Chapter III

Lecturer: Piseth Yin 1

Chapter III

Introduction to East Asia

Asian Culture: HU 201

Lecturer: Mr. Piseth Yin


CHAPTER OUTLINEI. Introducing East AsiaII.Natural EnvironmentIII. East Asia’s PastIV. A century of Transition and

ChangesV. People in East AsiaVI.Government in East AsiaVII.East Asian EconomicsVIII. East Asia’s Looks Ahead


I. Introducing East Asia The term East Asia brings to mind

countries filled with people in crowded cities bustling about their daily business.

East Asia includes mainland China, Mongolia, North Korea, South Korea, Taiwan, and Japan.

East Asia is a huge region, and it holds nearly one-fourth of the world’s population.


Much of the region is subject to natural hazards. Devastating earthquakes have killed hundreds of thousands of people and have caused billion of dollars in damage.

Some problems exist in the region : China, for example, suffers from air and water pollution, deforestation, acid rain, and severe erosion.


II. Natural EnvironmentA. The Land The land area of East Asia is a

little bit more than 4.5 million square miles ( 11.7 million square kilometers.)

In terms of land and productivity, East Asia can best be thought of as a huge doughnut.


The “Roof o the world” , the Plateau of Tibet, reach well at 10,000 feet (3,050 m).

In the Himalayas, Mount Everest is the world highest mountain, 8,859 m high.

Located in Mongolia and northern China, Gobi Desert is a windswept, nearly treeless wasteland. In this area, camels are entitled “ships of the desert”.


B. Climate and Ecosystems All of East Asia lies in the temperate

lati-tute. With the exception or Japan’s northern island of Hokaido, almost the entire region falls within one of three climate zones and their related ecosystems.

Temperatures are warm and humid in the summer cool and slightly drier in the winter.


Moving inland to Mongolia and central and western China, in summer the temperatures often soar to well above 100 0F (38 0C).

Climate and vegetation are important influences on soil type and potential agricultural productivity. In this regard, china, the Koreas, and Japan are extremely fortunate.


C. Environmental Hazards East Asia ranks at or near the

top in frequency of destruction resulting from six of nature’s most violent events: Earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, tsunami (called tidal waves), typhoons, earth flow or slide, and flooding.


D. Geologic Hazards A huge zone of geologic instability surround

almost all of the Pacific basin.

Most of East Asia volcanic activity is limited to Japan. The country has about 40 active volcanoes, 10 percent of the world’s total.

Tsunamis (the word in Japanese means “Harbor wave”) are huge waves caused by earthquakes or earth slides on the ocean floor.


E. Atmospheric Hazards All East Asian countries except

Mongolia can be effected by the raging winds and drenching rain that accompany typhoons in the Atlantic Ocean.

Typhoon winds exceed 75 miles (120 km) pre hour and on occasion reach 150 miles (250 km) per hour or even higher.


F. Flooding All areas of East Asia, even the

desert, are subject to flooding. Flood problems have taken millions of lives, left tens of millions homeless, and inflicted billions of dollars in property damage.

The main courses of floods in the area are: The dense population, and extensive deforestation.


G. Three Gorges DamHuman history has been marked by a constant single that pits mankind against natural forces.

What happen on the Yangze River is a Hydro-power damp, a cost estimated as high as 75 billion US dollars.


The Dam provides advantages and disadvantages.Advantages:

Flood control Production of hydro-electronic energy Navigation improvement on the

Yangze River


Disadvantages: 2 million people have been displaced by

the rising water of the reservoir Lost wildlife habitat and endangered

species Cause climate change in the area Archeological sites have been lost


III. East Asia’s PastEarly Humans in East Asia The earliest humans discovered thus

far in East Asia were located in a small village, Zhoukoudan, located about 30 miles (48 km) southwest of Beijing.

Today, Zhoukoudiand is a UNESCO World Heritage and archaeologists conti-nue to excavate in search of additional clue of early people.


A. China Early History: From these early

humans, civilizations developed as long as 4,000 years near the Huang River in north China.

For much of it history, China has been like a sponge: It has soaked up ideas, technology, and other culture traits from neighboring people .


In the Long history, China Existed of Many Dynasties:

China’s Dynasties

Name Period Ruled

1.Xia Dynasty In about 2,000 B.C

2. Shang Dynasty 1,700 – 1,027 B.C

3. Zhou Dynasty 1,027– 221B.C

4. Han Dynasty 206 B.C – A.D 220

5.Jin Dynasty 265--420

6. Sui Dynasty 581--617


China’s Dynasties

Name Period Ruled

7. Tang Dynasty 618-907

8. Song Dynasty 960-1127

9. Yuan Dynasty 1271-1368

10. Ming Dynasty 1368-1644

11. Qing Dynasty 1644-1911

12. Republic of China 1912-1949

13. P.R. of China 1949- Present


Great Wall of China


China Extends Its Reach Influence of the Han Dynasty reached to

Korea, where the Koguryo Kingdom (37 B.C—A.D 668) was the first to come in contact with the Chinese.

The Three Kingdoms:- Koguryo (37 B.C—A.D668)- Baekje by King Onjo in 18 B.C- Silla by King Bak Hyeokgeose in 57 B.C


China’s fingers continued to reach in other directions under the Jin, Sui, and Tang dynasties.

China was becoming an international trade center, and civil service system based on Confucian philosophy was installed during the Tang Dynasty.


Song Dynasty reunified the country; it controlled most of the lands of modern China until 1127.

Industry centers, hubs for agricultural activities, trade centers, and even military power were developed remarkably in the song


B. Japan Japan is believed to be created by two

Gods who descended from heaven.

Jammu became the first human emperor of Japan in 660 B.C. Because of this reason, the islands are described as the Land of the Rising Sun.

The Kofun (A.D 300—645) and Asuka (A.D 538—710) are considered the first period controlled by Japanese rulers.


Kyoto is the city during which the Heian period lasted for nearly 400 years from 794—1185. During the period, a process of decentralizing power occurred.

The Kamakura and Muromachi eras (1333—1573) were marked by disunity at the beginning, and then they came up with a full power in 1392.

During this time, Buddhism and Shinto became very popular, and some kinds of goods: silk, porcelain, and books were imported from China.


Japan started the relationship with the Western in 1542, when the Portuguese arrived because it needed weapons.

The beginning of the seventeenth century found Japan entering a new era called The Tokugawa or Edo (1600—1867).

Tokugawa Ieyasu had overcome all rivals by 1600 and established his capital in the city Edo (Tokyo).


Japan Closes Its Doors Japan closed nearly its doors to the outside world

during the Tokugawa period because Ieyasu did not trust the foreigners.

As Japan turned inward during the Tokugawa, everything developed rapidly in the cities of Osaka, Kyoto and Tokyo. Handicraft, industries sprouted up in these urban areas, and Tokyo became a center for production of food and consumer goods.


The samurai is the key term used to represent the noble warrior class during the Edo period, and it played very important role in Japan history.

Since the start of eighteenth century, Japan opened its doors to the world, especially with Russia, British, and even America.


Japan Becomes a World Power During the Mutsuhito’s rule, military weapons and

technology remarkably developed compared to that of the West.

A number of other reforms based on Western ideas included the development of a stock market and a market economy.

Telegraphs, roads, railroads, weapons, factories, and other infrastructure developments improved the country’s military abilities.


Soon after the Meiji Restoration, Japan’s economic and military machines were working at top speed.

Japan won the Sino—Japanese war in 1894—1895.

Russia was defeated in1904—1905 .

The significant victories marked Japan the first time an Asian country had defeated a European power.


C. Korea The name Korea drawn from the dynasty, Koryo,

which united from the Three Kingdoms: The Koguryo, the Baekje, and the Silla, and ruled until 1392.

Koryo’s civilization reached its peak in 1231, during which the Mongols invaded the penin-sula.

Finally, the Mongols were expelled from Korea in 14th century by the Chinese and local rebels.


The Chosun Dynasty began and lasted more than 5 centuries (1392—1910).

General Yi Song-Gye became the first emperor of the new dynasty in 1392.

Seoul became the permanent city in 1394. Hangul was established as the Korean

alphabet by King Sejong in 1443, and it serves as the basic for today’s written Korean language.


Throughout 18th century, Western ideas entered Chosun by way of China.

Chosun basically closed its doors to outsiders because of fears of impact of Catholic missionaries who were viewed negatively.

When Japan forced an unequal treaty on Koreans in 1876, Korea tried to neutralize the treaties with Italy, Russia, Great Britain, the United States and others in 19th century.


D. Mongolia Mongolia reached the zenith of its power more

than 5 centuries ago.

Starting with Genghis Khan, Mongolia was well prepared to establish outstanding warriors and had conquered the others: China, Korea, and Japan.

By 1241, expeditions had reached not only into China and Korea, but into some countries in Europe: Russia, Hungary, Lithuania, Italy, Austria…


Why did the Mongol Empire eventually collapse? After Khan died, Yuan Dynasty was a

successor. Not good governance The Mongols did not culturally or socially

absorb the conquered people. Perhaps not enough Mongols to rule the

conquered land. Civil war broke out


E. Taiwan Taiwan was known as Formosa Island, and it

has been under the foreign domination many times during its past: Portuguese, Spanish, and Dutch in 16th and 17th centuries.

The Manchus annexed the island from 1662—1683, it remained a part of China until the end of the Sino-Japanese war in 1895.

Taiwan remained under Japanese control until the end of World War II.


IV. A Century of Transition and Change

At the dawn of 20th century, only Japan was a new world power.

Japan’s victories over: China in 1805 Russia in 1905 Korea in 1910


China and Mongolia Take New Direction “Three principles of the People”: Nationalism,

democracy, and people’s livelihood were advocated by Dr. Sun Yat-sen.

Yuan Sikai assumed the provisional presidency of the Republic of China in January 1912.

Qing emperor abdicated in Feb. 1912.


Yuan Sikai denied democratic rule and became dictatorial.

Kuomingtang (KMT) won the parliament majority in 1913, resulting a KMT leader’s assassination.

To prevent his dictatorship, Yuan allowed outer Mongolia in 1915 to became independent and to place Russia interests, and tried to make himself China’s Monarch.


Mongolia remained under the two strong regional powers; however, the Treaty of Kyakhta was signed in 1915 by Russia, China and Mongolia to provide Mongolia autonomy.

During World War I, Russia was reoccupied by other activities, and Mongolia became less important.


Japan Flexes Its Military Muscle Japan was the strongest power in East Asia at the

start of 20th century, and it sought to further expand it influence in the region.

After World War I, when conditions were chaotic in China, Japan pushed for the country to become a protectorate.

In 1919, massive student demonstrations against both the Chinese and Japanese government broke out.


This sparked the return of Sun Yat-sen who was able to assumed control much of southern China by 1921.

Hirohito became emperor of Japan in 1929, and his reign is called Showa period.

By military consolidation power, Japan invaded and seized Manchuria in 1931 and turned it into a puppet state called Manchukuo.


In 1937, Japan invaded China. Hundreds of thousands of Chinese were killed,

tortured or raped by ruthless Japanese troops.

In 1939, Japan launched an invasion of East Mongolia, but the attack was repulsed by Soviet Union and Mongolian forces.

In World War II in 1939, Japan turned its targets to Eastern and Southeastern Asia.


The major obstacle was the United States with its bases in Pacific , Hawaii and in the Philippines.

In Dec. 7, 1941, Japan launched a surprising attack on Pearl Harbor in Hawaii and on the U.S base in Manila hours later.

With the U.S drawn in to the war, Japan’s early successes turned in to disaster.


In June 1921, Japan and its Axis were pushed backward to homelands by the Allies.

The war left Japan defeated, devastated and occupied by the United States under forces led by General Douglas MacArthur.

In 1945, the U.S used a new weapon: Atomic bomb on Japan’s cities of Hiroshima (Killing 100,000) and Nagasaki (Killing 75,000 more).


Japanese military leaders still would not surrendered, but Emperor Hirohito did.

World War II in the Pacific finally ended , and Japan lay in ruins.

In 1947, Japan adopted a new constitution that was drafted by the United States.


The Korean Peninsula Under Japan occupation, Koreans were poorly

treated, resulted in resentment to build against the foreign rulers.

Korean males were forced into Japan’s military and Koreans were required to speak Japanese.

Because of resistance, Japan loosened its grip on Korea during the 1920s, a time when positive steps were taken in economic, political, and social arenas.


One Korean communist, Kim Il Sung had been a guerrilla who fought against the Japanese rule.

During the war, the United States and Soviet were the only 2 supper powers that divided the peninsula into two: North and South Koreas.

In 1948, with American support, South Korea declared that it was the independent country, the Republic of Korea.


North Korea declared its sovereignty a month later.

With superior military forces trained by Russia, North Korea invaded South Korea in June 25, 1950.

To stop the invasion from N. Korea, the United Nation Security Council adopted the resolution in order to send international forces to Korea.


The US troops and forces from 15 other countries were sent to S. Korea.

In 1953, the fighting ended with North and South Korea signing a cease-fire agreement.

As a result, nearly 5 million people had died in the conflict and the peninsula was in ruins.


The US has kept troops in S. Korea ever since the war.

Today the 38th parallel is designated as a demilitarized zone (DMZ), where no troops from North or S, Korea can trespass.

The DMZ was established to end the war by armistice agreement.


However, there have been tens of thousands of violations by N. Korea.

During recent years, the conflict between the North and S. Korea has relaxed. Families divided by the war have been allowed, on occasion, to cross the border to meet other family members.


Changes in China Chiang Kai-shek brought the unity to China in

the late 1920s.

It began fracture with Japan’s seizure of Manchuria.

Chinese people became dissatisfied with the rule of Chiang’s KMT party which seemed to be more preoccupied with Communist than with Japanese.


Chiang decided to worked with the Commu-nists against Japanese after he was detained for a number of days in late 1936.

However, the tension between the two parties continued.

In 1940s, the Communists gained the major popularity from Chinese people under Moa Zedong’s leader.


After World War II, the two parties were nearly engaged in civil war.

In retreat, Chiang Kai-shek declared that Taiwan would be the temporary capital of China.

Moa Zedong established his government on the Mainland in the newly named People’s Republic of China (PRC).


Moa worked to turn China into a socialist economy, but it run slowly and not very productive.

Soon after Moa’s death in 1976, steps were taken to make economy more open and less socialist.

By the end of 20th century, China’s economy was booming: it even had an active stock market.


In 1989, Hundreds of people protesting for democracy were killed in Tiananmen Square in Beijing because of political change in China.


V. The People in East AsiaA. Population Characteristics The East Asia region is remarkable for its

contrasting population.

For example, China is the world’s most populated country.

Mongolia has fewer than 3 million residents.


The region as the whole has strong ethnic diversity, but within each country there is a strong sense of cultural homogeneity.

In most countries, the language of the dominant cultural group is used officially. Only Taiwan is an exception, which used Mandarin Chinese.


Data from East Asia show that the region has a low population growth rate. Only Mongolia, with 1.43 percent annual rate, exceeds the world average.

N. Korea (0.98%) Taiwan (0.64%) S. Korea (0.62%) China (0.57%) Japan (0.08%)


In all East Asia countries, life expectancy exceeds the world’s average of 64 years.

Women’s life spans exceed men’s In the region by 3 to 7 years.

More details about the characteristics of people in East Asia are on page 89 of the textbook.


All East Asia countries exceed the world’s average literacy rate of 77%.

Because of traditional customs that favor males in many of these culture, more men are literate than women.

Due to overpopulation, Chinese are allowed to get only one child, “One family one child policy”.


The policy resulted in the abortion and abandon of females.

Foot binding was popular in China, which is believed that feet of young girls would be dainty.

The saying “Women hold up half the world” Moa Zedong’s when the Communist came into power.


Religion Major religion in East Asia include Islam,

Buddhism and Christianity.

Shinto, Buddhism, Confucianism and Toaism are the dominant faiths, called “Eastern Thoughts” by Western societies.


A. Shinto: Japan is the home of Shinto, a faith that

dates back to at least 500 B.C.

Shinto creation stories tell about a divine couple named Izanagi-no-mikoto and Izanami-no-mikoto.

Shinto has 4 affirmation:


1. Tradition and family2. Love and nature3. Physical cleanliness and 4. Matsuri

B. Confucianism Confucius was a philosopher who lives in

China from 551 to 479 B.C. in Zhou Dynasty.


His philosophy found many followers in East Asia and Southeast Asia, where it remains strong today.

The key ideas include the idea of Jen which means “Human heartedness or Social value”. The teachings include various rituals that can be applied to daily life.

Confucius’ teaching emphasized three universal virtues: wisdom, benevolece and fortitude.


Confucianism was the official ideology of China until 1911.

C. Buddhism Buddhism was started by Siddhartha

Gautama in India in about 600 B.C.

Siddhartha became uncomfortable with his life of luxury and started to travel outside of his protected palace in search of enlightenment.


He was shocked to find that diseases, poverty, misery and death existed just beyond the palace gate. These observations turned him to a life of austerity.

Soon, people began to refer to Siddhartha as Buddha, a term that means “Enlightened one”

Buddhism, like Confucianism. Is a philosophy or an ethical code of living rather than a religion.


Nirvana is the state that Buddha said did not require rebirth, a state where there was freedom from daily suffering.

To achieve Nirvana Buddha advocated the Eightfold Path, which teach followers to believe right, desire right, think right, live right, do the right things, think the right thoughts, behave right and practice deep reflection.


Five fundamental precepts are held by most Buddhists; they include the following promises

1. Not to harm or kill any living thing2. Not to steal or take anything that is not freely

given3. To control sexual desires4. Not to tell a lie5. Not to drink or take drugs


The Arts The arts are part of important traditions in

East Asia, where visual arts and music have long played significant cultural roles.

Religion often inspired artists: Hundreds of Buddhas are carved into solid rick or represented in Chinese sculptures.


China has a numbers of art forms, including painted pottery, paintings, sculptures, carvings, and calligraphy (the written language itself is used as art).

Japan and other areas in East Asia have also used a wide array of art forms to convey their culture and creativity.

Kabuki (Stylized theater) remains a popular performing art in Japan.


It features elaborate and colorful costumes that date back to the 17th century.

Korea has been strongly influenced by Chinese culture in music, the visual arts and calligraphy.

Sculpture in S. Korea reflects ties to Buddhism, and arts in N. Korea is very tradition.


Foods East Asia foods have become popular

worldwide

Chinese foods: Cuisine (Beijing duck, sweet, and sour pork) Szechuan (Sichuan) with lots of hot peppers Shandong cooking (Sea food)


Japanese foods have aesthetic appeal similar to that in China.

Japanese favorites include: Tempura, sushi, sashimi, udon, soba, gyoza

and yakitori. A popular favoring is a green color paste

called wasabi.


Korean foods: Many Korean foods are spicy with red pepper, ginger, green onion, and garlic.

Most popular Korean foods are: Kimchi (the pickled spicy cabbage Bulgogi or pulgoki Maeuntang (Spicy sea food soup Rice serves as a staple diet of Korean


Mongolian foods are often high in fate and protein, both of which help Mongolians survive the long, harsh winter.

Mongolians’ favorite foods are: Meets (Camel, beef, lamb and horse) Boiled animal fate Vegetable (Millet, wheat and oats)


VI. Governments in East Asia Governments in East Asia have varied and

sometimes checkered pasts that range from cruel and violent dictatorships to strong and peaceful democracies.

Governments are a reflection of a country’s culture and history.


Disagreement often happens within the countries in the region, especially N. Korea’s quest for nuclear weapons.

Communism also flourishes in some nations: China, Mongolia and N. Korea; however, they operate within a more democratic political environment.


Constitutions A constitution represents the highest law.

Its prime purpose is to establish governments and provides protections, freedom, and rights for citizens.

The rule of law: People are protected by constitution and even the president and other leaders must obey the law.


The rule of man: Some individuals operate above the law. A prime example of this is the rule of N. Korea’s Kim Jung Il.

In his regime, thousands have been persecuted. This numbers includes members of his own family. As Kim’s rule is often arbitrary, unequal, and unjust.

More details about E.A’s basic government function are on page 104 of the textbook.


GovernmentsA. China Official name: The People Republic of China

(PRC)

Chief of State: President (Elected for 5 years term)

Head of Government: Premier


China is a Communist state since the takeover led by Moa Zedong in 1949.

Two dominant parties in China are Communist party led by Moa Zedong and Koumingtang party led by Chiang Kai-shek.

Dr. Sun Yat-sen was a powerful political leader who had united both parties.


During Japan’s attack on China, the Communist and Nationalist fought the Japanese and defeated them in WW II with the help from Americans and other allies.

The two parties drew the nation into civil war. In 1949, the Communist under Moa Zedong emerged victorious and the PRC was formed.


B. Japan Japan is a constitutional monarchy with a

parliament form or government.

Japan’s constitution went into effect in 1947, when it was imposed by the United States after WW II.

Under foreign power, it is surprising that the constitution has not been amended since then.


Diet is the country’s legislature with 2 houses (Bicameral)

1. House of Councillors, Kokkai (250 members with 6 year terms)

2. House of Representative, Shugi-in (480 members with 4 year terms.

Japan’s highest court is the Supreme Court; it is modeled after similar court in Europe and the United States.


C. Mongolia Land-lock Mongolia has a constitution that

dates back only to 1992.

Mongolia has a strong Communist Party called the Mongolian People’s Revolutionary Party (MPRP).

It has a unicameral legislature called the Great Hural with elected 76 members in 4 year terms.


President serves as the Chief of State in 4 year terms with a two term limit.

The Supreme Court is the highest court in Mongolia

D. North Korea North Korea has a totalitarian government

under the iron fist rule primarily of Kim Jung Il.


Kim took control in 1994, when his father, Kim Il Sung died.

North Korea government is a virtual cult with a dictatorship devoted to the public adoration of the dead leader Kim Il Sung.

Government institutions in N. Korea include the Supreme People’s Assembly (SPA), which administers the functions of legislative and judicial areas.


The Assembly is dominated by the Korean Workers Party (KWP) which is the Korean Communist Party.

The cabinet is called the State Administration Council, and it operates the ministries in the government.

Other minor parties are allowed to exist, but only under tightly controlled and token circumstances.


E. South Korea In contrast to N. Korea, S. Korea has

developed democratic traditions in era since the Korean War.

S. Korea has constitution that was originally adopted in 1948.

S. Korea constitution begins with the phase, “We , the people of Korea…


S. Korea has a president who is elected for a 5 year term by a direct election of the people with only one term limit.

The Republic of Korea has a unicameral legislature called the National Assembly.

Members of the assembly are elected for 4-year term with 200 members.


The highest court in S. Korea is the Supreme Court with its members in 6-year term.

Justices are appointed by the president but must be approved by the National Assembly.

F. Taiwan China considers Taiwan a breakaway province,

yet Taiwan operates as an independent entity with its own government.


The government of Taiwan is democratic, with a constitution that was first adopted in 1947.

In 1990s, the document was amended four times in the efforts to make government more democratic.

The president and vice-president were elected for a four-year term.


The president appoints the premier, who serves as the head of the government.

Taiwan has a one house legislature called the Legislative Yuon.

A second body is a unicameral boy called the National Assembly with 300 members.


The National Assembly meets only when called into a session by the Legislative Yuon in the urgent event like the amendment of the constitution.

The highest court in Taiwan is the Judicial Youn, which its members are appointed by the president.

A controversial political issue in Taiwan is the subject of declaring independent from China.


Citizen Rights and Responsibilities The roles and importance of citizen vary

widely in the region.

Citizen in N. Korea have many restrictions.

A strange duty in Article 85 of N. Korea’s constitution states, “Citizen shall constantly increase their revolutionary vigilance and devotedly fight for security of the state”.


Loosely translated, this means citizens have the responsibility of spying on other citizens to protect the state.

China constitution guarantees freedom of speech and people rights.

However, in 1989 the government forcefully cracked down demonstrations for democracy in Tiananmen Square.


In 1999, China’s leadership began persecuting the Falungong spiritual movement, resulting thousands tortured, killed or disappeared.

Throughout the region, citizens are required to defend the motherland or serve in the military if needed.

Japan and S. Korea require citizens to educate their children and Mongolia requires its citizens to protect nature and environment.


E. Asian Countries and Foreign Relations Some E. Asian countries play an important role

on international stage in terms of their economic power.

China is one of 5 countries with a permanent seat on the UN Security Council.

This means that it has a veto power an the council resolution among the other members: The United States, France, Russia and the UK.


Japan, China, Mongolia, and the republic of Korea have participated in international peace keeping efforts.

Taiwan and N. Korea are relatively isolated in international affairs.

N. Korea uses this isolation to control its people and keep them from outside info.


Today the country also threaten to arm itself with nuclear weapons.

In contrast Taiwan is isolated because the PRC demands international recognition as the only true China.

All countries in the region except Taiwan, participate in international conference:


Montreal Protocol on the courses of ozone depletion.

Kyoto Protocol on limitation of greenhouse gas emission.

Trade among China, Japan, S. Korea, and Taiwan create and influx of goods to the United States and other countries.


VII. East Asian Economics East Asian Economics run the gamut of (show the

whole range of) economic systems and make the region of great economic contrast.

North Korea: The government controlled economy is a dismal failure.

Japan: The vibrant economy ranges third behind only the United States and the rapid extending economy of China.


Some countries are rich in natural resources, whereas others have few.

Personal incomes in the region range from rich to impoverished, and access to technology varies from the world class to very primitive.


East Asia Enters the Industrial Age Japan faced devastated economy after WW II.

Because it was occupied by the Allied forces, Japan was not allowed to govern itself.

When the U.S. occupation ended in 1952, Japan started the difficult process of building a modern and advanced economy.

A half century ago, to consumers in the West, the label “Made in Japan” generally meant cheap goods of low quality.


During the past several decades, “Made in Japan” has come to mean cars, electronics, robotics, and other goods of unsurpassed quality.

Japan’s economy grew rapidly in the 1950s, and by the late 1980s, its economy had grown to be the world second largest.

“P-Q-R-S-T” is the main and first factor conducted not only in Japan but also in other East Asian countries.


“P-Q-R-S-T” was proposes by Dr. Charles F. Gritzner, a geographer at South Dakota State University.

P = Productive and Price Q= Quality R= Robotization S= Standards for sales and services T= Technology


Another key factor in the rapid development of these countries has been the existence of governments that have allowed free-market system.

A Region of Economic Contrast Economic contrast in East Asia can be

reflected by some other factors in these countries:


Agriculture Industry Government Policy

Measures of Economic DevelopmentGNP = Gross National ProductGDP = Gross Domestic ProductPPP = Purchasing Power Parity


Per Capita GDP ranges from $1,000 in North Korea to $28,000 in Japan.

The rate is increasing in most of these countries but much more slowly in the economies dominated by agriculture.

The chart on page 124 shows key economic indicators for the countries in East Asia.


Regional EconomyChina China’s economic development has been

marked by amazing transition from a largely subsistence agriculture economy to a modern industrial economy.

Since the 1970s, China has moved from poverished nation to the world’s second ranking GDP.


In 1978 Premier Deng Xiaoping promoted the Fore Modernization (Agriculture, industry, science and technology) which pushed China’s economy forward.

The country has a huge natural resource base with oil, coal, iron, tin etc. It also has a huge labor force.

Today China is crossing new economic frontiers, taking major steps toward developing aerospace industry.


With its huge population, the country is the world largest consumer market.

Japan Japan’s entry into the 21th century was a bit

confusing economically, as economy had stagnated during the 1990s.

During recent years, Japan’s GDP has been surpassed by that of China, dropping the economy to third place among the world’s nations.


Another major factor that affected Japan was the problem of deflation.

During recent years, under new political leadership, Japan’s economy has shown signs of reigniting, and by 2003 the country’s economy exceeded the growth rate in the U.S.


Japan imported energy and other natural resources , and then produces high-quality products that are sold domestically and exported.

Japan exports its products to:1. The United States = 30 %2. China = 6.9 %3. South Korea = 6.9 %4. Taiwan = 6.2 %


Top imports include machinery and equipment, fuels, foodstuffs, chemicals, textiles, and raw materials.

In recent years, Japan exported about 100 billion U.S. dollars more than its imported, which is more than four times the entire GDP of North Korea.


Mongolia Mongolia’s economy is still mostly agrarian

(Agriculture).

It also has a valuable natural resource base, coal, molybdenum, tin, tungsten, and gold.

Because Mongolia is landlocked, trade is difficult: The lack of harbors denies its major gateways to the world for exportation and importation.


Importation from1. Russia = 32 %2. China = 9.4 % Exportation to1. The U.S = 33.6 %2. Russia = 9.6 % One third of its GDP was assisted by Soviet

Union in the 1980s.


In recent years, Mongolian government has conducted economic reforms; however, it still faces the problems with huge foreign dept of Russia.

North Korea Because the government’s expenditures

focus mainly on military purposes (One third of GDP), its economy is very low compared with the other countries.


Exports by N. Korea are very limited, and amount to less than U.S one billion dollars per year.

Exportations of N. Korea are mostly military weaponry to some regimes in promoting terrorism.

Primary imports include oil, grains, machinery and textiles from China, Brazil and India.


Poor government, a closed market, and widespread poverty all serve to discourage investment and economic improvement in the foreseeable future.

South Korea Economically, S. Korea is one of the “Four

Tigers” in Asia along with Taiwan, Hong Kong (now part of China), and Singapore.


South Korea also uses Japan’s P-Q-R-S-T model, resulting in remarkably economically increase.

During recent decades, the country’s annual GDP has grown at rates of 10 percent.

In the 1970s, S. Koreas had a standard of living compared to those of the world’s poorer nations.


Today its per capita GDP is higher than those of such countries as Israel, Portugal, Greece and other developed nations.

S. Korea is also already a nation in international trade, ranking 12th in terms of exports.

The main export products include electronics, cars, shoes, steel, machinery, and clothing.


Recipients of S. Korea’s products are:1. The United States = 20.4 %2. China = 14.7 %3. Japan = 9.4 %4. Hong Kong = 6.3 %

Imports include machinery, electronics, oil, chemicals, and grains.


South Korea import from:1. Japan = 19.6 %2. The United States = 15.2 %3. China = 11.4 %4. Saudi Arabia = 5 %


Taiwan Taiwan is one or the Four Tigers in terms of

its economy because it has a dynamic free-market system.

In the past 30 year, Taiwan’s annual GDP rate has incredibly grown about 8 %.

Taiwan has become and important investor in many other Asian countries.


Major exports include machinery, electrical equipment, metals, textiles, plastics, and chemicals.

Taiwan’s exports and imports:Export to: Import from:1. Hong Kong= 23.9 % 1. Japan = 24.3 %2. The U.S. = 20.8 % 2. U.S. = 16.1 %3. Japan = 9.3 % 3. China = 7.1

%4. China =7.7 % 4. S. Korea = 6.9

%


East Asia and Global Economy The economies of East Asia touch families around

the world every day.

East Asia’s products: CD players, speakers, computers equipment, and communication equipment can be found in America and Canada.

With its rapid economic expansion and emergence as an international economic power, China remains a country to watch.


If its growth trend continues, China will soon surpass the United States as the world’s largest economy.

Four of the countries in East Asia are economic success stories: China, Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan are modern societies with strong economies.

On the whole, East Asia is emerging as the world’s most dynamic economic region, and its future looks bright.


East Asia Looks Ahead The 21st century has been referred to as the “The

century of Pacific” by Mike Mansfield, former U.S. ambassador to Japan.

This is true in many ways—population, world’s economies, technology, and other areas.

When attempting to look ahead, it is always useful to examine past and ongoing trends and patters that occur in a region.


Population trends in the region are revealing: China’s population is projected to grow to 1.45

billions by the year 2025, and then it will drop to 1.39 billions by 2050.

Population is predicted to decline in Japan, South Korea, Taiwan between 2025 and 2050, as deaths begin to surpass births in number.

Only Mongolia has significant increases projected through 2050.

N. Korea’s population is predicted to remain about the same.


China’s increasing prosperity, a result of its rapid economic development, is also projected to continue.

Will the new prosperity be used to increase military strength or for improving the status of citizens?

Japan, Taiwan, and S. Korea most likely will continue to have strong economy.


Trade opportunities in most E. Asian countries are enhanced by access to the sea, except Mongolia.

The threat of piracy has increased in the region as oil tankers and container ships have become targets for thieves and terrorists.

Regional conflicts with long-standing histories remain as explosive issues, especially North and South Korea.


The nuclear threat also posed a major problem for Japan as the scares of animosity between the Koreans and Japanese lingers.

The relationship between Taiwan and China remains tenuous because of 2004 assassination attempt

China threaten that it will never allow Taiwan to become independent.


The two Chinese entries have strong militaries and a PRC invasion of the Island would directly involve the United States.

If conflict can be avoided in the Koreas and between China and Taiwan, the future seems exceedingly bright.


Chapter III

Documents

east asiagovernment

ecosystemsall of east

piseth yin climate

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piseth yin2hu

piseth yin1lecturer

piseth yinmuch

east asia volcanic activity