent concern surrounding the current conflict in Likatonia is the rise of the far-left, as well as increased Trigunian influence outside of Keris/Macon. The Trigunian government has so far already condemned Mordusian intervention and placed diplomatic support behind the usurper rebels, with security insiders suggesting the Trigunian military may be providing covert and logistical support to their proxy forces. Foreign policy think tanks such as the Mizuho Institute for Strategic Studies, have for some time pushed for increased government involvement in countries where Trigunian influence is a concern in the wake of  increased isolation on behalf of Rildanor and Indrala; and it appears that the government has begun to see the importance of future interventions if security and free trade is to be maintained.
The Government has already begun to reach out to Mordusia with requests for military access and the use of their airbases for the deployment of J-2 strike fighters for use in targeted strikes. The government also intends to move an estimated 30,000 service personnel to allied bases in Seleya, leading to rumours of a possible future ground invasion. However, at present the government is asking for legislative commitment solely to a air and naval campaign, with an emphasis to be placed on interdiction strikes using a mixture of precision and stand off weaponry, most likely through the deployment of J-2 (F-15) fighters in a strike configuration. Current military sources indicate the deployment of over 100 J-2 jet fighters to Mordusia, as well as 3 Takami-Class surface destroyers and a undisclosed number of attack submarines.
Opposition groups have so far condemned the government's moves as imperialistic and overly aggressive, advocating for caution. However, with the current LDP-NDP coalition fully underway, it is unlikely that the opposition will have any chance of preventing an inevitable mandate for war.

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The Imperial Sekowan Air Force has begun a joint strategic interdiction bombardment of the Likatonian mainland alongside the Mordusian Royal Air Force, in what is Sekowo's first military action since the establishment of democracy. The ISAF, stationed at bases within North West Mordusia, were given the go ahead for strikes by His Majesty the Prime Minister Suto Yuji, after a bill on the intervention overwhelmingly past in the National Diet.
The operation, codenamed Operation Resolute Wind, began at 11 o'clock April 4 and is currently still underway, with plans for a continued aerial bombardment until victory is achieved by Royalist forces as well as Mordusian ground troops. Current estimates suggest an average of 6 strikes occurring at any given time at various stages of operation. The Ministry of Defense has announced that 70 F-2's and 20 F-2D's have been deployed to Mordusia as of this time, with a further increase projected as the ground campaign progresses. The current operation appears to have been a success, with a total of 72 confirmed strikes on various long distance radar, surface-to-air and surface-to-surface missile sites, as well as the sinking of 2 torpedo boats, with the loss of zero fighters. This success can most likely be attributed to the incredible skill of our pilots but also due to the deployment of long distance stand off missiles such as the Baltusian JASSM, able to strike targets at distances sufficient to allow the J-2's to evade defensive fire from the target area.
Current reports in land indicate a highly disrupted rebel force, which has lost the significant bulk of its anti-air and ground attack capability, as well as having sustained serious damage to their naval forces. Government forces loyal to the King of Likatonia appear poised to attempt an amphibious landing on the west coast of the mainland from Pirland, a move which would most likely break socialist forces deployed along the coast and guarrantee a military victory. ISAF has indicated that once all remaining anti-air assets have been eliminated the force will be deployed in a close air support role in order to ensure a successful ground campaign with minimal casualties.
The PM has congratulated the military on its early success, and stated he looks forward to a rapid victory within the next month. The opposition has in recent days lessened its opposition to the war, most likely prompted by the rapid success of the campaign, as well as recent polls indicating general public support for the intervention. The Democratic Communist Party remains the main organisation advocating for peace, leading to many declaring that they care more about political ideology than national security. The CDP has called for a maintaining of the bombing campaign, but has strongly condemned suggestions by the hawks regarding a possible ground force deployment, citing the likely large Sekowan casualties caused by such a move.

[Chitin]

Beluzia Condemns Intervention in Likatonia

[Basileus]

Chief military personnel as well as the Ministry of Defense have called for increased emphasis on cooperation between Sekowan and Mordusian military operations, as the Likatonia conflict enters a new phase of enhanced ground conflict. Following the deployment of Mordusian ground assets and the attaining of air supremacy over the Likatonian mainland, focus is to be directed away from the destruction of rebel air and ground assets via interdiction strikes and towards the providing of close air support for Mordusian and Likatonian ground forces, something which requires enhanced cooperation and reconnaissance in order to be successful.
In order to ensure the success of the Mordusian ground operations, the Sekowan military has proceeded to deploy new modern E-767 Hawkeye AWACS aircraft to provide enhanced reconnaissance and early warning capabilities to ensure the militaries of Sekowo and Mordusia have an accurate picture of the conflict on the ground. This shall enable the deployment of J-2's to a close air support role, including the use of J-2D strike fighters to bomb Likatonian rebel positions preceding and during Mordusian military assaults. These deployments should increase the likelihood of success on the battlefield.
The Airforce has also taken great lengths to overcome the language barrier, with the use of Sekowan translators specialized in both Mordusian and Luthori in order to communicate with their Mordusian and Likatonian counterparts. Furthermore programs are to be put in place to ensure future cooperation capability with Mordusia and other allied forces in the region to be maintained long after the end of the present conflict. With tensions between Trigunia and Seleya on the rise, the likelihood of a future conflict in the region has been deemed high by the Defense Ministry, and therefore it is necessary to ensure in future that the Sekowan military has rapid deployment and cooperation capabilities, especially in North Seleya and North Dovani.
Defense Minister TH Sakata Toyoharu has in a recent speech emphasized the importance of allied forces to present a future united front to radical threats in the region, calling for nations united in support for freedom and market principles to cooperate militarily. The DM has also called for the creation of an Intergovernmental Military Alliance in the Dovani-Seleyan region to further enhance the region's military capabilities. The opposition has called the government's position on these issues, "unhinged and dangerous", with growing concerns around the possibility of an active arms race in the region. However, the cabinet has stated that their aim is solely in the defense of Sekowo and its allies from extremists.