The Transformation of East Asia - Essay Example

Chapter 9 A and B The area occupied by East Asia rivals many in the world. The area is among the most populated in the world with different civilization. Moreover, the economic development on its pacific mainland shores cannot be compared to any in the world. Likewise, its offshore island was the first of its kind to experience the use of atomic bombs while it also emerged as one of the world most powerful economies (East Asia 368). There were only few people affected by events that took place in the region over the past two generations. However, there was a remarkable transformation after the 1960’s. For example, Japan turned its World War II defeat into a stepping stone for postwar economic success (East Asia 368). In the years that followed, Japan experienced economic growth that was above that of china. Consequently, it was considered an economic engine for the world and even rivaled the United States economy. On the other hand, after 1972 china started to experience economic success. This was after it opened doors for bilateral talks with the United States. Currently, East Asia act as the most active region in the global economy, it is changing the world in different ways. On the other hand, East Asia is mainly composed of mainland in terms of total land area. However, the role played by islands and its people in forging realms regional geography has been tremendous. This region has also been dominated by conflicts of water between the mainland and the islands (East Asia 369). In fact, the Japanese and Chinese have been arguing over the ownership of islands in these waters. This is because of the vast oil deposits and the fishing grounds. Sometimes china is referred to as being East Asia. This is because it is the prominent country in this area in terms of population and has played a massive role in the world affairs (East Asia 369). However, there are other political entities in the East Asia. They include Japan, South Korea, North Korea, Mongolia, and Taiwan (East Asia 369). However, Taiwan is referred as part of china while North Korea is viewed as a failed state. China has been defined by the four famous rivers system. This is in together with their basins, valleys, deltas, and estuaries. However, the most notable are the Huang He. This makes a large loop around the Ordos Desert and then flows into Bohai Gulf, and the Yangzi River (East Asia 372). This river with its tributaries forms the source of water ideal for most of the activities in the capital of china. There is also Yangzi River in the Chang Basin in china. These two rivers originate in the snowy mountains of the Qing-Hai-Xizang Plateau (East Asia 372). The other two rivers have a shorter distance. However, one of the rivers (Xi River) forms an estuary that acts as the greatest center for China globalization. Additionally, there is another river known as Liao. China, for a long time, has been controlled by dynasties. At these dynasties, China area continued to expand and at the same time decreasing. On the other hand, China had Qing Empire as the largest. However, the empire became weak at its final stage. This is because it was confronted by the imperial powers such as Europeans, Russians, and Japanese (East Asia 376). The collapse of China Empire paved way for the revolutionary China and charismatic leader named Sun Yat-sen led this (East Asia 377). The nationalistic blamed the authorities for China woes. Consequently, they attacked the emperor’s garrison all over China, and this resulted in the fall of Qing Dynasty (East Asia 378). This was followed by the formation of China Communist. Initially, the nationalist cooperated with the imperial authority. However, after Chiang Kai-shek rise to power, all the foreigners fled China. On the other hand, Japan has played a significant historical role in East Asia. Since the seventeen century, Japan policy was on isolation. In fact, contact with the outside world was of a limited nature. However, the Meiji Restoration dropped the policy. This regime aimed at rapid modernization and this led to Japan emulating the western ideologies (East Asia 378). Moreover, the inspiration from British led to rapid growth of Tokyo. Modernization helped in increasing efficiency in terms of goods produced and development of railroads. However, modernization was combined with traditional elements. This also saw Japan enjoy military prowess in the 1880, s. This led to the first Sino-Japanese War of 1894-1895 where Japanese triumphed (East Asia 378). The power shift to Japan was evident after the defeat of Russia in their war of 1904-1905. This led to Japanese acquiring territories such as Korea, Manchuria, and some of the colonies. Japan dominated this area after its defeat in 1945. This was possible due to the coalition formed by United States. However, civil war resumed in China and the turmoil was overshadowed by Mao Zedong announcement on the birth of Peoples Republic of China on October 1, 1949 (East Asia 379). The new communist regime was cruel and oppressive, but it contributed to the well-being of China and its people. The Great Leap Forward saw the death of millions of people (East Asia 380). This was due to forced labor. After 1945, Japan engaged into reviving its economy. This occurred through the assistance of United States. This occurred on condition that Japan reduces its military spending. This was meant to curb its expansionist plan. Consequently, Japan enjoyed economic growth in the second part of the 19th century. In fact, she became an industrial giant, a technological pacesetter, and the most prosperous country on the globe (East Asia 380). Other countries in the region copied the design of Japan on economic expansion. They include Hong Kong, South Korea, Taiwan, and Singapore (East Asia 380). This resulted in them being named the Asian Tigers (East Asia 380). As a result, they manufactured goods such as computers, mobile phones, and kitchen appliances that dominated different regions of the world such as the western market. This also led to the development of largest ports in the East Asia. China also applied this model in encouraging foreign investment in the country after the death of Mao Zedong. Additionally, Japanese Chinese interaction improved in the 1980, s. This was after Japan was allowed to enter Chinese territories. However, these countries are always in constant conflict due to clashing interest, historic memoirs, and cultural opposition (East Asia 382). Moreover, this period saw the wealth of China surpass that of Japan. On the other hand, Korea has played a significant role in the geopolitics of East Asia. This also saw the invasion of Korea by Japan in 1910. Likewise, it was divided 1945 by the allied forces. Soviet forces controlled the northern side while the southern side was under the control of United States (East Asia 382). In addition, the Korean conflict continues to dominate the world affairs. This is because of the oppressive regime in the northern side. Moreover, Taiwan has played a significant role in China history. This is due to its role in thee conflict between the communist and nationalist. In fact, as Mao was declaring People Republic of China, the loser Chiang Kai-shek declared the region as Republic of China (East Asia 383). Chiang claimed this as the legitimate government and even received external aid. China is today playing a significant role in changing the world. This has led to its acceptance in United States as it replaced Taiwan in 1971 (East Asia 402). Although Taiwan remains a small island, it remains a highly populated area. Chungwang Mountains, steep slopes, and dense forest on the eastern side dominate the island (East Asia 402). The lowland area is where Taipei the Taiwan capital is located. The island has developed iron and steel industries, nuclear power plants, and modern transportation system. It also exports high tech products to other countries. The establishment of China Special Economic Zone has led to increased interaction between Beijing and Taipei (East Asia 403). However, Taiwan future remains uncertain although there are indications this may be resolved. Works Cited East Asia. “Defining the Realm.” Environment and Population. Read More