Western Pacific (6do encyclopedia)



The Western Pacific region, also known as the Asia-Pacific region, is a vast expanse of land and water that spans from the eastern shores of Asia to the western shores of North and South America. It is home to some of the world’s most vibrant economies, diverse cultures, and stunning landscapes. The Western Pacific region is made up of a diverse range of countries, including China, Japan, South Korea, Australia, Indonesia, and many more.

Geography

The Western Pacific region is defined by its geography, which is characterized by vast oceans, mountain ranges, and expansive plains. The region is primarily surrounded by three large bodies of water: the Pacific Ocean, the Indian Ocean, and the Arctic Ocean. The Pacific Ocean is the largest and most dominant of these, covering nearly two-thirds of the Earth’s surface and stretching over 63 million square miles. The Western Pacific region is also home to many of the world’s largest mountain ranges, including the Himalayas, the Rocky Mountains, and the Andes, which provide a diverse range of habitats for flora and fauna.

Economy

The Western Pacific region is home to many of the world’s fastest-growing economies and is responsible for a significant portion of global trade. China, the world’s second-largest economy, is a major player in the region, with its massive consumer market and burgeoning technological industry. Japan, South Korea, and Australia also have strong economies, with advanced industries in areas such as robotics, automotive manufacturing, and mining.

The region is also home to many smaller developing economies, such as Indonesia, Vietnam, and the Philippines, which are experiencing rapid growth as they build their manufacturing industries. The Western Pacific region is also home to many of the world’s major shipping ports, including Singapore, Hong Kong, and Busan.

Culture

The Western Pacific region is home to a diverse range of cultures, each with its own unique customs, traditions, and languages. Chinese culture is heavily influenced by Confucianism and Taoism, with a focus on filial piety and respect for elders. Japan has a rich cultural history, including the iconic Samurai warriors, intricate tea ceremonies, and traditional Kabuki theatre.

Korea is known for its delicious food and famous pop culture exports, such as K-pop and K-dramas. Australia is home to a vibrant Indigenous culture, as well as a thriving multicultural scene, with a mix of influences from Europe, Asia, and beyond. The region is also home to many world-renowned museums, art galleries, and historic landmarks, such as the Great Wall of China, the Taj Mahal, and Uluru in Australia.

Environment

The Western Pacific region is home to a diverse range of ecosystems, including rainforests, deserts, coral reefs, and tundras. The region is also home to many endangered species, such as the Giant Panda, the Sumatran Tiger, and the Philippine Eagle. The impact of climate change is also felt strongly in the Western Pacific region, with rising sea levels and extreme weather events posing a threat to many low-lying islands and coastal communities.

Efforts are underway to protect the environment and preserve the region’s natural beauty. Many countries in the region have created protected areas, such as China’s Sichuan Giant Panda Sanctuaries, the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park in Australia, and the Komodo National Park in Indonesia.

Conclusion

The Western Pacific region is a vast and diverse part of the world, with rich cultural traditions, thriving economies, and stunning landscapes. As the world becomes increasingly connected, the region’s importance has grown, with a vital role to play in global trade and the global response to climate change. Despite its challenges, the Western Pacific region remains one of the world’s most fascinating and beautiful places, a true testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the natural world.


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How the US Air Force Is Preparing to Fight Under Bombardment in the Pacific

Diplomat

23-05-12 17:01


The US Air Force is refocusing its efforts towards countering China in the Western Pacific as the country continues to advance as a world leader in key areas of high-tech. China's rise is challenging the centuries of Western-dominated order in the Pacific, with Beijing threatening US military bases across the region. In response, the US Air Force has made several investments under the Agile Combat Employment (ACE) initiative, such as a focus on austere airfield operations for F-35s, improving the survivability of its military facilities across East Asia, increasing the pre-positioning of equipment in hardened facilities and expanding the range of facilities from which its units can deploy. These efforts will complement work currently underway to develop a sixth-generation fighter with greater endurance, which both the US and China are expected to field by around 2030.

One of the leading challenges facing the US Air Force is the growing Chinese and allied North Korean strike capabilities against US military bases across the Pacific. This includes the deployment of Chinese DF-26 and North Korean Hwasong-12 intermediate-range ballistic missiles, as well as the Chinese DF-17 and North Korean Hwasong-8 missiles, which have shorter ranges but carry hypersonic glide vehicles. Despite growing investment in air defense assets, such as THAAD and Patriot systems, the effectiveness of these against the advanced missile classes currently in the Chinese and North Korean arsenals is questionable.

Efforts to expand the range of facilities from which US Air Force units can deploy, to train and equip for austere airfield operations, and to increase the survivability of existing facilities are expected to continue throughout the decade and remain a central priority for the service.


https://thediplomat.com/2023/05/how-the-us-air-force-is-preparing-to-fight-under-bombardment-in-the-pacific/

WHO declares mpox global health emergency over

The Sydney Morning Herald

23-05-12 06:58


The World Health Organization (WHO) has downgraded the outbreak of monkeypox, known as mpox, from being a global emergency after a decrease in cases. The biggest-ever outbreak of mpox initially emerged last May in Spain and Belgium before moving overseas, spreading to more than 100 countries. In July 2019, WHO declared mpox as a global emergency after outbreaks of the disease emerged in Europe and North America. Nearly all cases are transmitted through sexual activity and classified mostly among gay and bisexual men. The disease is most common in Central and West Africa, and was previously not known to spread easily across borders.

https://www.smh.com.au/world/europe/who-declares-mpox-global-health-emergency-over-20230512-p5d81l.html
Mpox no longer a global health emergency, WHO chief says

Japan Times

23-05-12 02:49


The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared that mpox, the virus that causes painful rashes and can be fatal, no longer constitutes a global health emergency. There have been over 87,000 cases in 111 countries, yet the organisation said more efforts were needed to eradicate the pathogen from some of the worst affected countries, especially in Africa. Countries reporting lowered cases included the US and Europe. Executive director for Health Emergencies, Michael Ryan, warned that investing in monitoring and improving understanding of the virus was needed. WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has already lowered the global alert for Covid-19.

https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2023/05/12/world/science-health-world/mpox-no-longer-health-emergency/
WHO declares end to mpox emergency, though scientists warn of potential for 'resurgence'

CBC

23-05-11 16:57


The World Health Organisation (WHO) has ended the emergency declaration for monkey pox, the potentially fatal disease, following its global outbreak being brought under control. However, scientists are warning against complacency and fears that if countries scale back their surveillance and vaccination efforts, a resurgence could occur. While occurrence rates have dropped globally, the people of African nations face a lack of access to vaccination.

https://www.cbc.ca/news/health/who-ends-mpox-emergency-1.6839923
Mpox no longer a global emergency, WHO says

The Toronto Star

23-05-11 15:00


The World Health Organization has said that the global outbreak of monkeypox, which spread to over 100 countries last year, is no longer an international emergency after a marked decline in cases. Previously described as a global crisis, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus cited the unprecedented way in which the virus was passed on, with sexual contact being found to be the main form of transmission. Last week, WHO announced that the COVID-19 pandemic was over and should be managed like other respiratory diseases. So far, mpox has caused over 87,000 cases and 140 deaths worldwide.

https://www.thestar.com/life/health_wellness/2023/05/11/mpox-no-longer-a-global-emergency-who-says.html
Chinese warships return to West Pacific for live-fire drills

Reuters

23-05-16 07:51


Two Chinese warships have conducted live-fire exercises in the Western Pacific, marking the latest instance of China's projection of force into more distant waters. The destroyer Dalian and guided missile frigate Huangshan performed training drills in an unidentified West Pacific area, the People's Liberation Army said. China has significantly bolstered its missile forces and navy fleet in recent years, sparking concern among the US and its partners. Though China's military has been modernised, defence analysts claim it could be more than a decade before China is able to mount a credible carrier threat far from its shores.

https://www.reuters.com/business/aerospace-defense/chinese-warships-return-west-pacific-live-fire-drills-2023-05-16/
China now has the world’s biggest navy: but the US fleet would still win in a fight – for now

Telegraph

23-05-19 15:13


China’s People’s Liberation Army (Navy) – also known as the PLAN – now has 351 ships in its battle force, making it the largest naval grouping in the world, according to the latest report by the United States Congressional Research Service. The US Navy has 294 ships. Factors in China’s success include its six new nuclear submarines and two aircraft carriers, one of which is already operational, with a third due to launch soon. China’s fleet also includes six cruisers, more than 80 destroyers, frigates and corvettes and a force of Anti-Ship Ballistic Missiles capable of firing on a moving vessel up to 3,000km away and sinking it. The report’s findings have led to speculation that US naval superiority will reduce over the coming decades. The USN currently has a larger total tonnage of warships than China and is much better equipped, but China is expected to make further gains.

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2023/05/19/chinese-navy-plan-worlds-biggest-usn-top-for-now/
G7 agrees sanctions to 'starve Russia's war machine' while checking China

RFI

23-05-19 14:27


Leaders from the G7 group have recently stated their commitment to promoting democratic values and aims to build “a healthier, safer, more prosperous future for all”. At a summit meeting in Japan, the G7 countries criticised Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and stated that they would move to further restrict Russia's access to their economies. While there is general agreement among G7 members with regard to Russia, policy towards China varies. The EU has been cautious about direct confrontation with China and some G7 members favour stronger links with the country. However, China’s increasing “pressure throughout the entire Western Pacific” might force a less conciliatory approach.

https://www.rfi.fr/en/international/20230519-g7-agrees-sanctions-to-starve-russia-s-war-machine-while-checking-china