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Chapter 11 |
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The Dynasties of China - The political history of this region revolves around the centrality of China. Between 219 BCE and 1911 CE, several different Chinese dynasties rose and fell, all of which roughly controlled the same geographic area. The core of the Chinese Empire remained the area we call China proper. Perhaps one of the most significant periods in Chinese history occurred in 1644, with the collapse of the Ming Dynasty and the rise of the Ch'ing (Manchu) Dynasty. It was during the Ch'ing period that China's territory was extended to include much of Central Asia. The Manchus, architects of the Ch'ing Dynasty, were able to subdue the Mongols, and by the mid-1700s had established control over the entire eastern half of Central Asia, including Tibet. Never before had the Chinese Empire been so extensive or so powerful.
Modern China - After its peak in the 18th century, China was unable to compete with a more technologically and economically advanced Europe, and steadily declined through most of the 19th and early 20th centuries. Famine, revolution, and global war have all taken their toll on this nation, but China is now, once again, returning as a strong participant in the world's economy and politics. An interesting relationship is evolving between China and the United States. While communist China currently sees 8% annual growth of its market socialist economy (highlighted by the laissez-faire capitalism of Hong Kong), the less-than-perfectly capitalist United States struggles to achieve 5% annual growth and must weigh trade relations with China against political considerations and humanitarian concerns. It is clear that before a lasting trust can be forged between these countries, significant issues need to be resolved, such as those concerning human rights, arms proliferation (especially to third-party nations), and Taiwan.
Additional information on the history of East Asia can be searched through the East Asian History Source Book.
The Great Wall of China - Many claim that it is the only man-made feature that is visible from space, but no one will argue that The Great Wall of China is indeed one of the most impressive structures ever produced by humans. Originally built for military purposes, The Great Wall now attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors each year.
Korea's DMZ - Drawn along the 38th parallel so that UN troops could withdraw from Korea more than 50 years ago, the demilitarized zone separating North and South Korea has become both a permanent landmark and something of a tourist destination. Technically still at war with each other since a ceasefire was called to end fighting in the Korean War (1950-53), North Korea (with aid from China) and South Korea (with aid from the United States) have become two very different countries. As of 2004, China was losing patience with North Korea's nuclear bluster and the U.S. was pulling troops from South Korea to deploy elsewhere. So North Korea is experimenting with tourism, including the DMZ, as a way to bring in much-needed cash.
China's Three Gorges Dam Project - The Three Gorges Dam runs along a 150-mile stretch of the Yangtze River, the third-largest river in the world. The three gorges the dam is named for are the Qutang, Wuxia, and Xiling. When completed, the dam being constructed here will be the largest hydroelectric dam in the world, creating electricity and providing flood control. However, not everyone is enthusiastic about this project. Priceless historical and archeological artifacts will be drowned after entire villages are relocated. Environmental groups such as the Sierra Club and the International Rivers Network have strongly opposed the dam's construction. Even the World Bank, which carefully reviewed the ecological effects of the dam's construction, has withdrawn support of the project. Nevertheless, the Chinese government says that there is nothing to worry about and is continuing with construction to be completed in 2009.
Take a virtual tour of Edo, Japan. This is the ancient name given to the city of Tokyo, Japan's largest city and now one of the most important in the modern industrial world. Then see a glimpse of modern Japan through the lens of Mike Chachich, an American exploring Japanese culture and cuisine.
Journey to China, and explore the different regions of this ancient land. Afterward, travel to Beijing's Forbidden City, former capital of imperial China. A comprehensive listing of additional sites are listed on The Beijing Page.
Take a virtual trip to Taiwan, an island nation roughly the size of Maryland and the focus of much tension between China and the United States. Modern Taiwan was formed in 1949 when nationalist forces, defeated by the communists in mainland China, sought refuge on the island. As a result, both indigenous Formosan and imported Mandarin languages are spoken on the island.
Radio:
China Radio International - 91.5 FM - Beijing, China ~ News (English)Newspapers & Other News Sources:
Radio Japan (NHK Radio) - FM - Tokyo, Japan
You'll need to Download the FREE G2 player to listen to all other stations.
Weather Forecasts:
Inside China Today - China (English)
Shanghai Daily - Shanghai, China (English)
South China Morning Post - Hong Kong, China (English)
Yomiuri Shimbon - Tokyo, Japan
Korean News - Pyongyang, North Korea (English)
The Seoul Times - Seoul, South Korea (English)
[ Asia | Satellite image ]
Embassies in Washington D.C.:
ChinaAdditional Links:
Japan
Taiwan (Economic and Cultural Office, New York City)For access to embassy Web sites worldwide, try the Embassy & Consulate Search Engine.
Japan Information Network
Japan
Links
Korea.com
The East Asia WWW Virtual
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Sites
for China
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