Chapter 246: Chapter 227: Fishermen Conflict

If the first two Cabinets focused on domestic development, starting with the third Cabinet, Australia also sought to develop its international influence, looking outward for more power and influence.

In July 1907, with the joint efforts of many Australasian artists and composers, the Kingdom of Australasia’s national anthem, “Australasia, advance!” was officially born.

Although the name is somewhat similar to the historical Australian anthem, the content is entirely different.

Historically, the Australian national anthem represented Australia’s detachment from war and its idyllic, carefree beauty.

However, the Australasian national anthem, while extolling the royal family and Arthur’s contributions, encourages Australasians to join hands and push Australasia to the top of the world.

There are two versions of the national anthem: one is a purely instrumental version, used to be played on solemn occasions of the country.

The version with lyrics is used for occasions like National Day, and both versions share a common easter egg: Arthur’s personally shouted, “Australasia, advance!” in the closing of the music.

Such a national anthem fits Arthur’s purpose, uniting all Australasians and fostering their national consciousness and cohesion.

When such anthems and music are played at solemn occasions, it stirs the hearts of many patriots and nationalists.

Especially when the anthem ends and Arthur’s own slogan is played, it can’t help but elicit cheers from many Australasians.

In July 1907, the Timor Sea in the northern part of Australasia.

The Timor Sea connects three countries and is a major transportation hub for the northern part of Australasia.

This area not only has abundant petroleum and natural gas resources, but it is also one of the regions with natural fishing grounds in northern Australasia.

This has led to an influx of fishermen from the three countries, and while generally peaceful, fishermen from different regions and nationalities keep to themselves. Dutch East Indies fishermen are located in the northwest, Portuguese Timor fishermen in the northeast, and Australasian fishermen in the south.

However, as the Southern Hemisphere enters winter (the Southern Hemisphere’s seasons are opposite to those of the Northern Hemisphere, with June to August being winter in the Southern Hemisphere), the natural fishing ground locations will shift, generally moving further north.

Of course, the real movement depends on the direction of the fish, which is not limited by humans, causing the fishermen around the Timor Sea to be affected to some extent every year.

Based on the previous situation, Australasian fishermen tend to lose out the most since the fishing ground shifts to the north, and geographically, they are closer to the Dutch East Indies and Portuguese Timor.

But since the last pirate incident, the national pride of the Australasian people has been ignited, and their recognition of the royal family and the country has increased.

Previously, the Australasian fishermen were content with their lot, even if their catch was reduced, rarely straying too close to other countries’ waters.

But now, with the onset of winter, Australasian fishermen have gradually expanded further north, crossing Australasia’s own Kajetia Island and Ashmore Reef, entering the exclusive areas of the Dutch and the Portuguese.

This aggressive behavior has naturally provoked some dissatisfaction among the Dutch and the Portuguese.

Fishermen from all around, who normally stayed in their respective places without infringing on one another, now found their fishing grounds occupied, interrupting their livelihoods.

To the fishermen, the daily catch sustains their livelihood, and fishing is their primary means of survival.

Some may be able to endure this, but there are also some with a volatile temperament, on the verge of picking up weapons and fighting.

Initially, the situation could be contained, but such simple conflicts have gradually escalated into conflicts between fishermen from the three countries in the region.

Larger fishing boats may be safe, but especially small fishing boats not only have their fishing disrupted by boats from other countries but have also witnessed some malicious attacks.

No matter how the Dutch East Indies and Portuguese Timor react, a series of fishing conflicts have attracted the attention of the Australasian Government.

The government also convened an emergency meeting to discuss how to deal with these conflicts.

Soon, Arthur issued his orders, telling the government to publicly urge the fishermen to restrain themselves but secretly supporting more immigrants to move further north in the Timor Sea.

Ordinary people might not understand such intentions, but the clever people in the government saw through them.

Though the fishermen were asked to restrain themselves openly, in secret, even more, were deployed to encroach upon the fishing areas further north with the intention of provoking the Dutch and the Portuguese.

If it was the Dutch or the Portuguese who initiated the conflict, then there would be many more ways for Australasia to respond.

On July 27, 1907, the first wave of fishing conflicts officially broke out.

It started when fishermen from Portuguese Timor, dissatisfied with the unaffected, abundant harvests of the Australasian fishermen, grew envious and provoked Australasian fishing boats.

After enduring the frustrating harassment fruitlessly, Australasian fishermen eventually decided to use language and action in retaliation.