Geography Sem 2 Unit 2

For centuries, China has had to balance a desire for industrial development and a solution to environmental problems. During the Qing Dynasty in the late 19th century, the population of the region grew rapidly. This led to increased land use, both for farming and using natural resources, which led to deforestation and soil erosion. Qing leaders saw economic potential in further industrialization, creating steamships and railroads and digging canals for irrigation and travel. Most importantly, China became reliant on coal power and forged ahead with industrialization despite environmental concerns. Since then, China has had other attempts to increase their industrial output, including Chairman Mao Zedong's social campaign to transform China from an agricultural nation to an industrial nation. Similar to China, many nations in East Asia are having to find a balance between reaping the economic benefits of industrialization and mitigating the environmental problems it causes.

In spite of the large rural population that exists throughout much of China and in many countries of Eastern Asia, for the most part these developed and developing nations are moving steadily along their trajectory of industrialization or post-industrialization. However, the industrialization of Eastern Asia has clearly taken a much different path than that of the Western world - specifically the United States and Western Europe. Japan is considered an "early late developing nation" due to the fact that Japan entered its period of industrialization only in the 19th century. During its industrialization process, Japan borrowed heavily from the Western experiences with industrialization due to the fact that Japan was behind them by quite a few years. The United States and Great Britain, for example, experienced their industrial revolutions in the late 18th century. However, although Japan was behind the U.S. and Great Britain, it far outpaced the industrialization of other Eastern Asia nations. In contrast to Japan, the countries of Taiwan and South Korea did not enter the 20th century with any type of strong industrial base or technological capabilities. Taiwan and South Korea had to focus on their low wages as their competitive advantage and the way they could "woo" international business and investment. Today, there are eight countries considered to be High Performing Asian Economies (HPAE). Japan, Hong Kong, South Korea, Singapore, Taiwan, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand are all categorized as HPAEs. Notice that China and North Korea are not part of this group.

From Malaysia to South Korea to Taiwan, East Asia has undergone tremendous changes in recent years. Many of its cities are modern marvels, and its people have increased their standard of living as business has boomed. Such rapid economic growth has increased life expectancy and educational opportunities. However, that success is being threatened by various factors, such as overcrowding and pollution. Colorful lanterns have been a tradition of Taiwanese life since the 1500s. They were used by the military to prevent candles and oil lamps from blowing out in the wind. The lanterns then became a form of art, and these days they have gone high-tech to the delight of many. In recent decades, several countries along the Pacific Rim have emerged as "economic tigers" because of their astounding economic success. These "tigers" include South Korea, Taiwan, Singapore, and Hong Kong. Each has challenged the economic dominance of Japan in the region by rapidly industrializing.

Taiwan has always been a diplomatic sore spot for China ever since the Nationalists fled China at the end of the Chinese Civil War in 1949. China maintains that Taiwan is a part of China, while Taiwan claims to be an independent country. Located off the coast of China, there has been in recent years an uptick in Chinese military activity aimed toward the island nation. Japan's dominance as a colonial power on the Korean Peninsula ended more than seven decades ago. Even though Japan and South Korea are important trading partners, that history is a source of contention. Several issues continue to strain relations, including the treatment of Koreans at the hands of Japanese soldiers before and during World War II.

The cultural impact of ancient civilizations on the modern day countries of Eastern Asia cannot be overstated. For example, although the nations of Korea, Japan, and China all have their own language, the ancient Chinese writing system is considered the backbone of all communication in Eastern Asia. This ancient script was first passed on to Korea and then to Japan. Throughout Asia, religion is also shared between borders as well. In China, the Han Dynasty (206 BCE - 220 CE) promoted Confucianism as the official religion of the state. They went so far as to establish tests based on Confucian texts as an entrance requirement for government jobs. Confucianism focuses on human morality and right action. Confucianism is a complex system of moral, social, political, philosophical, and quasi-religious thought that has had tremendous influence to the present time on the culture of Eastern Asia. Since the Han Dynasty, many in China have believed that Confucianism works well with ruling government. The basic teachings of Confucianism stress the importance of education for moral development of the individual so that the state can be governed by moral virtue rather than the use of coercive laws. In Japan, although some citizens do practice Confucianism, Shinto is a more commonly practiced religion. Shinto, like Confucianism and Taoism, is considered a Taoic religion. Taoic religions have over 500 million followers around the world. These religions are focused around the concept of Tao (meaning "the way") and mainly originate from China, Japan, Korea, and Vietnam.

The Silk Road was a series of land and sea trade routes that crisscrossed the continents of Asia and Europe. During the Han Dynasty, this trade route was built to expand trade between China and the Roman Empire. Unlike its name, the Silk Road was not only meant for transporting silk. The Silk Road was also used for trading many other commodities such as gold and ivory as well as exotic animals and plants. This series of trade routes stretched from Japan to the Mediterranean and was used for almost 2000 years until about 1500 CE. The Silk Road has also helped promote the transfer of culture and people and ideas between the East and the West. The intersections among people from diverse cultures along the way promoted an unprecedented sharing of goods, ideas, arts, sciences and innovations. Over the centuries, many important scientific and technological innovations have migrated to the West along the Silk Road, including gunpowder, the magnetic compass, the printing press, silk, mathematics, ceramic and lacquer crafts. The Silk Road is studied by students and scholars to learn about the interconnectedness of people and ideas throughout the world.

The Uyghurs, also spelled Uighurs or Uigurs, are a Muslim ethnic group that moved to China's province of Xinjiang, located in the northwest part of China. Human rights groups believe that China is trying to erase the culture of the Uyghurs, which amounts to a genocide. The groups claim that China has created a large network of camps that hold prisoners and force them to work. In a December 2020 study, the BBC revealed that half a million people were forced to pick cotton, a main crop of the mostly desert region. They also claim that China banned Muslim religious practices and destroyed religious buildings in the region. Xinjiang constantly surveils its people, including checkpoints and cameras that monitor the movements of people. China claims the increased surveillance is being used to crack down on Islamist extremism and terrorism. It also insists that the labor camps are used for job training and education and says that the allegations of forced labor are false. Several nations, including the United States under Presidents Trump and Biden, have accused China of genocide and crimes against humanity. Despite the accusations, very few actions against China have been taken. The nation was allowed to host the Winter Olympics in February 2022, with limited boycotts. The Biden administration declared a diplomatic boycott, which meant that U.S. government officials would not attend the games, but athletes would compete. Supporters of the Uyghurs had claimed that China should have been banned from hosting the Olympics and that more actions should be taken worldwide to counter the atrocities.

The Korean Peninsula used to be united into one region with a common culture, but after reunification failed at the end of the Korean War, the nations of North Korea and South Korea have grown even further apart in their cultural identities. South Korea, a constitutional democracy, allows a wide range of freedoms to its citizens. North Korea, a dictatorship, is accused of incarcerating a large amount of its population in political prison camps and allows little freedom of the press. While North Koreans and South Koreans enjoy the same types of food, mainly rice, North Koreans are more often malnourished. The difference in poverty levels between the two nations is evident, as South Korea has about twice the population of North Korea and a much longer life expectancy. South Korea has a large capitalist market that excels in selling their entertainment, including television dramas, video games, and pop music called K-pop. Fashion is also popular in South Korea. In North Korea, the government has banned most forms of entertainment and fashion.

A graph shows the carbon emissions by region throughout the world. Notice that the United States and Canada clearly have the highest carbon emissions. However, the carbon emissions of Eastern Asia are not as clear cut. The communist nations of Eastern Europe emit almost twice as much carbon as do the nations of Japan and Australia. China has a long history of disregard for the environment and it is only recently that China has taken the initiative to enforce environmental sanctions and promote environmentally friendly practices. In June 2007, China unveiled a 62-page climate change plan and promised to focus on climate change and make related issues the heart of its energy policies. Carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases always have been present in the atmosphere, helping keep the earth suitable for plant, animal, and human life. However, since the industrial revolution, emissions of these gases from human activity have accumulated steadily, trapping more heat and resulting in the enhanced greenhouse effect. Although greenhouse gas emissions are primarily associated with the burning of fossil fuels (mainly, coal, oil and natural gas), carbon emissions come from many sources.

The impact of climate change has a very real and measurable cost. Look at a few of the outcomes of climate change if current emissions go unchecked. Every single outcome listed below has the potential to adversely affect human health in a significant way. Water supplies in some critical areas will dwindle as snow and ice disappear. Sea levels will rise, threatening coastal populations. Droughts and floods will become more common. Hurricanes and other powerful storms will cause more and more damage. Agricultural production may increase with slight warming, but will decrease thereafter due to changes in precipitation, weather extremes, and the spread of crop pests and diseases. Changing weather patterns will also change the distribution and incidence of insect-borne and waterborne diseases, such as malaria and cholera.

Which of the following countries in Eastern Asia are divided by a buffer state? North and South Korea Because Japan is culturally homogeneous, geographers would say it is an example of which of the following types of regions? Vernacular region How have farmers in Eastern Asia adapted to the deluge of rain the region experiences during monsoon season? Farmers have started to grow crops that typically thrive in wet conditions

What is the author of this song referring to when they use the term yurt? Large, portable tent used in desert regions

During the era of Chairman Mao, the Soviet Command Economy was adopted. This heightened the abuse of political power and stifled all economic growth. Under Deng Xiaoping, China's economic growth dwarfed that of any industrialized nation in the post-World War II era. China has had recent success expanding production and increasing economic growth mainly because China was a developed country in its past. Years of communist rule led by harsh dictators stifled the creativity and growth of its people, but that creativity and independence is beginning to resurface with the help of the government. Historically, the Chinese were great inventors. They have always had a knack for expanding production and solving complicated problems. Today, the government spares no expense when it comes to promoting grassroots initiatives that could benefit the economic growth of the country. Despite this, China's economic growth has slowed due to the pandemic in 2020. Although China's neighbor, Japan, appears to be a very small country, it actually has the 3rd largest economy in the world - after the United (1st largest economy) States and China (2nd largest economy). Japan consumes a large amount of raw materials and exports an incredible amount of goods to places all over the world. The Japanese are innovative with technology and are renowned for the quality of their electronics, computers, and cars. Because they do not have much arable land, Japan must vigilantly protect some of its crops. Japan is among the world's biggest food importers, relying on imports for 60% of its food. Because it is importing so much of its food, the diet of the people of Japan has changed. Japanese people are not eating as much rice and this is threatening the livelihood of rice farmers. Due to this fact, rice is the most protected crop of Japan - Japan has implemented taxes on imported rice of over 400%! Japan is currently working to seek a balance between agriculture and industry while maintaining its global presence in many markets. Countries throughout Asia, much like Japan, continue to seek a foothold in the global market in different industries. Taiwan, for example, has found itself with incredible economic growth due to its manufacturing industry. The political and economic systems of Eastern Asia are inextricably intertwined and the region continues to grow and develop in many ways - economically as well as politically. On the next page, you will watch a video about the problems experienced by China as it attempts to promote Western style capitalism while restricting other freedoms. The balance is a delicate one.

A dictator generally takes and keeps his power by force. Throughout the history of China, dynastic substitutions have mainly been the result of mutiny or foreign invasion. Asian leaders that are considered a dictator: Hu Jintao Jiang Zemin Kim Jong-Il What is the historical backbone of the writing system throughout Eastern Asia? The ancient Chinese script Considered a Taoic religion: Confucianism Confucianism Taoism Shinto Hong Kong is a territory of China Countries that did rule or occupy Hong Kong: Great Britain China Japan What has been the effect of the post-Mao leadership under Deng Xiaoping in China? Economic growth nearly 10 percent a year What has been the main force behind Taiwan's economic growth? manufacturing What was the goal of the protesters at Tiananmen Square in 1989? economic change and democratic reform How did the United States choose to punish China after accusing them of genocide against the Uyghur people? It declared a diplomatic boycott to the 2022 Winter Olympic Games.

Water is incredibly important to Eastern Asia. The earliest civilization of China settled on the banks of the Huang He - also known as the Yellow River. The Yellow River is known as the "mother river" in China and is the second longest in the country. The only river longer is the Yangtze River. The Yangtze River is the longest river in Asia and the third longest river in the world. As we learned in the previous section, The Three Gorges Dam is located on the Yangtze River. The rivers of Japan are quite different than the rivers of China. The rivers of Japan are generally short and steep due to the mountainous nature of most of the Japanese islands. Approximately half of the rivers of the Korean peninsula are also short or medium sized. The Han River on the Korean Peninsula is not very long, but it is remarkably broad! Historically, this river was used as a trade route to China, but it is no longer suitable for that purpose because its entrance is barred due to its location between the two Koreas.

According to some studies, the number of natural disasters has been increasing around the world, but the number of lives lost and damage caused have changed in recent years due to effective use of technology, communication and transportation systems. Unfortunately, in many parts of Eastern Asia, the poverty and lack of infrastructure have not helped alleviate the effects of the many natural hazards that plague the area. Many parts of Eastern Asia are incredibly susceptible to damage caused by natural hazards. The effect of natural hazards on the loss of human life is directly linked to the poverty level of a region. Tropical Cyclones The terms "hurricane" and "typhoon" are regionally specific names for a strong "tropical cyclone." A tropical cyclone is the generic term for huge revolving storms caused by winds blowing around a central area of low atmospheric pressure over tropical or sub-tropical waters. Tropical cyclones occur more frequently in the Asian and Pacific region than in any other part of world and are usually accompanied by severe flooding. In fact, typhoons and floods cause the greatest loss of life and have the largest socio-economic impact on Northeast Asia. Typhoons and floods account for about 80 per cent of deaths and 60 per cent of total damage to the region. Tropical cyclones (or typhoons) occur in Eastern Asia throughout the year but are most sever during the late summer and early autumn. It is hard to believe that these storms are accompanied by strong winds and torrential rains so heavy that the amount of precipitation from the typhoons in certain places may exceed the total amounts received during average summer monsoons!

Monsoon Monsoons generally refer to seasonal winds in southern and eastern Asia. They blow from the southwest bringing rain in the summer and from the northeast in the winter. The term monsoon actually applies to both the rain and the wind that brings the rain. The word is derived from the Arabic word "mausim" which means season. The sharp shift in winds provides an incredible change in the amount of moisture in the area. Although the term was originally created to apply to the Asian region, it is now used to describe similar conditions in other regions of the world as well. In the United States, Arizona is said to experience monsoonal circulation that is oftentimes referred to as the Arizona Monsoon. Bamboo To many people, when they think of bamboo, they think of China. Bamboo is a type of grass, not a tree,that can replenish itself relatively quickly when it is consumed or cut down. Bamboo grows in dense conditions and is considered one of Asia's best renewable resources. If you look at any home improvement magazine today in the United States, you will see bamboo flooring promoted as an ecologically friendly alternative to traditional hardwood floors. The Japan Current The Japan Current, also known as the Kuroshio Current, is a warm ocean current flowing northeast from the Philippine Sea past southeast Japan to the North Pacific. A current is the movement of water on the surface of the ocean moving in a particular direction. Air moving over the warm Japan Current becomes more temperate and acts to moderate the climate of Taiwan and Japan. Ring of Fire The Pacific Ring of Fire is a region ringing the Pacific Ocean that is prone to earthquake and volcanic activity. This region is an arc stretching from New Zealand, along the eastern edge of Asia, north across the Aleutian Islands of Alaska, and south along the coast of North and South America. The Ring of Fire is where 75% of the earth's volcanoes can be found. Mount Fuji is probably one of the best known volcanoes in Asia. In this region, the subduction of the Pacific plate under the Eurasian plate is responsible for many of the thousands of Japanese islands and volcanoes, including Mount Fuji.

Agriculture is currently the most important activity in Asia. Until the start of the 20th century, subsistence agriculture was the basic economic activity of most of Asia. Paddy rice is the chief crop and staple food in much of the continent, particularly in southern and eastern Asia. The countries of Asia—led by China and India—produce more than 90 percent of the world's supply of rice. In much of Asia, rice is the essence of survival. Poor citizens of both rural and urban areas spend up to 75% of their income on rice. It is essential for the survival of these people that the cost of rice remain within their means. Asia's population continues to grow rapidly. As the population grows, so does the number of rice consumers. This sharp growth requires a large increase in the area of land dedicated to growing rice. This poses a problem due to an overall decrease in land available for agriculture. Bamboo is another important local necessity in eastern Asia. Bamboo is also essential to the poor people of the region due to the fact that it grows easily and can be used as food and in building houses, boats, bridges, and fencing. In recent years, there has been an increase in the development of bamboo as a global commodity to provide a source of income for local people. The danger is that large scale corporations will monopolize the bamboo and rattan sector, keeping the profits out of the hands of local citizens and limiting their access to this important plant.

In 2016, China ended its one-child policy because of economic concerns and an aging population. In a government effort to better balance the population, all couples were allowed to have two children. However, the high costs of raising children in China kept many people from having families. In 2021, China's population growth rate fell to its lowest rate in 60 years. Like many other nations in eastern Asia, it faces an aging population, and there are predictions of massive population attrition, or reduction in numbers, in the coming decades. In May 2021, China announced that it would allow couples to have up to three children and that it would raise the retirement age. However, the policies have had little effect on helping the growth of the population. Some experts suggest that China's policies don't address the real causes of population attrition, such as gender inequality and high living costs. These causes have great effects on young Chinese people and discourage them from getting married and having children.

Children in rural China have often been called the "forgotten children." Many Chinese people living in rural areas want a better life for their children, which means sending them to school. In order to pay for food and school, many parents living in rural areas leave their communities to find work in the city. In 2021, more than 60 percent of China's population lived in urban areas, with many working as laborers or domestic helpers. As the cost of living increases, many families in rural areas are choosing not to have children in an effort to avoid leaving them to make money in the cities. The result is that China, long dependent on the high fertility rate in rural areas to balance out the lower rate in the cities, has had a decline in birth rates overall. Perhaps most alarming to geographers is that young people in rural areas are choosing not to have children, mainly because the cost of marriage and having children is so high. Geographers fear that this trend will lead to further decline and aging in rural populations, unless sufficient action is taken to promote a higher fertility rate.

Although eastern Asia, like many regions around the world, suffers from droughts during the warmer months, the region also has the misfortune of having sudden and severe rainfalls. In many areas of eastern Asia, torrential rains have caused widespread flooding and landslides. The city of Atami, a popular resort destination for tourists, was evacuated in July 2021. Days of rain caused the ground to become unstable, which led to a landslide that caused massive destruction to the buildings in the area, many of which became buried in mud. The increasingly severe rainfalls are caused by rising temperatures that affect the water cycle. Scientists predict that East Asia could suffer still greater rainfall amounts if global warming continues, which would lead to intense flooding, major casualties from landslides, and the widespread destruction of infrastructure. According to scientific simulations run by Japan's University of Tsubaka in 2021, a warming of 7 degrees Fahrenheit from current temperatures could result in the creation of concentrated areas of water that would lead to unprecedented rainfall amounts in Taiwan, China, the Korean Peninsula, and Japan.

Desertification from climate change is causing problems for farming and raising livestock in areas near the Gobi Desert. According to the Asian Development Bank, the changes in climate affect nearly 100 million people in the region, including about a third of Mongolia's population. Studies have shown that more than a quarter of China is turning into desert, affecting almost a third of the population, and that climate change is worsening the problem. Desertification of the grasslands has also led to increased sandstorms, which make living in the region considerably more difficult. The intensifying storms threaten China and Mongolia and create problems for Korea and Japan, where people inhale the bacteria and pollutants that come from the unhealthy dust. To combat desertification, China started a controversial migration program in 2005. The program moved millions of people out of the region to prevent overgrazing of the land. China has also attempted reforestation of the area, but that has not led to better climate conditions. In a trilateral summit in 2015, China, Japan, and South Korea discussed the dust issue and established groups to try and solve the desertification problem.

Earthquakes The cause of earthquakes was stated correctly in 1760 by British engineer John Michell, one of the first fathers of seismology, in a memoir where he wrote that earthquakes and the waves of energy that they make are caused by "shifting masses of rock miles below the surface." The United States Geologic Survey, part of the United States Department of the Interior, in conjunction with seismologists, geographers, and geologists from around the world, monitor earthquake activity constantly. The map above shows a snapshot of earthquake activity in Asia from April, 2009. At any time, people around the world can visit USGS earthquake website and check on current earthquake activity around the world. Earthquakes are a common natural hazard in Asia - particularly Japan. The Japanese archipelago is located in an area where several continental and oceanic plates meet. Frequent earthquakes, volcanoes, and hot springs in the area are due to this plate convergence. Due to this instability and high energy beneath the surface of the earth, Japan experiences 1,500 or more earthquakes every year. Most of these earthquakes are not serious, but they can be felt by the citizens. If earthquakes occur below or close to the ocean, they may trigger tidal waves - also known as tsunami. Volcanoes Japan has several volcanic regions stretching from the north to the south of the archipelago. Although the land area of Japan is only about 1/400 of the world total, its 108 active volcanoes account for about 1/10 of the world's active volcanoes. Mt. Fuji, Japan's highest peak, has been dormant for over 300 years but it could erupt in the near future.

Due to the diverse range of climates, large populations, and the immense size of the region, eastern Asia has always been part of the climate change discussion. East Asian nations have been in a period of economic growth due to natural resources, but they have been forced to weigh the benefits of that growth with the costs of climate change. Many nations in eastern Asia have taken steps to address the issues of climate change. However, many scientists are still critical of the climate gains that eastern Asian nations have made. Climate change in eastern Asia is a year-round problem. Many areas of eastern Asia suffer from severe cold weather events with freezing temperatures that damage natural resources, which in turn hurts the economy in the areas. In the summer, many areas of eastern Asia experience hot temperatures with little rainfall, causing droughts that affect crop growth.

There is very little debate about the anthropogenic (human) impact on climate change. Humans, and their activity on this planet, are altering our climate. Today, nations are working together to tackle this enormous problem. Climate change was not created overnight and the solution will not be found overnight. Reversing the global warming trend and protecting our Earth for future generations will take the concerted effort of many nations. Solutions to climate change must be environmentally effective as well as economically efficient. Bold and innovative solutions on a national as well as global scale are needed. Throughout the United States and the world, many political, business, and community leaders already are working to prevent the consequences of global warming.

East Asia and the Pacific is the largest and most diverse region in the world, with over 4.5 billion people. Over the past several decades, East Asia has emerged as an educational and economic powerhouse. Yet the area still struggles with many issues, including the effects of climate change, an increasingly older population, urbanization, and long-standing historical grievances between countries.

One of the main issues of the climate crisis is the warming global temperatures that cause ice to melt. When the ice melts off glaciers, it runs into the ocean, which leads to rising sea levels. There are specific areas of the world where rising sea levels will have a massive impact, and in some extreme cases, certain areas may end up entirely submerged. Japan is one of the nations that could face severe threats in the future. According to the Union of Concerned Scientists, the heavily populated city of Osaka faces potential severe damage from rising sea levels. In September 2018, Typhoon Jebi caused rising sea levels that submerged many areas, including the Kansai International Airport. Beyond the issues of flooding, warming oceans also affect marine life around the Japanese islands. Japan relies heavily on their fishing industry, but warmer seas are predicted to cause a major decline in fishing.

Eastern Asia is a unique blend of modern and ancient political situations. In no other part of the world can you find emperors, dictators, democracy, communism, ancient dynasties, and modern elections all intertwined among neighboring nations. The term cultural hearth is an important one to the people in every country of Eastern Asia. Cultural hearth refers to the location from which a particular culture evolved. A cultural hearth is any place where the changes in land-use appeared due to the domestication of plants and animals by humans as they adopt new tools, grow new seeds, or tame herds of animals. The term cultural hearth could also apply to areas that have had an important impact on more recent cultural developments. Tokyo, Japan is often considered a modern cultural hearth due to its influence over the recent cultural development of Eastern Asia. In Eastern Asia, the history of rulers generally focuses on the evolution of dynasties. A dynasty is a succession of rulers from the same family or line. Throughout the history of China, dynastic substitutions have mainly been the result of mutiny or foreign invasion. The first true dynasty in China is considered to be the Shang Dynasty. Interestingly, in Japan, although there has been much political upheaval, Japan has had only one dynasty. Many parts of Eastern Asia have been ruled by dictators, some are even ruled by dictators today. A dictator is someone who usually rules by force. A dictator is an authoritarian or autocratic ruler who takes sole and absolute control over the people of his country, usually with the help of the military. Kim Jong-Il of North Korea, and Hu Jintao and Jiang Zemin of China are all dictators. In Asia, the political leaders Kim Jong-un of North Korea and Xi Jinping of China have strong differences with the democratic leaders of South Korea and Japan. North Korea's launching of nuclear warheads has created a lot of tension in the region, with Japan demanding an international response to North Korea. Due to their close proximity, there is no nation that is able to act as a buffer state between these ideologically different countries. A buffer state is generally a country that is a neutral state lying between two rival or potentially hostile nations. Mongolia is often considered a buffer state between Russia and the People's Republic of China. During the Cold War, North Korea was seen as a buffer between the People's Republic of China and the American forces in South Korea. A buffer zone is a region that keeps two or more areas - not necessarily countries - from warring. The demilitarized zone of Korea is a strip of land that runs across the border of North and South Korea - it also serves as a symbol of ideological dispute for the people of both nations.

Japan is located to the east of China. The Three Gorges Dam spans the Yangtze River in China. Taipei is located south of Tokyo. the capital of China: Beijing The Himalayas is a physical features that divides mainland China from the Middle East China and Mongolia contain the largest desert in Asia

Eastern Asia is home to many natural hazards - including volcanoes, even underwater ones! Submarine volcanoes are underwater breaks in the Earth's surface that can erupt.

Tokyo, Beijing, Pyongyang, Seoul, Taipei, and Ulan Bator are probably familiar Asian city names. These are the capitals of the countries that make up Eastern Asia. However, in addition to these six cities, there are many more important cities in the region. Osaka and Yokohama are incredibly vibrant metropolitan centers in Japan. Yokohama has a population of over 3.7 million people. After Japan opened up to the West, Yokohama developed rapidly due to its great location as a port city on Tokyo Bay. Shanghai is the largest city in China. There are over 28 million inhabitants in this ancient city. It is also one of the largest metropolitan areas in the world! Shanghai gained importance due to its prime location at the mouth of the Yangtze River. Hong Kong is the 14th largest city in Eastern Asia. Hong Kong, a Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China, is home to almost 7.5 million residents. Hong Kong is known as the cultural center of Asia where "east meets west." Hong Kong remains a leading financial capital and business center while maintaining an interesting capitalist economy. Busan, South Korea is home to approximately 3.5 million people and is the largest port city in South Korea. Busan is located on the southeastern tip of the Korean Peninsula and is the 5th busiest seaport in the world.

Eastern Asia is known for its amazing range of geographical features. From the Gobi Desert in Mongolia to the Three Gorges Dam at the mouth of the Yangtze River, there are mountains, deserts, and waterways that not only are important to the citizens of the region, but have global impact as well. The Gobi Desert is located in central Asia, specifically in the countries of Mongolia and China and is one of the world's greatest deserts. In fact, the word "Gobi" means "great desert" in Mongolian. The Gobi Desert is a large plateau, surrounded by mountains. On its southern border lies the Great Wall of China. The Gobi Desert receives less than 8 inches of water a year, however, there are parts of the desert that are somewhat fertile and capable of supporting some vegetation. Nomads graze camels, sheep, and horses on the limited grasslands. Similar to other deserts, the Gobi's temperatures experience sharp shifts depending on the season. In the winter, the temperatures can go as low as forty degrees below freezing and, in the summer, the temperatures can reach as high as 150 degrees Fahrenheit. Although the Gobi is not a very hospitable place, many Mongolians do make their home here. The building of dams can be controversial no matter where in the world they are built, and the Three Gorges Dam is no exception. In order to complete this incredible project, over 1.2 million people were displaced, 13 cities, 140 towns, and 1300 villages were flooded, and the environmental degradation seems to only get worse with time - although the project has now been completed. This project created a dam 1 ½ miles wide, more than 600 feet high and a reservoir hundreds of feet deep and almost 400 miles long. The building of the dam by the Chinese government was seen as multi-purpose. Located on the Yangtze River, the dam was intended to provide as much energy as 18 nuclear power plants, open up the interior of China to cargo-carrying freightliners, and tame the violent Yangtze River - the source of devastating floods and destruction for thousands of years. The Himalayas are quickly becoming one of the most visited places in the world for people around the globe seeking adventure. Whatever your interest - climbing, hiking, rafting, camping, sightseeing, motorbiking - the Himalayas has something for everyone. The word "Himalaya" is Sanskrit for "abode of snow." However, the Himalayas have much more than snow! This incredible mountain system stretches for approximately 1600 miles, dividing mainland China from the Middle East. This immense mountain range began to form between 40 and 50 million years ago, when two large landmasses, India and Eurasia, driven by plate movement, collided.

The Gobi Desert is one of the amazing wonders of Eastern Asia. People in the Gobi Desert sing a traditional Mongolian song of praise, called a magtaal. Magtaals are sung to pay tribute to nature, the spirits of nature, or individual aspects of nature - such as mountains, rivers, or animals. This magtaal is sung to the Gobi desert in the rhythm of the camel's footsteps.

Eastern Asia is the term given to the easternmost region of the continent of Asia. China is the largest country of the region and, therefore, exerts the most influence on the culture of Eastern Asia. Eastern Asia is densely populated and is also home to a wide variety of languages and religions. Japanese and Korean cultures are unique but are obviously influenced by Chinese art, literature, and religion. China, Japan, North Korea, South Korea, and Taiwan are usually the countries that are considered part of the region of Eastern Asia. The area of Eastern Asia also includes the region of Hong Kong and Macau - both have a unique place in the Eastern Asia realm. Hong Kong, formerly a Crown Colony (belonging to Great Britain) on the coast of southern China, was handed back over to China in 1997. Macau is a Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China since December 20, 1999, and, like Hong Kong, benefits from the principle of "one country, two systems." The area of Eastern Asia encompasses almost 12 million square kilometers and includes a population of over 1 ½ billion people! Although the term Eastern Asia can include different countries, the following countries and protectorates are generally considered part of Eastern Asia: Mongolia North Korea South Korea Japan Republic of China (ROC - also referred to as Taiwan) People's Republic of China Also including ... the Special Administrative Regions of: Hong Kong Macau

Himalaya's: Sixty Million Years Ago India collides into the Asian Plate. This movement is what eventually causes the Himalayan Range, as the two plates push against each other and the earth's crust is squeezed upwards. Forty Million Years Ago Heavy sediments on the ocean floor sink under the Asian Plate, slowly closing up the Tethys Sea. The Indian Plate is colliding even deeper into Tibet. Twenty Million Years Ago The Tethys Sea is completely gone. Heavy sediments from the ocean floor are pushed up to form the Himalaya. Tibet begins to rise. Today Through GPS technology, we know that 19 kilometers below the surface of the earth, India continues to move northward under Tibet at 18 mm/year. The greater Himalaya (including Everest) are rising at approximately 5 mm/year as a result of squeezing motions between India and Tibet. Ten Million Years from Now As the boundaries of Nepal approach each other, Nepal ceases to exist. The Himalaya, however, still exist, as foothills and mountains continue to form over the advancing edge of India.

For the past century, the Chinese government has considered different ways to harness the Yangtze's strength and tame its devastating power. The Three Gorges Dam and other hydropower projects have turned Chinese rivers into energy for the Chinese people, with both positive and negative consequences.

A dynasty is a succession of rulers from the same family or line. The Shang Dynasty is considered to be the first true dynasty of China. The Silk Road actually consisted of more than one possible route through the mountains that the traders followed. Buffer state: a neutral state that helps prevent conflict between warring states Confucianism: a form of religion that focuses on human morality. What was the impact of the Soviet Command Economy adopted during the Mao era? The abuse of political power increased throughout the country. Who led the Tiananmen Square protests in 1989? students and intellectuals What is the main claim that human rights activists have made about China's treatment of the Uyghurs? China has committed genocide by creating prison camps and forcing the Uyghurs to pick cotton.

In 1994, NASA created a world map showing the number of people per square kilometer all over the globe. Compare Eastern Asia to the United States. The population density of China and parts of Eastern Asia has been a cause for concern among the governments of these nations for some time. China instituted a One Child Per Family Policy simply to ensure that China would be able to feed its people. China pursued a goal of zero population growth because if the population of the country were allowed to grow uncontrollably, resources there would not be sufficient to support the population. Zero population growth is defined as the maintenance of a population at a constant level by limiting the number of live births needed to replace the existing population. The greatest difficulty China has historically faced is the size of its population. The Chinese government regularly promotes the statistic that although it has only 7% of the arable land on Earth, it feeds 22% of the world population. The pressure on limited cultivable land is incredible; it must produce enough food to feed over 1.4 billion people! Because of recent rapid industrialization, there has been a sharp reduction of China's agricultural land. Linked with the concern over land for agriculture is the concern that water resources are also dwindling. The large population puts a hefty strain on the infrastructure of a nation and governments must invest lots of money in developing and maintaining housing, transportation, clean water, and sewerage systems. Some nations of Eastern Asia find it difficult to raise the funds necessary for this infrastructure maintenance - never mind the modernization of many of these systems. Developing nations in general have a more difficult time securing the money necessary to fund these types of projects. Poor maintenance is one of the greatest threats to infrastructure in Eastern Asia. This affects not only the people of the region, but also countries and corporations who do business there. To combat this there has been a recent push to develop Public Private Partnerships and use private investment funds to help government maintain necessary infrastructure.

Rapid economic growth in the emerging world, especially Eastern Asia, drives increased energy demand throughout the world. The rapid industrialization of billions of people in Asia, where energy use is less efficient, must drive the search for alternatives to fossil fuel. China and the United States account for nearly half the increase in world oil demand. However, the burning of fossil fuels is more of a problem in China than in Japan or the United States due to the lack of pollution controls in China. Eight countries—India, Pakistan, Nigeria, the United States, China, Bangladesh, Ethiopia, and the Democratic Republic of Congo—are expected to account for half of the world's population increase during the next fifty years. As you can see from the graph above, China, Japan, the United States, and India account for ½ of the world's carbon emissions. In general, it is believed that skyrocketing population growth makes existing environmental problems harder to solve. Unsustainable population growth, agricultural expansion, and forest depletion have all impacted the increased emissions of CO2. However, in spite of all these factors, the single greatest impact on atmospheric change is dependence on fossil fuels. The ecological impact of global warming affects the whole world. Rising sea levels, coastal erosion, decreasing land productivity, and an increase in the number of extinct plants and animals. Eastern Asia has also experienced an increase in natural disasters, such as droughts, floods, hurricanes, and tornadoes - many scientists attribute such an increase on global warming.

Pollution is often associated with Chinese cities and is a major cause of climate change in the region. Air pollution is often clearly visible in many Chinese cities, and pollution measurements often rank Chinese cities near the top of lists of most polluted cities in the world. The severe air and water pollution in China has caused major health issues, including diseases that affect the lungs and heart. Like many nations around the world, China's population is also aging, meaning a greater percentage of its citizens are becoming more susceptible weakened immune systems due to the effects of pollution. In light of the warning signs of poor health, many scientists criticize China for putting economic gains over environmental improvements. However, according to pollution studies by Smart Air in 2021, China did not have a single city in the top 25 cities with the worst air. The findings are in contrast to the previous year, when China had 9 cities on the list. The data shows that China may be successfully cutting their emissions, although many Chinese cities still have high pollution levels. Despite apparent positive outcomes, skepticism about China's pledge to decrease pollution levels remains. In March 2022, Xi Jinping, China's president, made it clear that pollution would not be cut at the expense of economic security as the nation recovers from the Covid-19 pandemic.

In countries like Korea and Japan, the low birthrate has been largely self-enforced. With the low birth rate and declining populations, the population of these countries is aging - requiring additional services from the government and more health care expenditures. Due to the limited numbers of younger people, there are fewer people able to care for aging parents and grandparents. Additionally, as the average age of the workforce increases, so too does the average wage, requiring companies to pay more for labor. The proper population balance has been debated for centuries. In 1789, Thomas Malthus published a book called Essays on Population. He promoted worldwide zero population growth strategies - every woman should have 2 children - to replace herself and her spouse. Malthus, and those that adhere to his philosophy, are concerned about the environmental degradation associated with unlimited population growth as well as society's ability support an overly large population. Interestingly, throughout history, our world population has increased rather gradually for the most part. Then, between 1980 and 2000 the world population doubled from 3 billion to 6 billion people.

Similar to China, Japan also faces a population decline. From 2010 to 2015, Japan's population declined for the first time since the census began. The decline continued with the 2020 census, causing Japan to drop out of the 10 most populous nations for the first time since 1950. The population decline stems from people leaving rural areas and lifestyles for the economic benefits of living in cities. Japan also must deal with an issue of an aging population, meaning that death rates will llikely increase and birth rates will struggle to keep up. The aging population will also likely shrink the labor force, while at the same time raising the need for healthcare services. To alleviate the losses to the Japanese population, the government encouraged an influx of foreign residents, which helped to slow the population decline between 2015 and 2020. South Korea recorded more deaths than births for the first time in its history in 2020, which has underlined a growing demographic crisis. The fertility rate in South Korea has dropped for many years, while the number of fatalities increased. South Korea, like Japan, will have similar demographics with regards to age, with the Central Bank of Korea warning that South Korea could have the highest proportion of elderly people in the world. South Korea's polling also shows that young people are more likely to focus on their education or careers than date or marry, leading to less time for family matters. In response, the South Korean government lowered the maximum number of working hours in 2018 and created plans to subsidize childcare and expand benefits to families with children. The government believes these efforts will encourage a more equal work and family life balance and promote population growth.

rice feeds over half the world's population. Rice is a common staple food in many Asian and Latin American countries and is the base of many recipes. It makes up more than one-fifth of the calories consumed by people throughout the world. Rice is the seed of types of Oryza plants. It is in the grass family and is one of the oldest harvested crops with evidence of origins more than 12,000 years ago. Rice is a semi-aquatic plant and therefore grows best in areas with high rainfall. Most rice is grown in paddy fields. Paddies are fields that have been flooded. Rice is an important global commodity and is the world's third largest crop. About three billion people in the world depend on rice for survival. People in China and India consume the most rice. They also produce the most rice. Only 5 to 6 percent of rice is exported. Rice is the chief crop and staple food on much of the continent of Asia, particularly in southern and eastern Asia. It is also a staple of Latin American cuisine. There are over 120,000 varieties of rice in the world. Brown rice and wild rice are varieties of rice. There are also aromatic varieties such as Basmati and Jasmine that are common in Indian and Thai cuisine. We can classify rice according to the length of the grains. Rice is classified as long grain when its length is three to four times its width. Rice is classified as medium grain when its length is two to three times its width. Rice is classified as short grain when it is short and plump and its length is less than twice its width. Though China produces and consumes the greatest amount of rice, we can't forget about the United States of America. Rice is produced in Arkansas, California, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, and Texas. US farmers produce less than 2 percent of the rice in the world each year, but collectively, they are the 3rd largest exporter of rice.

Subarctic A very small part of northern Mongolia and along China's border with Russia experiences a subarctic climate. The vegetation in the region consists of mosses, lichen, and some evergreen trees. Highland In Western China you can find a highland climate zone. Forests, alpine tundra, mosses, lichens, shrubs, and permafrost can all be found in this region. Humid Continental The humid continental climate zone can be found in many countries throughout Eastern Asia. Northeastern China, North Korea, South Korea, and Northern Japan all are part of the humid continental area. In these regions you can find coniferous forests, temperate grasslands, and land suitable for agriculture. Humid Subtropical Southeastern China, Southern South Korea, Southern Japan, and Northern Taiwan all are part of the humid subtropical climate zone. In this region you will find many coniferous trees. Unfortunately, this region is also home to a serious deforestation problem. Too many loggers are cutting down the trees at an alarming rate. Semiarid Parts of the Mongolian plateau are considered semiarid. In this region you can find short grasses that are perfect for grazing animals such as camels, goats, and horses. Although you can find some nomads grazing animals in this region, for the most part this region is left alone. Desert Desert can be found in Western China, Northern China, and Southeastern Mongolia. In this region, there is not much vegetation due to lack of water. Dinosaur fossils have been found throughout the Gobi Desert region - home to these great reptiles millions of years ago. Tropical Wet A small strip of land along China's southeastern coast, and the southern tip of Taiwan are home to a tropical wet climate. In this region you can mainly find tall, dense forests of broadleaf trees.

An archipelago is a collection of islands. The Japanese Archipelago consists of the four main islands and over 3000 smaller ones. The four main islands of Japan are Hokkaido, Honshu, Shikoku, and Kyushu. The total amount of land area of Japan is roughly equivalent to the state of California. Japan is 1/25 the size of the United States, but 1 ½ the size of Great Britain. The Japanese Archipelago stretches for over 3,000 kilometers. Because Japan is made up of islands, it is surrounded by the sea! Japan is separated from Korea by the Korea Strait and the Sea of Japan, and is also touched by the Philippine Sea, the East China Sea, and the North Pacific Ocean. These warm and cold bodies of water help support an incredible fishing industry. The Japanese Archipelago is not the only archipelago in eastern Asia, but it is certainly the most prominent. China, however, is also home to archipelagoes. The Zhoushan Archipelago, for example, has the richest fishing grounds off the coast of China. Even more archipelagoes are spread throughout Southeastern Asia, including the countries of Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Brunei, and the Philippines.

The Korean Peninsula extends for almost 700 miles into the Pacific Ocean. A peninsula is a body of land that is touched by water on three sides. The Korean Peninsula is touched by the Sea of Japan in the east, the East China Sea to the south, and the Yellow Sea to the west. The Korean peninsula used to be home to one unified nation. However, today it is divided almost in half between North Korea and South Korea and has been that way since the end of World War II. North and South Korea could not be more different in terms of politics, economics, standard of living, and personal freedoms. North Korea is ruled by a ruthless, Communist dictator accused of countless human rights violations. South Korea is a democratic nation, allied with Japan and the United States. South Korea garnered international attention in 1988 when it hosted the Olympics in Seoul. Since then, South Korea has had a boom in the tourism industry and the divide between North and South Korea continues to widen.

Caused by long-lasting summer drought, Mongolia has suffered increasingly from cold weather events called dzuds, which are massive winter storms. These winter storms produce strong winds, heavy snow, and freezing temperatures. Scientists say that climate change is causing more dzuds to happen, which increases the challenges of living in the region. Dzuds used to appear once every decade, but scientists expect that they will now happen once every two years. The cold temperatures of dzuds cause massive losses in livestock, which is a key part of the region's economy. While Mongolian herders have tried adopting different migration patterns, the frequency of dzuds continue to affect their herds. More modern responses to dzuds include having a network of emergency food for herds that are affected by dzuds, using 4G cellular service to warn herders of approaching dzuds, and partering with international organizations to help take care of livestock when a dzud hits the region.

The Qinghai-Tibet Plateau is a part of the Himalayas, which cover a portion of China's northwest region. The region is vital in that it regulates the flow of water to most of eastern Asia. Like many regions, the plateau faces increasingly extreme conditions from climate change, including rising temperatures and flood hazards from rainstorms. In the short term, the changes have actually improved the fertility of the region and helped animal habitats. However, scientists predict that over time, the region will become destabilized by warmer temperatures and increased water flow. Scientists predict that warmer temperatures will encourage other species to move into the region, affecting the animals that already reside there. The increased rainfall has already led to increased sizes of lakes and rivers, which scientists believe will cause more mudslides and avalanches, as well as the further breaking up of glaciers.

Less dense reigns in China have extensive subsistence agriculture most heavily practiced The Three Gorges Dam is controversial within China because The dam displaced millions of people and numerous towns were flooded as a result of construction How did British merchants encourage Chinese merchants to trade with them during the mid-nineteenth century? British traders introduced opium into Chinese markets resulting in Chinese merchants getting addicted to the drug Why is the burning of fossil fuels more of a problem in China than Japan? China has fewer pollution controls. The guiding philosophy of the Qin Dynasty was legalism A common characteristic of the ancient cultural hearths is that most are located near a reliable water source Daoism (Taoism) is an ethnic religion based on the teachings Lao Zi

The long-term demographic effect of the One-Child Policy in China has been? Reduction of the total fertility rate below the replacement rate In the 1980s the demographic trend in China was best characterized by a decreasing general fertility rate which of the following plate boundaries would cause earthquakes in southeastern Japan? Eurasian and Philippine Sea Plate Which of the following European powers controlled Hong Kong before China negotiated its return in 1997? Great Britain What was the primary goal of the Chinese Cultural Revolution? Rid China of the old cultural traditions The Qin Emperor attempted to silence scholars and intellectuals

Although if you look at many of the Eastern Asia countries on a map of the world, they look quite small, they are anything but insignificant. In order to work together and support each other in a global market, Japan, Korea, and Taiwan have joined together. Japan, Korea, and Taiwan are the three countries that make up the area referred to as the Jakota Triangle. This region has undergone rapid economic development and incredible growth. The Jakota Triangle region is home to many great cities. They consume large quantities of raw materials and export many goods all over the world. The Jakota Triangle is home to state-of -the-art factories and high level research and science producing some of the best technology found in the world.

The name Hong Kong means "fragrant harbour". Although much of East Asia has fallen under colonial control during different periods in history, Hong Kong was recently under the control of Great Britain until July 1, 1997. At that point, Great Britain handed back control of Hong Kong over to China. Hong Kong is a densely populated region with an economy greater than half the countries of the world. China has allowed Hong Kong to maintain its free market systems and most of the freedoms it had grown accustomed to as a territory of Great Britain. Hong Kong is considered a special administrative region of China. In its history, Hong Kong has been ruled by China, Japan, and Great Britain. Today, Hong Kong has two official languages - Chinese and English. Although the predominant ethnicity of Hong Kong is Chinese, people of every nationality and ethnicity reside in this densely populated city. It is a cosmopolitan tourist destination as well as an international financial center.

Many scientists consider that South Korea's climate policies have fallen short of the goals the country set, including emissions targets for 2030 and a pledge to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. Since South Korea relies on fossil fuels and natural gas, it often trails other major nations in cutting emissions. In 2021, South Korea attempted to change its image by hosting part of the Partnering for Green Growth Summit, which allowed the country to showcase recent efforts at achieving environmental goals. The conference emphasized the need for more green technologies, better water management, the use of renewable energy, and the promotion of sustainability. South Korea promised to stop financing overseas coal power plants and proposed improved goals for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. North Korea is increasingly suffering from natural disasters as climate change increases, which has forced the nation to consider taking more drastic action and adopting more environmental policies. After four destructive typhoons hit North Korea in 2020, the government promised to educate the public about climate emergencies. Seeing the impact of climate change on its economy, the North Korean government has vowed to study how it can help slow the climate crisis. However, with a struggling economy and a history of ignoring climate change, it remains to be seen whether North Korea will make any real changes to their policies.

The slowing down of population growth is due to rising levels of education, increased female participation in the work force, and greater use of contraceptives. What is the greatest difficulty in China? Population Why is controlling population so important to sustaining China's resources? Land for farming is getting smaller and suitable water resources are dwindling. How can Public Private Partnerships help infrastructure development? Combines private investment with government programs From which region was Japan most positively influenced throughout its industrial development? Japan actively borrowed from the West throughout its development. What is a threat to human health due to global warming? increased droughts, hurricanes, and floods What was the result of population growth in China during the Qing Dynasty? the need for more resources