East Asia (6do encyclopedia)



East Asia is a geographical and cultural region that encompasses a broad range of countries and territories, including China, Japan, North Korea, South Korea, Taiwan, Mongolia, and the Russian Far East. This region is known for its rich history, diverse cultural traditions, and its rapid economic growth in the modern era.

Geography and Climate

East Asia is situated between the Pacific Ocean and the Eurasian continent, extending from the eastern border of India to the western coast of the United States. It is the largest and most populous continent, covering an area of approximately 12 million square miles and comprising around 28% of the world’s total landmass.

The climate in East Asia varies widely depending on the region, but it is generally characterized by four distinct seasons. In the northern part of the region, winters can be very cold and snowy, while summers tend to be warm and humid. In contrast, the southern part of the region experiences a more tropical climate, with hot, humid summers and mild winters.

History and Culture

East Asia has a rich history that stretches back thousands of years. The first recorded civilization in the region was the Xia dynasty, which emerged in China around 2100 BC. Since then, a number of different empires and kingdoms have risen and fallen in the region, including the Shang, Zhou, Qin, and Han dynasties in China, the Goguryeo, Baekje, and Silla kingdoms in Korea, and the Yamato dynasty in Japan.

Throughout this long and complex history, East Asia has developed a rich and diverse cultural heritage. This can be seen in the many different styles of art, literature, and music that have emerged in the region, as well as the distinct religious and philosophical traditions that have taken root here.

One of the most influential of these traditions is Confucianism, which emerged in China during the Warring States period (475–221 BC). Based on the teachings of Confucius, a philosopher and scholar who lived during this time, Confucianism emphasizes the importance of personal morality, social order, and respect for authority. It has had a profound impact on East Asian culture, shaping everything from family relationships to education to government.

Buddhism is another important religious tradition that has played a critical role in East Asian culture. Originally from India, Buddhism spread to China and Japan during the 1st century AD, eventually becoming a major force in the region. It has had a profound impact on the arts, inspiring many of the region’s most beautiful and intricate sculptures, paintings, and other works of art.

Economy and Development

In recent years, East Asia has emerged as one of the most dynamic and rapidly growing economic regions in the world. This growth has been driven by a combination of factors, including high levels of investment, a skilled and educated workforce, and a strategic location between the Americas and Europe.

China has played a particularly important role in this growth, emerging as the world’s second-largest economy behind the United States. Its rapid industrialization and export-driven growth have made it a key player in the global economy, influencing everything from the prices of commodities like oil and steel to the balance of power between countries.

Other countries in the region, such as Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan, have also experienced strong economic growth in recent years. These countries have become known for their high-tech industries and advanced manufacturing capabilities, as well as their creative and innovative approaches to address issues like climate change and sustainable development. Overall, the region has become an important driver of global growth and development in the 21st century.

Conclusion

East Asia is a fascinating and diverse region with a rich history and culture. From the ancient empires of China to the modern industrial powerhouses of Japan and South Korea, this region has played a critical role in shaping the course of human history. Today, it continues to be a dynamic and rapidly growing region, driven by a combination of economic, political, and social factors. Whether you are interested in art, history, economics, or just the beauty of the natural world, East Asia has something for everyone.


Disclaimer
6do Encyclopedia represents the inaugural AI-driven knowledge repository, and we cordially invite all community users to collaborate and contribute to the enhancement of its accuracy and completeness.
Should you identify any inaccuracies or discrepancies, we respectfully request that you promptly bring these to our attention. Furthermore, you are encouraged to engage in dialogue with the 6do AI chatbot for clarifications.
Please be advised that when utilizing the resources provided by 6do Encyclopedia, users must exercise due care and diligence with respect to the information contained therein. We expressly disclaim any and all legal liabilities arising from the use of such content.

Sydney jeweller charged over armed robbery at his own store

The Sydney Morning Herald

23-05-09 02:05


The founder and CEO of Germani Jewellery, Michel Germani, has been accused of orchestrating a daylight robbery at his Sydney store in January to initiate a $2.8m insurance scam. Alongside an innocent staff member, two male customers were present at the store when police allege the violent robbery took place, with Germani having arranged for the two men to attend the premises after hours. The attackers are reported to have left Germani and his assistant tied up and have fled with "a large amount of jewellery". Germani may be a danger to himself and will face court again on 30 March.

https://www.smh.com.au/national/nsw/sydney-jeweller-charged-over-armed-robbery-at-his-own-store-20230509-p5d6xd.html
Japan’s Refusal to Identify as a Military Power Has Geopolitical Consequences

Diplomat

23-05-16 14:21


The Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs has objected to a Time Magazine report stating that the country seeks to becoming a "true military power," calling the characterisation inaccurate. Japan is unique in that it resists using the term “military” at all - with its armed forces officially the Japan Self-Defense Forces - and pacifism dictates both domestic and foreign policy. The country has been planning to allot more to its defense budget, the result of which would make it the world's third-largest military spender. However, the government is cautious of a possible backlash from public opinion.

https://thediplomat.com/2023/05/japans-refusal-to-identify-as-a-military-power-has-geopolitical-consequences/
In Pursuing Peace, Japan’s Leader Must Also Prepare for War

Bloomberg

23-05-16 20:00


Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida will use this weekend’s meeting of the Group of Seven (G-7) leaders in Hiroshima to promote the elimination of nuclear weapons, but there will be deep irony as Kishida is overseeing the greatest expansion of Japanese military power since the end of World War II. Meanwhile, Dmitry Medvedev, the deputy chair of Russia’s Security Council, threatened earlier this year that there would be a "nuclear apocalypse" if the West sent weapons to Ukraine, and South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol recently suggested his country might need to develop atomic weapons. The G-7 leaders will find common ground on Ukraine, but the issue of China’s increasing assertiveness is a trickier issue to resolve.

https://www.bloomberg.com/opinion/articles/2023-05-16/g-7-in-pursuing-peace-japan-s-kishida-must-also-prepare-for-war?srnd=next-china
Kishida, Biden and Yoon to showcase unity on North Korea — and China — at G7

Japan Times

23-05-17 08:05


Leaders from Japan, South Korea and the US will discuss strengthening ties as a response to North Korea and Chinese assertiveness during a meeting today on the sidelines of the Group of Seven (G7) summit in Hiroshima. Top of their agenda will be North Korea's growing nuclear and missile threat, with tensions increasing after a string of missile tests, including five ballistic missile launches last month. The three countries have doubled down on deterrence measures, such as the linking of radars for tracking North Korean missiles, and will discuss details of the real-time intelligence-sharing plans during their meeting in Hiroshima. They will also discuss economic security, strengthening supply-chains and "friendshoring" while looking to reduce dependence on China for critical materials. Earlier this month, officials from Tokyo and Seoul held their first consultation on economic security.

https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2023/05/17/national/politics-diplomacy/biden-kishida-yoon-trilateral-preview/
G-7 leaders likely to focus on the war in Ukraine and tensions in Asia at summit in Hiroshima

The Toronto Star

23-05-17 06:54


Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida will host meetings with the leaders of the Group of Seven (G7) countries from 3 to 5 December in Hiroshima, Japan,—a location that underscores the nation’s “commitment to world peace” just as China seeks a more assertive role in Asia. The meeting will take place amid rising tensions in the region which has been plagued with territorial disputes, nuclear threats by North Korea and growing concern over an increasingly powerful China. G7 leaders will address challenges such as escalating conflict between Ukraine and pro-Russian rebels, Japan's efforts to open up its own, heavily protected markets and revised global financial regulation. G7 countries comprising Germany, the US, Japan, the UK, France, Italy and Canada, will offer greater support to the Group of South to improve political and economic ties, and build further support to isolate Russia and stand up to China’s aggressive behaviour. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will also be attending. Ancillary to the meetings, US President Joe Biden is scheduled to meet with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and South Korean President Moon Jae-in to discuss regional security.

https://www.thestar.com/news/world/asia/2023/05/17/g-7-leaders-likely-to-focus-on-the-war-in-ukraine-and-tensions-in-asia-at-summit-in-hiroshima.html
Will North Korea’s Foreign Minister Visit Mongolia This Year?

Diplomat

23-05-17 13:33


Mongolia is seeking to strengthen its relationship with North Korea, with the two countries set to mark their diplomatic relations’ 75th anniversary in 2023. Despite the pandemic disrupting people’s exchanges and economic and trade relations, Mongolia and North Korea have maintained their friendly relationship, periodically exchanging greetings and having their officials mentioned in Korean Central News Agency articles. Mongolia has had a long-standing relationship with North Korea, being the second country to recognize Pyongyang in 1948 and offering to host a summit between then-US President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in 2018-2019 that ultimately failed to transpire. Mongolia is notable as the only democracy in the region that has maintained close ties with North Korea, and it could help North Korea as a source of communication channels. Mongolia also plans to organise a meeting of around 40 female foreign ministers in Ulaanbaatar between June 29 and 30, with North Korean Foreign Minister Choe Son Hui invited to attend.

https://thediplomat.com/2023/05/will-north-koreas-foreign-minister-visit-mongolia-this-year/
South-East Asia is in the grip of a record-breaking heatwave

Economist

23-05-17 18:16


Southeast Asia is suffering the longest and most extreme heatwave on record, according to Maximiliano Herrera, a climatologist. On 13 May Singapore experienced a temperature of 37°C, its highest since 1983. The recent heatwave has caused a high humidity as well, exacerbating the risk to human health in Vietnam, Laos, Thailand, and Bangladesh. These countries all broke their previous temperature records. A report by the World Weather Attribution Project found that climate change had made such events 30 times more likely. However, meteorologists have warned that El Niño, a weather pattern that often increases temperatures, could intensify the effects of the heatwave from later this year, exacerbating also concerns about the spread of haze across the region.

https://www.economist.com/graphic-detail/2023/05/17/south-east-asia-is-in-the-grip-of-a-record-breaking-heatwave
The Global Economy’s Future Depends on Africa

Foreign Affairs

23-05-18 04:00


With China's once plentiful supply of young workers now decreasing due to aging, the global economy needs a new source of growth. Many have pointed to India as the "next China," but India is facing similar demographic issues, and within a few decades, its prime-age workforce will start to decline along with China's. Therefore, there is a growing need to look towards Africa. Africa's population, at present, is increasing due to its high fertility rate. In the coming decades, African youth will account for 98% of the net labor-force growth in the world, proving that Africa's youth is central to the future of the global economy.

Since the West is often afraid of uncontrolled immigration, they often see the African population’s growth entirely differently. However, their youthfulness isn’t a problem but an opportunity upon which the prosperity of the entire world depends. By 2050, Africa’s prime-age working population will be five times as large as that of Europe and larger than China and India’s combined. Moreover, it’s essential to recall that China was once considered desperately poor, much less developed than Africa is currently. In the next 20 years, African countries will increase their prime-age working population by 400 million workers, which is inarguably a remarkable opportunity for global growth.

However, since China’s economic growth was an environmental disaster, Africa needs to follow a different path to avoid similar consequences. Africa’s growth must be clean in terms of power generation and not damage the continent’s natural resources and landscape. Fortunately, Africa has plentiful sources of renewable energy, including hydro, solar, wind, and geothermal power. Africa can also benefit from technological advancements that have resulted in the decrease in the price of clean energy over the past decade, making renewable power cheaper than burning coal in most places.


https://www.foreignaffairs.com/africa/global-economys-future-depends-africa

The fight over the future of global payments

Economist

23-05-18 09:16


Three major players, the likes of Visa-Mastercard, China’s payment apps and card network UnionPay, and India’s state-led Unified Payments Interface (UPI), are competing to process vast and diverse flows of funds for a global audience in a payment transformation that’s going global. With cross-border retail spending and remittances set to hit $5tn this year, and business-to-business payments worth eight times that, the three blocs are heating up competition. China is the most advanced challenger with Alipay accepted at 2.5 million merchants overseas, while UnionPay, the world’s biggest card network by transaction volume, is accepted at 65 million merchants globally. India's UPI has also grown in ambition, with talks underway with more than 30 countries on exporting payments kit. While countries may fear a fragmentation of global financial infrastructure that could let wrongdoers escape future sanctions, more options will benefit consumers and businesses alike.

https://www.economist.com/leaders/2023/05/18/the-fight-over-the-future-of-global-payments
At the G7 summit in Hiroshima, all eyes will be on ‘Ukraine, Ukraine, Ukraine’

Japan Times

23-05-18 06:45


The Group of Seven (G7) leaders meeting in Hiroshima for their annual summit will announce that sanctions against Russia will be tightened for its continued support for separatist militias in eastern Ukraine. US national security adviser Jake Sullivan has said that G7 leaders will look to "shut down evasion networks, closing loopholes in the sanctions so that the impact is amplified and magnified in the months ahead." The leaders are also expected to craft a separate document focussed solely on Ukraine, building on last autumn’s promise to pledge further, financial backing toward reconstruction efforts.

https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2023/05/18/world/g7-hiroshima-ukraine-top-agenda/
Latin America’s left-wing experiment is a warning to the world

Economist

23-05-18 12:47


Left-wing presidents have come to power across Latin America, but while they all promise change, they face major hurdles. Inequality levels remain high, and growth has stagnated, with the annual GDP growth averaging 3.4% between 2011 and 2013 and just 0.9% from 2013 to 2019. Twelve of 19 Latin American countries are run by left-wing governments, but despite this, inequality remains a problem, with what Chile’s interior minister called levels of inequality that would never have been possible in Europe. According to a recent Ipsos Mori survey, many in the region remained fond of globalisation as countries in the area shift their attitudes to democracy. The social and economic situation in Latin America is spurring a shift to the right. Brazil’s recent left-wing turn has been reversed by Jair Bolsonaro, El Salvador’s right-wing leader Nayib Bukele is popular, and a recent election for a body to rewrite the constitution in Chile was dominated by a far-right party. Nonetheless, the new glimmer of hope brought forth by newly elected left-wing presidents from Mexico to Brazil has an enviable environmental stance and wants bigger government. They have promised to reduce inequality through higher taxes on the rich, bigger welfare systems, and more state-funded healthcare. These left-wing governments are becoming more protectionist and more determined to stop foreign exploitation of green resources, such as lithium. However, there are many differences between the left-wing governments, with some officials displaying concerns over climate change. The region needs higher growth, investment flows are tepid, and inconsistent policies have been driving off investors. There are major concerns about the region’s ability to fulfil the promises it makes.

https://www.economist.com/the-americas/2023/05/18/latin-americas-left-wing-experiment-is-a-warning-to-the-world
The humiliation of Thailand’s regime is a boost for Asian democracy

Economist

23-05-18 12:47


Move Forward, a pro-democracy party in Thailand led by 42-year-old former tech executive Pita Limjaroenrat, won big in the country's recent elections to become the large force in Thai politics, marking a rebuke not only to army rule but also the regime’s ineptitude. Thailand’s vulnerability to coups has long seemed anomalous. Its success is a rebuke not only to the principle of army rule but also to the regime’s ineptitude. Thailand's economy is creating fewer opportunities and attracting less foreign direct investment than its regional rivals. Its post-pandemic recovery is the slowest of any major economy in South-East Asia. Thailand would benefit hugely were Move Forward to fulfil its pledge to break up the monopolies gumming up industries such as agriculture and telecommunications where the operators have made fortunes. New battle-lines have been drawn; Thailand’s halfway-house democracy no longer looks like an option.

https://www.economist.com/leaders/2023/05/18/the-humiliation-of-thailands-regime-is-a-boost-for-asian-democracy
The TikTok Ban Is Mired in a Stalemate in US Congress

Diplomat

23-05-18 14:26


Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has signed a bill banning TikTok from public schools and government servers, part of a growing movement in Republican-led states to counter China's influence. However, a national ban on TikTok has encountered obstacles in Congress, with the administration appearing to be caught between two opposing forces. While President Biden has emerged as the highest-ranking Democrat supporting a TikTok ban, several Republican lawmakers support the RESTRICT Act but share concerns about the party losing young voters as the traditionally Republican voting bloc of "Silent Generation" and baby boomers dwindles. There are indications that bills targeting TikTok may be more performative than actually effective.

https://thediplomat.com/2023/05/the-tiktok-ban-is-mired-in-a-stalemate-in-us-congress/
Japan: New Lord of the Subsea?

Diplomat

23-05-18 14:09


The importance of undersea fibre-optic cables in transmitting the vast majority of voice and data traffic, and around $10tn in financial transactions every day, has led Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio to establish a $440m fund to build more data centres and international landing stations along Japan’s eastern Pacific Ocean coastlines. Japan is already an important node along the web of subsea fibre-optic cables connecting Southeast Asia; it has 20 international landing stations, including 10 linking other locations across Asia, with eight connecting to the US West Coast. The initiative is aimed at boosting regional economies, but Japan also has the opportunity to become a global leader in submarine cable laying, repair and security, say analysts.

https://thediplomat.com/2023/05/japan-new-lord-of-the-subsea/
Why G7 has eight more seats at the table this year

BBC

23-05-18 22:11


The upcoming G7 meeting in Hiroshima, which aims to provide a “united front” on the Ukraine crisis and growing concerns about China’s global power, reflects a rapidly changing international order, according to the BBC. The summit of the world’s wealthiest democracies, which will start on Friday in the Japanese city, has also this year been extended to include Australia, India, Brazil, South Korea, Vietnam, Indonesia, Comoros (representing the African Union) and the Cook Islands (representing the Pacific Islands Forum). The new attendees represent the so-called “Global South”, which is keen to stress that there is an alternative to Russia and China. However, gaining support for sanctions to be placed against Moscow will be a challenge as many of the G7’s new guests maintain complex political and economic ties with both Russia and China. A number of the new attendees also depend heavily on Chinese aid and are economically tied to Beijing.

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-65630650
G7 leaders gather on China’s doorstep to seek unified response to Beijing’s threat

CNN

23-05-19 04:17


The G7 summit, which has convened in Hiroshima, will focus on the dominant issue of China and Russia, with the G7 nations seeking to present a united approach to China’s increasing economic and military might and Russia’s activities in Ukraine. The economic security of the G7 nations is of particular concern in the face of China’s assertive demonstrations of economic coercion. China has already bolstered its ties with Russia, and is attempting to drive a wedge into the transatlantic alliance, which has concerned officials in Washington. Yasuhiro Matsuda, an international relations professor at the University of Tokyo, suggests that the G7 meeting constitutes a platform for the leaders to discuss how to deal with these issues. However, a different approach is required considering members’ different concerns and relationships with Beijing and in view of their strong economic links to China. It remains to be seen how the summit will help to recalibrate the G7 approach toward China, but it is anticipated that leaders will work toward diversifying supply chains and reducing reliance on China.

https://edition.cnn.com/2023/05/19/china/g7-summit-russia-china-agenda-intl-hnk/index.html
G-7 latest: Ukraine's Zelenskyy to attend summit in person, reports say

Nikkei Asia

23-05-19 03:37


Global leaders including the US, Japan, UK, Germany, France, Italy, Canada, the EU, India, Indonesia, South Korea, Vietnam and Australia, will attend the G7 summit in the city of Hiroshima on 21-23 May. The meeting is likely to focus on the Ukraine war, increasing Chinese dominance and the threat to Taiwan. Issues surrounding supply chains, economic and energy security will also be discussed. India’s appearance as a developing nation is also set to feature India plans to devote six roundtables to climate, green and sustainable finance, and debt sustainability issues at the summit. President Joe Biden defined this year’s summit as “a pivotal moment for our world and for democracies and the values we represent”.

https://asia.nikkei.com/Spotlight/G-7-in-Japan/G-7-latest-Ukraine-s-Zelenskyy-to-attend-summit-in-person-reports-say
G-7 latest: Ukraine peace only possible with full Russian exit, leaders say

Nikkei Asia

23-05-19 09:00


The Group of Seven (G7) summit in Hiroshima is expected to highlight the Ukraine war, the growing power of China and the threat to Taiwan. Leaders from India, South Korea, Indonesia, Vietnam and Australia will also be attending the summit, which opens today. Discussions will also focus on matters involving supply chains, economic and energy security. The Indian presence at the summit is expected to create a focus on the developing world within the G7, while the recent overtures of Russia and China towards Central Asia are also set to feature prominently. Yesterday, the G7 leaders released a statement ahead of the summit stressing their support for Ukraine which “will not waver”, and detailing “new steps” to be taken to ensure Russia's aggression fails. Sanctions imposed on Russia are also likely to be discussed, as well as their impact on trade of agricultural, medical and humanitarian products.

https://asia.nikkei.com/Spotlight/G-7-in-Japan/G-7-latest-Ukraine-peace-only-possible-with-full-Russian-exit-leaders-say
Germany's Scholz to make brief but symbolic visit to Seoul

Deutsche Welle

23-05-19 10:37


German Chancellor Olaf Scholz will visit South Korea on 28 August for talks with the country's president, Yoon Suk-yeol, marking the first visit by a German leader in 13 years. After a few hours in Seoul, Scholz is scheduled to visit the Demilitarised Zone (DMZ) that marks the border with North Korea to see the division of the peninsula firsthand. Topics on the table include security challenges in northeast Asia, the situation in Ukraine, and working more closely with German companies on trade and investment. No major announcements are expected following the meeting.

https://www.dw.com/en/germanys-scholz-to-make-brief-but-symbolic-visit-to-seoul/a-65675498