EXTRA: War Returns to China
Bulletin from Xinjing, Dominion of Guangxi
May 1, 1940
The Fireworks War has only recently come to an end and the guns have barely had time to cool, when once more, a full scale war has erupted in the Far East. Chinese troops under the government of Lanzhou launched a major surprise attack against the British and their Dominion forces in the western provinces. The initial troop movements were observed by the British, allowing them time to relocate their primary forces to respond to the threat, hoping to force the Chinese to back down with a display of military might. This moved failed, and throughout the first months of the year, the Chinese moved into position, looking to prepare themselves for a major onslaught against their enemies to the south. On April 15, 1940, Chinese aircraft took off from a number of airfields and began prepared strikes upon British lines.
Unfortunately for the Chinese, British radar informed them of the takeoff and approach of enemy aircraft. Radio warnings proved insufficient and the local British fighter corps were scrambled to protect the frontier in the skies. First reports indicate a large number of Chinese planes have been shot down by British aircraft, despite the unconfirmed claims of some pilots that the Chinese have fielded their own jet fighters, of apparent Brazilian make. The air battle was fought throughout the first day of the offensive, and was followed by a massive ground assault seeking to penetrate Guangxi’s primary defensive lines. Over the past two weeks, the Chinese armies have been slamming against prepared defenses and veteran soldiers, and by all reports have experienced heavy casualties. General Donald O’Connor of the British Far East Command has stated that the situation is well in hand, and there is currently no risk of a Chinese breakthrough.
The government of China has claimed that the attack is in response to British aggression in the area, stating that the British attacked first, and that claims of the offensive are wildly exaggerated. The government in Lanzhou has claimed that the attacks have been made to help secure the safety and protection of the Chinese people. They have vowed that British aggression will not stand, and have stated that the British have yet to feel the full might of the Chinese dragon.
Other News in Brief
Olympic Games begin in Lima as government begins new tradition of “running the torch,” as President Antonio Rabash claims that the Treaty of Asunción represents “peace in our time.”
US military commander announces that Jacksonia’s armies are in full retreat across the front, states “We have them by the nose, now we will kick them in the ass all the way back to Jefferson!”
Russian business interests express concern over safety of shipping through the Eastern Mediterranean as war games approach.
OOC
As stated in the past, this stage of the NES will have quite a few more of these per update. Some will be about the outbreak of wars, and others will simply be crises that could use a international/national response. For each extra, I will state at the bottom of the post what sort of orders will be accepted in relation to events detailed in the Extra.
Only banked EP can be spent to respond to this event, and military units can be moved or shifted at this time. Remember, time to respond to this won't last forever.
