Operation Eastern Protection

Operation Eastern Protection 东方保护行动
The Shangean Army entering Heijiang
Date 14 January 2009 - 18 March 2009 (2 months and 4 days) Location Kuthina Status Shangean Victory Capture of the Hameung province Stabilisation of the Shangean Republic of Heijiang
Belligerents
Shangea Heijiang	Kuthina
Commanders and leaders
Ren Shaokuan (Commander of the 2nd Army) Wu Yunxiang (Commander of the Southeast Military District) Chen Chuzhong (Commander of the National Restoration Army)	Yod Rak Mookjai
Units involved
Army of National Salvation Shangean Army Second Army SSFC Shangean Airforce National Restoration Army	Kuthine Army
Strength
Shangea 7,000 soldiers 100 armoured vehicles Heijiang 10,000 fighters	Kuthina 14,000 soldiers
Casualties and losses
24 killed 67 injured 58 killed	191 killed 59 injured
150+ civilians killed

Operation Eastern Protection (Shangean: 东方保护行动; Dōngfāng Bǎohù Xíngdòng) was a cross border military operation between Shangea and the Shangean-backed Shangean Republic of Heijiang in the Hameung province in Kuthina. Started in January 2009 following a major Kuthina offensive into Heijiang, the operation saw Shangean forces capture several cities held by the Kuthina government and stabilise the independence of the republic of Heijiang decisively defeating Kuthine government forces.

The operation began after State Chairman Yuan Xiannian authorised Shangean forces to assist the breakaway state of Heijiang following the latter's inability to successfully defend against Kuthine government forces. In a speech made to the State Presidium of Xiaodong Yuan stated that the operation was designed to "stabilise the eastern border and secure the independence of the Heijiang government" and that Shangean forces were invited to intervene by the Heijiang government which was officially recognised by Shangea.

General Ren Shaokun in March 2009 following the end of the operation has stated that the operation was "strategic success" and that Shangea would continue to conduct military operations in Kuthina until until there is a comprehensive agreement between Heijiang and a Kuthine government which would guarantee the independence and territorial integrity of Heijiang. This never occurred with plans to launch a greater invasion of Kuthina abandoned in April 2009. Kuthina has since claimed Heijiang to be an integral part of their territory and has criticised the operation as a de facto invasion of Kuthine territory. Shangea strongly denies these claims and states the operation was designed to protect the Shangean minority in Kuthina, stabilise the government of Heijiang and ensure stability on Shangea's south-eastern border.