Foreign perspectives assumed that most citizens of the Sino-Twenty Nations supported the recent Sino Summit and the declaration to refuse reparations. However, the reality within the nation painted a different picture.

There was certainly accumulated anger among the populace. However, it wasn’t so intense that it warranted such a sudden and drastic escalation.

Particularly in the Shanghai Economic Alliance, despite paying substantial reparations, the country had become one of the most economically successful in the region. Many citizens argued that Shanghai’s growth was thanks to South Korea and the Koryo Group, claiming things like, “If it weren’t for Korea, we’d still be under the pathetic Communist Party,” or, “Isn’t this basically a democracy tax?” The notion of benefiting from South Korea’s success had more proponents than expected.

Even outside such sentiments, the dominant view was one of caution. Most people believed the reparations issue should be resolved diplomatically and gradually, without provoking South Korea or the Koryo Group.

As a result, Prime Minister Li Wei’s abrupt actions lacked strong popular support.

The sudden announcement of the Sino Summit and the refusal to pay reparations only inflamed public sentiment. By the time the mysterious missile from Koryo Militaris detonated off Shanghai’s coast, the situation had reached a boiling point.

“Li Wei must step down!”
“Step down!!”