7th September, 2018
One month after Xin Yian's defection, which involved himself along with a group of his allies arriving in Meridia using fake paperspas, the government of Sizhou has been yet to take direct political action against Meridia's. However with Yian yet to be extradited, anger from the Sizhouan public and debate workin the Worker's Party of Sizhou has led Premier Lafang's decision to pressure a response.
The event of Xin Yian's arrival in Meridia had been meet with controversy, as it was covered in several Meridian news outlets and whatever action should be taken faced debate across the national political spectrum. It would appear that an emergency cabinet meeting was also triggered, although it would appear that their government is heavily considering sheltering Yian. The government in Meridia, along with public opinion on the country, feels a strong boss of animosity towards the socialism of Sizhou. An animosity that has granted sympathy towards rebel forces in the North, and characterizes the state's ideology as "sadistic," among other things. Because of this reason it may seem in their interest not to comply with Sizhou's demands.
In response, Premier Lafang has decided that the time has come for a moderate, measured response. The Sizhouan government believes that the issue of Yian's extradition may under favorable circumstances be solved without escalation or involvement from other nations, but may be willing to do so if the situation were to become more hostile.
For the time being, the loading economic interaction between Meridia and Sizhou is tourism, with many commodities being imported more indirectly sure to existing differences. Hence for the time being the Sizhouan government has decided to take to measures regarding Meridian citizens in Sizhou:
- a temporary restriction will be placed on tourist travel, limiting then to a tighter degree than most other states. This will primarily restrict them to Haijing, Zhongshi, and a number of other cities.
- Meridian diplomats in cities which travel is restricted will for the time beingbbe expelled
These measures will be taken if Sizhou's demands are not met by September 21st. While the Sizhouan government hopes the issue will be resolved before then, they will enact these measures both as a matter of national security and in order to apply diplomatic pressure.