What explains China’s decision to sign an alliance treaty with North Korea in 1961? The treaty was redundant to deter the United States and South Korea because China had credibly established its resolve and capability to defend North Korea after the outbreak of the Korean War in June 1950. The treaty even increased the risk of China’s entrapment in a Korean conflict. This article develops a triangular theory of alliance formation to show that China’s signing of the treaty was intended to drive a wedge between North Korea and the Soviet Union, not to deter South Korea and the United States. China was thus willing to incur more risk to neutralize North Korea from a pro-Soviet position. This article tests the theory by process tracing events in the China–North Korea–Soviet Union triangle from 1948 to 1961 with a plausibility probe of the China–North Vietnam–Soviet Union triangle from 1954 to 1965. The article concludes with implications for the contemporary China–North Korea–Russia bloc and the study of alliance politics in the Asian context.
South Asia. Southeast Asia. East Asia, Social Sciences
There has been a decade-long debate in the studies of Malaysian politics on whether there is indeed an urban–rural difference when it comes to elections. Studies using aggregated election data suggest stark differences in parties’ performance in urban and rural electoral districts, while studies relying on survey data tend to downplay urban–rural differences in voting patterns. Notwithstanding the ecological fallacy problem inherent in studies using aggregated election data, the consistent differences between studies using individual and aggregated data are puzzling, and cast a shadow over our understanding of electoral politics in Malaysia. This article argues that in Peninsular Malaysia the urban–rural differences supported by aggregated election data may have been overestimated due to results being driven by a few large urban centers. Combining survey data from the fifth wave of Asian Barometer and aggregated election data from the fourteenth general election in Malaysia, this article demonstrates that both kinds of data in fact point to the same conclusion. Once we specifically control for inter-state and local heterogeneity in population density, the association between population density and party performance attenuates.
South Asia. Southeast Asia. East Asia, Social Sciences
Over the past several decades since the establishment of diplomatic relations, the trade and investment cooperation between the Republic of Korea and Vietnam has reached an unprecedented level. Since 2022 Vietnam ranks third among the Republic of Korea's trading partners, while South Korea has been the leading investor in Vietnam. The article examines the dynamics and structure of investment and trade cooperation between South Korea and Vietnam from 1992 to 2024. Particular attention is paid to changes in the sectoral structure of trade and investment, as well as the influence of cultural, historical, and political factors on the development of cooperation.
The study particularly focuses on assessing the current state of cooperation in the field of direct investment. It is determined by a number of internal and external factors, such as changes in Vietnam’s investment policy, including the introduction of restrictive measures in investment legislation (raising the minimum wage, applying a global corporate tax, and introducing a selective investment screening system), the effects of the pandemic on global production networks, as well as increasing competition for the Vietnamese market among major investors from Northeast Asia. The authors believe these factors will limit quantitative growth in trade and investment, but will serve as drivers for the development of scientific and technological partnership between the two countries.
South Asia. Southeast Asia. East Asia, Bibliography. Library science. Information resources
Abstract The Molucca Sea subduction zone is unique for its active divergent double‐subducted slab located in the north of the Java and Banda subduction zones. The spatial proximity of these subduction zones would cause a complex mantle flow field. To clarify the mantle dynamics, here we present P‐wave tilting‐axis anisotropic tomography obtained by inverting a large number of local and teleseismic travel‐time data recorded at 254 seismic stations in eastern Southeast Asia. Our results suggest that the mantle structure and dynamics of the western Molucca Sea subduction zone may be remotely controlled by the Java and Banda subduction zones. Mantle convection in the big mantle wedge west of the Molucca Sea subduction zone is possibly influenced by east‐west mantle flow associated with compression of the Indo‐Australian slab as well as north‐south mantle flow related to rollback of the Indo‐Australian slab. In contrast, the eastern Molucca Sea subduction zone is virtually unaffected by other subduction zones, probably due to the ongoing slab subduction there.
BackgroundThe rapid rise of myopia worldwide, particularly in East and Southeast Asia, has implied environmental influences beyond genetics. To address this growing public health concern, the World Health Organization and International Telecommunication Union launched the MyopiaEd program. South Korea, with its high rates of myopia and smartphone use, presented a suitable context for implementing and evaluating the MyopiaEd program.
ObjectiveThis is the first study to date to evaluate the effectiveness and scalability of the MyopiaEd program in promoting eye health behavior change among parents of children in South Korea.
MethodsParents of children aged 7 and 8 years were recruited through an open-access website with a recruitment notice distributed to public elementary schools in Gwangju Metropolitan City. Beginning in September 2022, parents received 42 SMS text messages from the MyopiaEd program over 6 months. This digital trial used a mixed methods approach combining both quantitative and qualitative data collection. Pre- and postintervention surveys were used to assess changes in parental knowledge and behavior regarding myopia prevention. Additionally, semistructured interviews were conducted to explore participants’ experiences in depth and receive feedback on program design. Prior to the intervention, the MyopiaEd program design and message libraries were adapted for the Korean context following World Health Organization and International Telecommunication Union guidelines.
ResultsA total of 133 parents participated in this study, including 60 parents whose children had myopia and 73 parents whose children did not. Both groups reported high engagement and satisfaction with the program. Significant increases in knowledge about myopia were observed in both groups (P<.001). While time spent on near-work activities did not change significantly, parents of children with myopia reported increased outdoor time for their children (P=.048). A substantial increase in eye checkups was observed, with 52 (86.7%) out of 60 children with myopia and 50 (68.5%) out of 73 children without myopia receiving eye examinations following the intervention. Qualitative analysis indicated a shift in parents’ attitudes toward outdoor activities, as increased recognition of their benefits prompted positive changes in behavior. However, reducing near-work activities posed challenges due to children’s preference for smartphone use during leisure periods and the demands of after-school academies. The credibility of the institution delivering the program enhanced parental engagement and children’s adoption of healthy behaviors. Messages that corrected common misconceptions about eye health and provided specific behavioral guidance were regarded as impactful elements of the program.
ConclusionsThis study demonstrates the MyopiaEd program’s potential as a scalable and innovative digital intervention to reduce myopia risk in children. The program’s effectiveness provides support for broader adoption and offers valuable insights to inform future myopia prevention policies.
The aspects of cross-cultural communication play a key role in matters of interaction between the employees in Asian international companies. It is also important in business relationships between representatives of the Asian and Western (including Russian) business cultures. At the same time,
the aspects of such interaction in the business environment of the Russian Federation have their own characteristics and challenges for the Asian side. To analyze this phenomenon, a study was conducted among the senior management of Japanese companies with many years of experience of working and living in the Russian Federation in order to identify the key aspects of cross-cultural interaction in the field of business communication. The study identified five aspects that were mentioned by all respondents: prejudices and stereotypes of Japanese employees, teamwork (individualism vs collectivism), teamwork (work vs personal time, relationship with management, implications of the decision-making process.
South Asia. Southeast Asia. East Asia, Bibliography. Library science. Information resources
The Nidirana Dubois, 1992 exhibit a ubiquitous presence in East and Southeast Asia, spanning from Japan west to southern China and from northern Thailand to northern Vietnam and Laos in the south. The taxonomic categorisations pertaining to this genus continue to be a subject of debate, particularly with regard to those species that possess broad geographical distributions. In China, 18 species of Nidirana are currently recognised.We describe a new species of this genus from south-western China. Mitochondrial 16S and COⅠ gene phylogenetic analyses support the new species as an independent clade nested within the Nidirana. The new species is phylogenetically close to N. yaoica, with a genetic distance of 2.5% from its sister taxon. Morphologically, the new species can be distinguished from congeners by a combination of the following characteristics: males relatively small (SVL 41.8-43.3 mm); lateroventral grooves present on both fingers and toes; relative finger length Ⅱ &lt; Ⅰ &lt; Ⅳ &lt; Ⅲ; tibio-tarsal articulation reaching to the level of the eye or nostril; a pair of external subgular vocal sacs in males; one single nuptial pad on the dorsal surface of the base of the first finger in males during the breeding season; webbing formula I 1/2 - 1 II 1/2 - 2 III 1 - 2½ IV 2 - 1V.
Tsoggerel Baldandugar, Jiao Shengwu, Amarkhuu Gungaa
et al.
The Asian dowitcher (Limnodromus semipalmatus) breeds in the wetlands of southeast Siberia, Mongolia, and northeast China. It is a Near Threatened shorebird species that only occurs in East Asian Australasian Flyway (EAAF) sites. It is reported that its wintering area extends from East India to South Asia, but its migration route remains unknown. Identifying specific migration routes and migratory stopovers is essential for conserving the declining Asian dowitcher populations. We deployed mobile based transmitters that provide information within the mobile network on eight Asian dowitchers from the eastern Mongolia. Based on this information, the migration route, distance, wintering area, time, and speed of migration of the Asian dowitcher were determined. Asian dowitchers passed through China's Bohai Sea and Lianyungang coast to Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore for the winter. This species adopted a coastal migration strategy and traveled an average distance of 4,833 km to reach its wintering grounds. They recover their energy after a long rest and travel long distances in a short time. The duration of the autumn migration varied from individual to individual but averaged 47 days (min=14, max=90). Lianyungang, located on the east coast of China, is an important stopover site for the Asian dowitcher, and the tracked individuals landed and rested in this area. During autumn migration, eight Asian dowitchers used 14 stop over sites along the coast, of which two were nature reserves, three were provincial and local protected areas, three were protected areas near cities, and the remaining six were densely populated areas with no protection.
Introduction: Stunting is one of the nutritional issues that becomes the triple burden of malnutrition and affects the world, especially in almost every nation. Indonesia is listed as the third country with the greatest stunting prevalence in the Southeast Asia/South-East Asia Regional (SEAR) areas. This study aimed to examine the connections between stunting incidence a history of infectious diseases, as well as the connections between toddlers who experience stunting events a history of infectious diseases among toddlers in Drokilo Village. Methods: This study used a case-control research design and an analytical observational approach. It involved 51 toddlers samples and included dependent variables i.e., stunting incidence and independent variables i.e., environmental sanitation at home and a history of infectious diseases. Bivariate analysis was utilized together with Chi-square test to examine the variables. Results and Discussion: Male toddlers over the age of two years frequently experienced stunting. With a p-value of 0.046, environmental sanitation at home was associated with a lower stunting incidence. With a p-value of 0.037, a history of infectious diseases was associated with higher stunting incidence. Conclusion: Environmental sanitation at home a history of infectious diseases had significant relationships with stunting incidence in toddlers. In short, these two factors may cause stunting in toddlers in Drokilo Village, Kedungadem District, Bojonegoro Regency.
Pakistan is a influential country in South Asia and an important fulcrum of "The Belt and Road Initiative." The study of its urban system can promote the understanding of Pakistan and provide references for related cooperation. This paper conducts a more comprehensive empirical analysis of the scale structure, spatial structure, and functional structure characteristics of the urban system, based on existing research and on the census data, natural environment, economic industry, and traffic network and other public data. It uses the analysis methods of the urban system pyramid, Gini coefficient of urban scale and nuclear density analysis, and analyzes the endogenous and exogenous factors of the urban system. The results were as follows: 1) First, regarding scale structure, the overall distribution of the urban scale is relatively concentrated, showing characteristics of both "large urbanization" and "small urbanization." The development of intermediate-level cities is delayed, and the urban population pyramid is roughly shaped as an hourglass. Regarding spatial structure, the urban system of Pakistan embodies the coexistence of differentiation and integration, forming different urban density patterns in the East and the West and a provincial urban system with its own characteristics. However, the spatial structure of towns in the southeast-northwest region shows an integration trend. The eastern region gradually formed the urban agglomeration core areas of Karachi and Lahore, and the urban agglomeration areas of the Islamabad-Rawalpindi metropolitan area, Peshawar, Multan, Sukkur, and Hyderabad, with a "seven"-axis distribution in the southeast-northwest. Regarding the functional structure, there are three national centers, two regional centers, and some important industrial and transportation node cities. 2) The urban system is formed under the influence of endogenous and exogenous factors. Regarding endogenous factors, natural environment factors constitute the basis of urban system evolution; the intensity of the economic industry and spatial agglomeration determine the basic pattern of the urban system. The joint effect of terrain and traffic transforms the space-time distance, resulting in the difference of urban systems between the East and the West. The relatively independent social and administrative factors of each province cause the differentiation of the urban systems in each province. This process is indirectly affected by exogenous factors such as international investment and trade, geopolitics, and the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor. 3) The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor will strengthen the motivational force of urbanization in Pakistan, promote the transformation of the "seven" urban development axis into the "two vertical and three horizontal" urban development axis system, and promote the development of western cities. Suggestions for the overall policy of Pakistan's urban system include: (1)promoting the industrialization process, strengthening the power of urbanization, and promoting the development of cities at all levels, especially the intermediate level cities. (2) Further, it proposes strengthening integration development with the world market, promoting the development of cities in the southern coastal areas and the transportation links with inland cities, as well as the development of cities along the line. (3) Finally, it suggests reducing the administrative and social system barriers between provinces, reducing the distance and division of factor flow, and accelerating the process of urban system integration.
Aniruddha Deshpande, Molly K Miller-Petrie, Paulina A Lindstedt
et al.
Summary: Background: Lymphatic filariasis is a neglected tropical disease that can cause permanent disability through disruption of the lymphatic system. This disease is caused by parasitic filarial worms that are transmitted by mosquitos. Mass drug administration (MDA) of antihelmintics is recommended by WHO to eliminate lymphatic filariasis as a public health problem. This study aims to produce the first geospatial estimates of the global prevalence of lymphatic filariasis infection over time, to quantify progress towards elimination, and to identify geographical variation in distribution of infection. Methods: A global dataset of georeferenced surveyed locations was used to model annual 2000–18 lymphatic filariasis prevalence for 73 current or previously endemic countries. We applied Bayesian model-based geostatistics and time series methods to generate spatially continuous estimates of global all-age 2000–18 prevalence of lymphatic filariasis infection mapped at a resolution of 5 km2 and aggregated to estimate total number of individuals infected. Findings: We used 14 927 datapoints to fit the geospatial models. An estimated 199 million total individuals (95% uncertainty interval 174–234 million) worldwide were infected with lymphatic filariasis in 2000, with totals for WHO regions ranging from 3·1 million (1·6–5·7 million) in the region of the Americas to 107 million (91–134 million) in the South-East Asia region. By 2018, an estimated 51 million individuals (43–63 million) were infected. Broad declines in prevalence are observed globally, but focal areas in Africa and southeast Asia remain less likely to have attained infection prevalence thresholds proposed to achieve local elimination. Interpretation: Although the prevalence of lymphatic filariasis infection has declined since 2000, MDA is still necessary across large populations in Africa and Asia. Our mapped estimates can be used to identify areas where the probability of meeting infection thresholds is low, and when coupled with large uncertainty in the predictions, indicate additional data collection or intervention might be warranted before MDA programmes cease. Funding: Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
Melioidosis is an infectious disease of tropical climates. The disease is caused by the bacterium Burkholderia pseudomallei. Most cases are diagnosed in southeast Asia and northern Australia. Some imported cases diagnosed in returning tourists, soldiers, and immigrants from endemic areas. It caught much attention since the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) designated B. pseudomallei as an agent for biological warfare and terrorism. We describe two cases of a 26-year-old Saudi woman who had fulminant sepsis soon after returning from Thailand & a 48-year-old woman with a long history of fever. B. pseudomallei was isolated from both patients blood cultures, and they had different consequences. A confirmed case of melioidosis was not reported before in Saudi Arabia. Keywords: Melioidosis, Burkholderia pseudomallei, South East Asia, Saudi Arabia, Patient's
Infectious and parasitic diseases, Public aspects of medicine
The fish genus Notopterus Lacepède, 1800 (Notopteridae) currently includes only one species, the Asian bronze featherback Notopterus notopterus (Pallas, 1769). This common freshwater species is widely distributed in the Oriental region, from the Indus basin in the west, the Mekong basin in the east and Java Island in the south. To examine the phylogeographic structure of N. notopterus across its range, we analysed 74 publicly available cytochrome oxidase I (COI) sequences, 72 of them determined from known-origin specimens, along with four newly-determined sequences from Peninsular Malaysian specimens. We found that N. notopterus is a complex of two allopatric species that diverge from each other by 7.5% mean p-distance. The first species is endemic to South Asia (from Indus basin to Ganga-Brahmaputra system), whereas the distribution of the second species is restricted to Southeast Asia. The exact limit between the distributions of these two species is not known, but it should fall somewhere between the Ganga-Brahmaputra and Salween basins, a region already identified as a major faunal boundary in the Oriental region. The name N. notopterus is retained for the Southeast Asian species, while the name Notopterus synurus (Bloch &amp; Schneider, 1801) should be applied to the South Asian species. A comparative morphological study is needed to reveal the degree of morphological differentiation between the two species.
Majid Rezaei Banafsheh, saeid Jahanbakhsh, Shoaieb Abkharabat
et al.
Introduction 120-day winds of Sistan are considered as one of the significant phenomenon which has a great impact on the morphology and environment of east and southeast of Iran (Figure.1). The common region for these winds is the border of monsoon region in south of Asia which mainly has sunny and cloudless weather during monsoon period. This condition is due to lack of higher humidity divergence accompanied by tangible decrease of the air on the atmosphere (Salighe, 2010). These winds are the most famous advection system in northern hemisphere whose effects are visible in eastern regions of Iran, west and south of Afghanistan, and northwest of Pakistan(Khosravi, 2008). Data and Methodology In order to evaluate the role of the winds, data network of Geopotential height of 850 hPa (hectopascal) level during a 19-year period (1993-2012) from May to the end of September, the period of 120-day winds of Sistan, were found. These data were of those revisited data of 2.5*2.5 NCEO/NCAR during 2480 days. Then, factor analysis and clustering tests were applied on data network of Geopotential height to classify map patterns (Yarnal, translated by Masoudian, 2006: 100). As a matter of fact 5 clusters were recognized in this study presented in table 1. Dynamic method was used in GrADS software in order to find humidity flux of each region in the quintuplet patterns. Discussion Northern Wind Pattern (120-day wind of Sistan) As a matter of fact 120-day winds of Sistan are a part of northern Trade winds which are the most important source of Caspian Sea high pressure. After passing east of Iran, these winds reach Oman Sea and converge with southern Trade winds. Both of them moved toward Indian Subcontinent and finally enter atmospheric monsoon circulation of south of Asia. High pressure of north of Iran is also a tongue of high pressure Azores which is extended over northern regions of Iran and Caspian Sea by Mediterranean and Black sea Basin. Both existing Gang low during hot period of a year in south of Asia and spreading, its tongues over regions of Middle East make Azores high not be able to penetrate the zone in lower levels of atmosphere (from the earth surface to thelevel 850 hPa.). As a result, Azores high has to locate in northern parts especially north of Iran. Analyzing the curves of geo-potential height, figure (2) precisely shows this phenomenon. Gang low not only is weaken among middle levels of atmospheretongue, but also lost its appearance on Iran Plateau and Arabian Peninsula. Therefore, Azores high tongue also can locate in its normal position and appear with maximum pressure on Iran Plateau and Arabian Peninsula. Figure (3) presents the order of synoptic systems in level 500 hPa. of pattern 1. It shows that Gang low has lost its nature in this level, while Azores high tongue obviously is located on Middle East, especially Iran Plateau and Arabian Peninsula. As a matter of fact atmospheric levels of Geopotential height in pattern 1 (figures 2,3, 4) reveal that as we go away from lower levels of atmosphere to middle levels of atmosphere, Gang low gradually is weaken especially over Iran Plateau and Arabian Peninsula. This situation makes Azores high tongue locate in lower latitude. However, in lower levels (earth surface to level 850 hPa.), as a tongue of Gang comes into some parts of Middle East, expanded tongue of Azores high pressure has to locate on higher latitudes than normal latitudes; on north of Iran Plateau and Caspian Sea.Pattern (2) shows the same order as pattern (1), so it will not be repeated here. In the following, the effect of 120-day winds of Sistan on humidity of the region will be investigated, thus humidity flux is calculated between levels 925-1000 hPa. 850-925 hPa. and 850 -700hPa. Figure (5) shows sum of humidity flux for aforesaid levels of synoptic pattern (1). 120-day winds of Sistan with prevailing north direction in this pattern lead to the formation of a core of humidity flux divergence in east and center of Iran and decrease humidity of the region. As previously mentioned, after passing Iran, Sistan winds reach Oman Sea and north of Indian Ocean, and converge with southern Trade winds. Both of them move toward Indian Subcontinent. In fact, convergence of 120-day Sistan winds (northern Trade winds) and southern Trade winds leads to formation of a strong core of humidity flux convergence on Oman Sea and north of Indian Ocean (figure 5). The sum and average of humidity flux convergence and humidity flux divergence in studied region are presented in table (2). Eastern Wind Pattern The other clusters (3, 4, and 5) have different order from 120-day Sistan winds which are introduced as eastern wind pattern. Unlike clusters (1) and (2), in these clusters (table 1) the wind direction is not northern; in other words, the winds blow with prevailing east direction in east and northeast of Iran, however southeast of Iran experience mild weather at the same time. As synoptic order of pressure system and humidity flux system are mainly the same, pattern (3) will be analyzed precisely. The order of synoptic systems of level 850 hPa. in pattern (3) is presented in figure (5). This map reveals that the contrast between high pressure of north and Gang low differs from northern wind pattern, as on the one hand,the strength and breadth of Gang low increase, while on the other hand the strength and breadth of Azores high tongue (high pressure in north of Iran) decrease. In fact, this condition makes most regions of Iran Plateau in lower levels of atmosphere (1000 hPa, 925 hPa and 850 hPa.) be dominated by Gang low. Besides, this order of synoptic systems eliminates 120-day wind conditions of Sistan and make eastern wind conditions in east and northeast of Iran. Since the orders of synoptic systems of levels 925 hPa. and 1000 hPa are the same as level 850 hPa. they will not be presented here. The orders of synoptic systems in middle levels are different, as in level 700 hPa. Azores high tongue comes to Iran Plateau by Arabian Peninsula (figure 7). This layer of atmosphere is a transition layer from dominance of low pressure pattern in lower layers to high pressure pattern in middle levels and upper atmosphere. Moreover, in level 500 hpa. Azores high tongue dominates Iran Plateau and Arabian Peninsula with more power and breadth. The orders of synoptic systems of clusters 4 and 5 are the same as cluster 3. The sum of humidity flux divergence and humidity flux convergence of pattern 3 are presented in figure (9). In this figure, the core of humidity flux divergence, which covers eastern half and center of Iran, is omitted and a core of humidity flux convergence covers east and southeast of Iran. It can be said that both penetration of Gang low into Iran and lack of 120-day winds provide special conditions in which the zone of humidity flux convergence in north of Indian Ocean moves to southeast of Iran leading to moisture condensation. Conclusion In this study 2 patterns of synoptic systems of warm period in east and southeast of Iran were recognized. First pattern (northern wind pattern) makes 120-day winds of Sistan (cluster 1 and 2). In contrast to Gang low tongue, when high pressure of north of Iran and Caspian Sea are in strong mode, it provides the conditions for 120-day winds of Sistan. On the other hand,in contrast to Gang low tongue increasing its influence and spread over Iran Plateau, when the aforesaid high pressure rollbacks of north of Iran and it is weakened, 120-day winds of Sistan stop and second pattern (eastern wind pattern) starts. In this pattern the winds with prevailing east direction cover east and northeast of Iran (clusters 3, 4,and 5). High pressures of Caspian Sea and north of Iran are a tongue of Azores subtropical high pressure which has to move abnormally to higher latitudes due to coming Gang low into lower atmosphere layer. Since Gang low is an inter-tropical convergence zone moving abnormally to higher latitudes in south of Asia, 120-day winds of Sistan are part of northern Trade winds which are flowing from subtropical high pressure (Azores high tongue in north of Iran) to Gang low in south of Asia (inter-tropical convergence zone). After converging with southern Trade winds on north of Indian Ocean, they move toward Indian Subcontinent. 120-day winds of Sistan exclude the entranceof moisture from Oman Sea and Indian Ocean into southeast of Iran (figure 5). However, as 120-day winds of Sistan stop, a core of humidity flux is formed on southeast of Iran providing the entrance of moisture of water areas into southeast of Iran (figure 9). Generally, weakening of Azores subtropical high will help to provide rainfall conditions in southeast by 2 ways: on the one hand, as Azores high pressure is weakened, the influence of decent factors of this high pressure air in levels 700 hPa. and 500 hPa. decreases. As a result ascent conditions are provided in the zone, but on the other hand the weakening of subtropical high pressure in lower levels of atmosphere (1000 hPa to 850 hPa.) also makes expanded Azores tongue weaken and rollback over north of Iran and Caspian Sea leading to stop 120-day Sistan winds. This phenomenon provides appropriate condition to inject moisture from Oman Sea and Indian Ocean to southeast of Iran.
On 28–29 June 2019 the G20 summit took place in Osaka. The main topics for discussion
included fostering innovations, implementation of decisions on ecological issues, stable and inclusive growth and employment, promotion of human capital by means of state-of-art technologies, quality investments and building of inclusive society. Japan’s presidency demonstrated a high level of representation of national interests and secured succession with achievements of previous presidencies. The analysis on distribution of global governance functions shows that Japan’s presidency is characterized by a plentitude of concrete
decisions, that demonstrates readiness of G20 to work collaboratively. It is expected that approved decisions and initiatives would be actively promoted during next presidencies.
South Asia. Southeast Asia. East Asia, Bibliography. Library science. Information resources
China’s extraordinary economic growth and active diplomacy continue to transform greater East Asia with its sphere of influence extending to the other side of the globe through its robust development aid provisions. Taiwan, despite its political isolation with the admission of China into the United Nations as well as due to the “One China” principle managed to grow its economy as one of Asia’s tigers – a driver that led Taiwan to establish economic and cultural relations with Southeast Asian states in the absence of formal diplomatic relations. Meanwhile, Southeast Asia has seen robust and continued economic growth in the past few decades. Notwithstanding these economic gains, the present geopolitical sphere in this part of the world is becoming tenser than ever. China has been increasingly assertive in its actions in the South China Sea for years now, while Taiwan has also done a fair share of mobilisation in the contested islands. Protests from some ASEAN-member states have escalated, as manifested in their foreign policies. Within this trajectory, this paper looks into the underlying aspects of the triangular relations between China, Taiwan, and Southeast Asia.
Political science (General), Economics as a science
Using data of autumn (September–November) Palmer Drought Severity Index (PDSI) observed at 61 weather observation stations for 1974–2013 provided by Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA), the present study applies the statistical change-point analysis to the PDSI time-series in order to determine variability of autumn drought in Korea. The study result shows a trend that autumn drought in Korea has been weakened since 1998. This weakening trend is statistically significant at the 90% confidence level. Thus, a difference in autumn mean between 1998–2013 (PDSI: –1.6, which means ‘wetness’ condition) and 1974–1997 periods (PDSI: –0.6, which means ‘drought’ condition) is analyzed in order to determine the cause of the weakening of autumn drought in Korea in recent years. The analysis on 850 hPa stream flows shows that the Mascarene high (MH) is strengthened in the southeast sea of Madagascar and anomalous northeasterlies blown from this anomalous anticyclonic circulation are moved to the north along the eastern coast of Africa as the cross-equatorial flows and then move from India to the east towards the South China Sea (SCS) by the anomalous cyclone (Arabian low, AL) located in the south sea of the Arabian Peninsula. Then, the anomalous flows move to the north direction towards Korea and Japan by the anomalous anticyclone (western North Pacific subtropical high, WNPSH) located in the east of Japan and anomalous cyclone located in the East Asia continent thereby showing clear anomalous southerlies in those regions. The anomalous pressure system pattern of west low and east high type is a typical pressure system pattern revealed during summer in East Asia. That is, the anomalous southerlies played an important role in supplying warm and humid airs in the low latitude to mid-latitude regions in East Asia including Korea and Japan. In addition, the predictability for autumn drought in Korea is diagnosed using three anomalous pressure systems (MH, AL, WNPSH).