Freedom of Navigation in the Bering Strait and Other Updates

Today's Date: March 3, 2095

Freedom of Navigation Operations in the Bering Strait

To clarify some points regarding international law on maritime borders: a nation's maritime borders extend 12 miles beyond its coastline. A nation cannot claim sovereign waters 13 miles away from its coastline in almost all circumstances. The Bering Strait, at its smallest, is 55 miles wide. At its smallest point, 31 miles of the Bering Strait are under international jurisdiction, whilst the other 24 miles are under the jurisdiction of FEUS. However, when FEUS forces Flottebunden into signing an agreement that allows the latter to use the Bering Strait at all, this is a clear violation of international law, and cannot be tolerated. The sailing of international waters cannot be unilaterally regulated in peacetime against a peaceful nation. 

The United Imperium and Aurelia will be sending 64 ships (50 from the Imperium, 14 from Aurelia) through the Bering Strait to enforce Freedom of Navigation in the region. These ships will strictly traverse the international waters of the Bering Strait. Two Imperium Aircraft Carrier Strike Groups will lead the charge, ensuring the security of all vessels traveling through the Bering Strait. Combat Air Patrol will also be established in international airspace, so as to make sure the Imperium has air superiority in the event FEUS tries to violate the right to freely navigate the Strait. The expectation from senior officers in the Imperium's Navy is that nothing too eventful should take place, but they also made sure to emphasize that the task force was ready for full scale combat operations in the event that things went south.

Pictured: United Imperium Aircraft Carrier Strike Group Sails North Towards the Bering Strait Ahead of Freedom of Navigation Operation

Strengthening Alliances

President Roosevelt was given quite the shock the other day, officials were told, when he was informed about the Oceania crisis. Luckily, the crisis was able to be resolved, but Roosevelt wanted to make sure that the alliances of the United Imperium are always in tip-top shape. In order to do this, Roosevelt instructed the Diplomatic Service to strengthen relations with several key strategic partners and allies of the United Imperium. Firstly, the United Imperium reaffirmed its trade and defense commitments to Eastern Australia, pledging to cut the tariff on Eastern Australian products by as much as 50%. In addition, Roosevelt promised to increase cooperation with the Australians and the Imperium's Oceania Theater Command (the operational branch of the United Imperium's military in the region). 

Similar economic pledges were made regarding the Canadians, Aurelians, Beanstopians, and the British Empire. In addition to this, the Imperium's Defense Appropriations Committee endorsed the combat capability and reliability of Beanstopian aircraft as part of a bilateral combat exercise between the two nations. A plan was also put in motion to send Beanstopian Astronauts on a few of the Imperium's Lunar Missions. A larger plan for economic cooperation with multiple allies of the United Imperium was laid out by a few notable Liberal Senators, most notably Congressional newcomer Nome Chompskey, but this bill was rejected due to disapproval over a part of the plan that concerned improving relations with Zukesa. Although Zukesa is a signatory to the Peaceful Exploration of Outer Space Treaty (one of three signatories, the others being the British Empire and The United Imperium), most legislators were still hesitant about opening relations with the nation any further. 

Pictured: A Discussion Between American and Aurelian Diplomats During the Oceania Crisis, Regarding the TUI-Aurelia MDP.

TUIMNT Soccer Manager Erlan Holland in Hot Water

Following the United Imperium's 2-1 loss to Fallenz in the Euros 2094 Semi-Final, Imperium National Team Manager Erlan Holland came under heavy media fire for losing a chance to go to the Euros Final on home turf. Although Holland won the World Cup as a player for the United Imperium in 2073, he is yet to guide the team to a major international final as a manager. This Euros run was the closest the United Imperium has gotten to a major international final. As the Imperium's trophy drought continues, some have questioned whether Holland is the right man for the job. While the players of the Imperium's national team, led by Captain Christian Pulisic, were quick to defend their coach, many executives in the Imperium Soccer Authority were more concerned, citing Holland's timid tactics in big matches as a reason to be worried about future tournaments. As the Imperium prepares for its bid to host the 2100 World Cup, it seems like Erlan Holland might have to prepare for a last dance at the 2096 World Cup. 

Pictured: TUIMNT Manager Erlan Holland After the 2-1 Loss to Fallenz in the Euros Semifinal at Indes Mones Stadium