The Countries and Political Geography of East Asia
Asia is the world's largest and most populated continent. In fact, more than half the world’s population lives in Asia. The massive continent features the Pacific Ocean to the east, Indian Ocean to its south, and Arctic Ocean to its north.
There is not a clear and agreed upon border between Asia and Europe to the west. However, most geographers consider the Ural and Caucasus Mountains and the Caspian and Black Seas as the features that separate Asia from Europe.
Since Asia is so big, it helps to divide into sub regions. East Asia includes China, Japan, Mongolia, North and South Korea, and Taiwan. Additionally, Hong Kong and Macau are two special autonomous regions controlled by China.
China has a population as big as its territory, which allows it to hold a dominant position in East Asian politics. China operates under a one-party socialist system governed by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and has a significant centralization of power.Â
Hong Kong is an island on the southeastern coast of China that is separated by the Pearl River Estuary.
It was once a British colony and was under British rule from 1841 until the Handover of Hong Kong in 1997, when it became part of China.Â
Hong Kong is considered a semi-autonomous region of China and operates under the system of “one country, two systems."
This means that Hong Kong still has its own economic, political, legal, and administrative systems which it had prior to becoming unified with China. This agreement allows Hong Kong to retain its capitalist system and human rights. However, the agreement is set to expire in 2047.
Mongolia is bordered by Russia to the north and China to the south. It is a huge country, but one of the most sparsely populated, with only 3.3 million residents. It has been ruled by many nomadic empires, most famously the Mongols. Today, 30% of its population is still nomadic, with horse culture an important aspect of society.Â
Macau is located on the southern coast of China near the western bank of the Pearl River Delta, and it also operates under the system of “one country, two systems” with China. Macau was a colony of Portugal from 1557 until its return to China in 1999. Macau was allowed to retain its legal, economic, and administrative systems. The agreement, set to expire in 2049, has allowed Macau to function as its own entity in international settings.
Taiwan, officially known as the Republic of China (ROC), is an island located about about 110 miles off the southeastern coast of China. Taiwan operates as a sovereign state with its own government and democratic system, however China claims sovereignty over the island. Although China claims that it would allow the policy of “one country, two systems,” Taiwan consistently rejects this proposal, and the issue continues to be a topic of geopolitical concern.
North Korea is one the world’s most isolated and authoritarian regimes. It is led by the Kim Dynasty, which has had absolute control over the state since 1948.
The country fell under Soviet influence after World War 2 and has been considered to be a communist nation ever since. The Kim Dynasty created a repressive system that has controlled every aspect of life within the country ever since.
Unlike its neighbor to the north, South Korea came under American control after World War 2. The country has become an economic powerhouse with remarkable growth in the technology sector. As a democracy, it partakes in competitive elections and has made a commitment to human rights.Â
Japan is an archipelago east of mainland China. The Sea of Japan lies to its west with the Pacific Ocean in the east, giving the country the nickname, "land of the rising sun." Japan has had a history of being a regional power and colonial aggressor. Japan’s expansion in the late 19th and 20th centuries led to it capturing much of the Asian Pacific. These ambitions led to Japan’s defeat in World War 2.Â
Today, Japan is a key ally of the United States and is a parliamentary democracy and a constitutional monarchy. The Emperor of Japan serves as a figurehead, while the executive power is held by the Prime Minister. Japan is a global leader in technological innovation and is one of the world’s largest economies.