Hong Kong states that we do not feel any nation should be interfering in anothers internal affairs, as long as those affairs are not affecting them. There is certainly no reason to demand they change their internal policies
Indeed, those British were so narrowminded when they interfered with the slavery-based economies of the rest of the world.
The right to self-governance is important. But self-governance's value derives from the fact that all the residents of a state have a say in its future. A state hostile to parts of its citizenry, as Cantabria certainly is, inherently devalues self-governance, as the second class citizens are coerced, abused, and degraded on a regular basis.
Self-determination is important... but not as important as the rights of all sentient beings.
A drastic slowdown has struck Hong Kong markets in fear of the economic repurcussions of the current crisis. In an attempt to stimulate the economy, whilst making a further guesture against the unprovoked Marian actions, Lord Ravanius sends an offer of a trade agreement to the NCSA.
Why trade with the NCSA, which is mostly red and yellow zones, instead of the Marian Republic, which has many wealthy blue zones? If your economy is in need of a boost, trading with us would be a more sound option; the NCSA, while once occupying an incredibly wealthy (4-5 trillion dollar GDP in the 2000s) region, has been ravaged.
Petrograd is monitoring the situation in Iberia carefully.
The egg will be on Cantabria's face if it doesn't adhere to such reasonable demands; open conflict is the last option on the table. We are merely standing up for the cause of equality... and standing up involves a willingness to use force to protect others.
The NCSA advises to back off of Cantabria Libre. It is a sovereign state and deserves to be treated as such.
Any liberal democracy deserves respect, as its citizens enjoy a wide range of rights and control of their government.
Self-determination's value, we feel, is derived from the government's legitimacy via its care for and consent of the governed.
That means it can determine its domestic policy on its own. Without your help. So please just step back and respect the smaller nations of the world.
If a state mandated ritualistic sacrifices every three months to celebrate the turning of the seasons, we don't care if it's part of their tradition. Such practices are barbaric, and should be purged.
Every individual has the right to live as they wish, free from interference by others. We feel, this is more important a value than every government has the right to continue ruling as it wishes.