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First Sino-Japanese War, 1894

It is 1894. Nearing the end of the 19th century, in a new age of dominance, the modernizing Empire of Japan and once glorious Qing Dynasty engage in a disputed battle over the Korean peninsula and the Yellow Sea. In hopes to become the next rising hegemony of East Asia and beyond, while securing crucial economic and territorial gains, both nations clash on land and at sea. Additionally, both blocs face distinct internal socioeconomic and political conflict, which they will each need to balance to gain an upper hand in this conflict. The future of geopolitical power in East Asia’s evolving geopolitical landscape lies within your hands.

The Joint Crisis Committees (JCC) represent the pinnacle of Model UN complexity and challenge. JCC consists of two independently running subcommittees whose decisions and actions immediately affect the perpetual crisis at hand, thus providing for an experience like no other. The ritual raising of placards is replaced with international espionage, fast-paced decision-making, and incessant debates, all aimed to destroy the ideological enemy. What delegates will be asked to deal with is only partially revealed for your preparation; covert plots, terrible luck, and the well-meaning — or hostile — actions of the opposing committee together offer an unpredictable but undoubtedly exciting experience. If the bloc as a whole is to succeed, the delegates must compromise, negotiate, and persevere in a battle of diplomatic wit; after all, there is a nemesis waiting, biding its time.

As a continuous crisis committee, the Joint Crisis Committees are most appropriate for experienced delegates. Position papers are mandatory and must be submitted by January 22nd, 2024, at 23:59 PT. More information about position papers specific to this committee can be found on page 3 of the Background Guide.



Briana Chen

Briana Chen | Crisis Overlord

Approaching her final year at Crofton House School, Briana is excited to be serving as the Joint Crisis Committees Overlord at VMUN 2024. Briana began her MUN career in Grade 9 with a nervous yet enthusiastic mindset toward the unfamiliar world of international relations. Ever since attending her first committee session, she has come to understand the impact MUN has brought upon her knowledge and longing friendships through multifaceted debates and extensive nights of research. During her spare time, Briana enjoys snuggling up to layers of blankets with stacks of books, listening to music, and creating visual artworks. Briana wishes delegates best of luck and is ecstatic for an unforgettable weekend at VMUN 2024!


Brad Guo

Brad Guo | Crisis Staff

A Grade 12 student at R.E. Mountain Secondary School, Brad is excited to serve at VMUN 2024. When stepping into his first committee session in 2020 after begging his friends to come too, he had never expected the years of fiery speeches, near-comedic discussions, and organized chaos that would follow. Through Model UN, Brad has made countless meaningful memories while exploring his passion for global affairs; the experiences and friends he encountered along the way have certainly shaped much of his high school journey. When not staring blankly at his assignments, Brad enjoys collecting different Lego sets, skipping meals, and surfing through Wikipedia pages. Brad hopes to make the JCC an unforgettable experience and sincerely looks forward to meeting everyone in January.


William Jiang

William Jiang | Bloc Director

Currently in his Grade 12 year at St. George’s School, William is ecstatic to serve as a Director for the Joint Crisis Committee at VMUN 2024. Since participating in his first Model UN conference two years ago, William has found substantial interests within this occupation. Although his first speech was barely 30 seconds in length, William has truly appreciated the memorable experiences and personal connections that have been made during his time in the conferences. Outside of MUN, William can be found constantly procrastinating by watching Bilibili, reading Chinese web novels, or finding opportunities for saltwater fishing trips. William is looking forward to a weekend of copious debate and hopes that all delegates have a pleasurable experience at VMUN 2024.


Elizabeth Jen

Elizabeth Jen | Chair

Currently a Grade 12 student at Crofton House, Elizabeth is thrilled to serve as the Chair of the Joint Crisis Committee. Ever since her first conference as an eighth grader, wherein she accidentally referred to the Chair as ‘your honour,’ she has grown to love the world of MUN diplomacy. From banging gavels with herculean strength to long moderated caucuses on various niche subjects, Elizabeth finds Model UN a truly unique experience that is both exciting and intellectually rewarding. She is anticipating the fruitful debates and thrilling political drama that will unfold on the JCC floor. Outside of MUN, Elizabeth can be found fencing on weekends, watching biopics of Robespierre, and explaining to her bewildered friends why AP Latin is actually a worthwhile subject. Elizabeth hopes that JCC will exceed expectations and is looking forward to meeting all the delegates.


Bella Wang

Bella Wang | Crisis Staff

A Grade 11 student at York House School, Bella is thrilled to serve as Crisis Staff for JCC at VMUN 2024. Ever since joining Model United Nations in Grade 9, Bella has learnt so much from this engaging sport. The memories, friendships, and lessons gained from each conference will never be forgotten. Running through downtown with friends in full Western Business Attire and banging loudly on tables are only two of her unmatched MUN experiences. Away from MUN, Bella can be found studying last-minute for her next test, buying coffee at Starbucks, or procrastinating at home. Bella hopes that all delegates have fun at VMUN 2024 and enjoy this weekend to its fullest.


Max Chen

Max Chen | Bloc Director

Currently a Grade 11 student at Steveston-London Secondary School, Max is ecstatic to serve as the Director of the Japanese Bloc in the Joint Crisis Committees at VMUN 2024. Since beginning his Model United Nations journey two years ago, he became allured by the interesting delegates, intricate strategies, insightful lessons, and amusing conference weekends. Outside of MUN, he can be found finding new places to go, attempting to wrap his head around the pile of assignments stacked on his desk, and taking long much-needed naps. Max looks forward to meeting everyone for a weekend filled with invigorating debate and wishes every delegate the best of luck!


Annalise Politis

Annalise Politis | Chair

Annalise is a Grade 12 student currently attending Saint Patricks Regional High School and is ecstatic to serve as Chair of JCC at VMUN 2024! Ever since her first conference in 2019, she grew her passion for Model United Nations. From the intense atmosphere of moderated caucuses and the exhilarating feeling of passing a resolution paper, Model UN never fails to give Annalise a rush of adrenaline. Annalise has met long term friends and made memories that will last a lifetime. Outside the debate floor, Annalise spends her time spending her life savings on candles, sketching whatever her heart desires, and cuddling with her rabbit. Annalise is looking forward to VMUN 2024 and is excited to meet everyone!


Jason Huang

Jason Huang | Crisis Staff

Currently in his Grade 11 year at St. George’s School, Jason is delighted to serve as Crisis Staff for the Joint Crisis Committee at VMUN 2024. Since his introduction to MUN two years ago, Jason has been enthralled by the vigorous debate and indefatigable exchange of ideas that pervades MUN. Whether it be conversing with delegates or delivering a incoherent speech on the podium, Jason is grateful for opportunities in MUN to broaden his political perspectives and adeptness in a multitude of skills. Outside of MUN, Jason can be found struggling to improve his sleep schedule, rewatching his favourite Christopher Nolan movies, or planning his next vacation. Jason believes that VMUN 2024 will be a memorable experience and wishes everyone the best of luck.


You can contact the Director at jcc@vmun.com. Any questions regarding the committee or its debate procedures will be answered by email. Position papers must also be submitted to this address.

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