Grassadellia urges 'peaceful resolution' to Japan-China row; China responds with admonishment

TOKYO -- Collester says the Menuhaeo Administration is officially not taking sides in the ongoing territorial dispute between Japan and China in the East China Sea. But Grassadellia's Ambassador to Japan, Juslana Thompson, expressed support for the Japanese in a speech Monday in Tokyo.

The two Asian powers are involved in a tense and increasingly escalating dispute over a chain of uninhabited islands, known as the Senkaku Islands in Japan, and the Diayu Islands in China.

Both countries lay claim to the archipelago, and tensions have flared recently after the Chinese government announced it was creating an air defense identification zone over the islands ostensibly due to security concerns.

China is demanding that all foreign aircraft file flight reports and ask for permission before flying in the special zone, or risk "defensive measures" being taken against them.

Japan, the US, Australia and other countries view China's move as a potential provocation, and have expressed concern the status quo could be threatened.

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said China's move is "unjustly violating the freedom of aviation over the high seas."

US Secretary of State John Kerry responded firmly, saying China's "unilateral action constitutes an attempt to change the status quo in the East China Sea," and "create risks of an incident."

And on Monday, in a speech before foreign and Grassadellian media in a Tokyo ballroom, Grassadellia's Ambassador to Japan, Juslana Thompson, defended Japan, despite Collester saying it officially is not taking sides in the matter.

"Neither side wants to see the conflict escalate, nor does Grassadellia nor any parties interested in the stability and security of the Pacific region," said Thompson. "Grassadellia urges both sides to participate in open dialogue, engagement, and a peaceful de-escalation. This is in the best interest of both parties and the region as a whole."

Thompson continued, "While we feel that a peaceful outcome is the only acceptable outcome, Grassadellia firmly supports its allies in the region, and we believe Japan has a legitimate, sovereign right to defend its territory against an imminent military threat."

"However, let me reiterate, we urge restraint on both sides, and we strongly urge both sides to engage in dialogue, to avoid military conflict and to strive for a peaceful resolution," Thompson said.

Her words were backed up by outgoing Foreign Affairs Secretary Jim McCaren, who called China's defense zone a "provocative move" that "could be misinterpreted."

"We support our Japanese friends, and we also support the Chinese. But most importantly, we support peace in the East Asia region. That's in the best interest of both countries, it's in the best interest of human security and economic security. And any military conflict in this matter could very well result in significant damage to Grassadellian-Sino-Japanese relations," said McCaren.

The Chinese government responded by sharply by saying it was "highly inappropriate" for Grassadellia to take sides in the conflict.

"This is a matter concerning China's inherent sovereignty and security from imperialistic intrusions into Chinese territory," a statement from China's Foreign Office said. "This matter does not concern Grassadellia. Offending rhetoric from ignorant sources will only make tensions grow. The Grassadellian government should reserve judgment and commentary on the issue, or risk grave damage to the longstanding Chinese-Grassadellian relationship," the statement read.

Collester has not spoken publicly since Japan's announcement Tuesday that it will increase military spending by 2.5%, or $1.4 trillion yen over five years, in order to purchase new aircraft, sea vessels, and replace aging equipment.

China says Japan's increased funding is provocative, while the US defended the spending spree.

The Grassadellian Foreign Affairs Office has said it will release a statement tomorrow to address the latest developments.

Burns urged Lindselli not to run

HANSBORO, East Deschire -- Sources close to Deschire Sen. Jay Burns (C) say the Senate Minority Leader called a former colleague and urged her not to run for the Senate in 2014.

The sources, who did not want to be named because they were not permitted to speak, told the Mavocke Capitol that the Senate Minority Leader made a phone call back to former East Deschire Sen. Nancy Lindselli (C) back in October and tried to persuade he not to challenge incumbent Sen. Denna Halitz (C) in the 2014 primary elections.

"He attempted to talk her out of it, and told her that a damaging primary campaign would only help the Nationalists and hurt whichever Conservative wins," one source was quoted as saying.

The call reportedly lasted for about 15 minutes, and Burns appeared visibly agitated when he hung up, the sources said.

Burns evidently did not succeed in convincing Lindselli to stay out of the race, as she has continued on her "exploratory tour" around East Deschire to gauge voter angst.

Though she has openly criticized Denna Halitz and traveled extensively around the state in recent months, the hardline Conservative Lindselli has not officially filed papers to run for the Senate in 2014, nor has she said publicly she will do so; though most political analysts and insiders believe she will challenge the more moderate Halitz in what will likely be a bruising primary race.

No NAT candidate has emerged in the race yet, although former Senate candidate John Blackman is said to be considering another run.

Lt. Gov. Laurel McEdery is also reportedly looking into a Senate bid, as well as Assemblywoman Donna Rae Cobb of the seat of Forkwich, which encompasses the northeast corner of the state.

The East Deschire Senate race is likely to be the most closely watched race in the 2014 mid-term elections.

BiGadi considering run for governor

MONVAILLE, Lial -- He's been trekking across Lial for the past two weeks -- appearing on cable news programs; forums with business leaders; meeting with teachers; speaking with doctors, nurses and emergency response workers; even dropping the puck at a Monvaille Paladins hockey game. And yet, Lial's lone Conservative senator, John BiGadi, insists he's not running for governor. Yet, that is.

In an interview with local Clothen 9 News, BiGadi told news anchor Karen Williams he is "considering all options," but is not running for governor at this time.

"I'm not currently a candidate for governor," BiGadi said. "That being said, I am considering all options. I enjoy being a senator representing this great state. But I am also troubled by what I've been hearing around the state when I travel, or when people contact my office. There is a real discontent in the electorate right now with the way things are being handled at the state level, and that is concerning to me."

Asked what he thinks about current Gov. Todd Pergich (N), BiGadi said he believes Pergich is "well-intentioned," but not producing results.

"I think Todd Pergich is trying. I think he's trying very hard. I think he is well-intentioned. I think he means well. But unfortunately, governing is not just about what you intent to do or trying hard. It's about producing results. And right now, I don't think we're seeing any good results coming out of Clothen. And it's not just Todd Pergich's fault, it's the legislature's fault as well, and the unions' fault. There is plenty of blame to go around. But what I'm hearing all across Lial every day from constituents, is that we need results. We need a change. Things are not going well in Clothen. We are still struggling with an anemic economy in Lial, we are still struggling with education, we need to invest in our transportation system and infrastructure, our taxes are too high, small businesses are closing up shop, our health care system is in trouble...there are just so many issues going on right now facing our state that are not effectively being addressed by the current administration, and that does trouble me," said BiGadi.

The former businessman and state senator said he is still thinking about challenging Pergich for the state's top job, but has no timetable for a decision.

"I'm going to meet with some people over the coming weeks, talk with my family, my supporters, business leaders in this state, and gauge the barometer a bit to see where people are and if this is the route we should go. If it's not, there are no hard feelings because I am very happy where I am right now in the Senate. It's not all fun and games in the Senate either right now, since we are in the minority. But when I hear things are not going well back home in Lial, it really frustrates me and concerns me and really instills in me a passion to help and make things better. So we'll see."

BiGadi, who hails from Monvaille, did not address far-right Conservative activist Libby Marshall, who has already announced his candidacy for governor in 2014.

Marshall, who lives near Sauvienne in southwestern Lial, previously ran unsuccessfully for Senate in 2008 against incumbent Sen. Susan Thompson (N). Back in September, he announced he would seek the CNS nomination for governor in 2014.

BiGadi's criticism of Pergich is in stark contrast to comments made by Pergich's predecessor, Gov. Gavin Gymbal (C), who praised Pergich for his centrist governing style.

Gymbal's high marks for Pergich annoyed many in Lial's CNS party leadership, who felt the comments might undermine Conservative candidates for governor who were seeking to unseat Pergich.

BiGadi was first elected to the Senate in 2002, and re-elected in 2008. He is up for re-election in 2016.