China and Asia

Author: Peng Zhongying
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-11-01
Features: Asia is a region of outstanding diversity. Many people, especially those with Western-centric perspectives, have traditionally viewed Asia merely as a geographical concept or, at most, as the "non-Western" part of the world. This book attempts to examine Asia from a macro perspective of international relations. Asia includes China, Asia is the continent (Eurasia), and Asia is also the ocean (the Pacific and the Indian Ocean). The author defines and understands Asia as a broad and inclusive concept. Asia is still in an era of modern nationalism rather than "post-nationalism." Therefore, when observing, researching, and commenting on Asia, state actors are an important object of study. Over the years, major state actors closely related to Asia's economy, politics, security, and culture—such as Australia, China, India, Indonesia, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, the United States, and even the European Union—have come into the author's focus. However, Asia is a rapidly changing and dramatically transformed region. It is a crucial part of globalization (the global process). The aforementioned state actors are also major actors in globalization. The structure and process of globalization are particularly evident in Asia. For example, regionalism or new regionalism is also developing. To observe, research, and comment on Asia, one must understand its structure and processes. Today, Asia is composed of a series of issues, including political, economic, security, and diplomatic ones, with many of them being significant issues affecting global trends. Observing, researching, and commenting on Asia necessitates a problem-oriented perspective and a constant awareness of issues. Where is Asia heading? This is a question of great concern to many people. Over the years, one of the author's focuses has been Asia's trends, particularly the fundamental trends in East Asia. China is China in Asia. Observing, researching, and commenting on Asia cannot be separated from China. China's changes are influencing Asia's evolution. The author's general view is that China's own transformations are having an unprecedented impact on Asia, while Asia's changes are also a factor in China's transformation. In this context, China needs to rebuild its relationship with Asia. China must play a greater role in Asian affairs. Based on the above reasoning, the book is primarily divided into five parts: the first part presents observations on some important countries, the second part discusses Asia's structure and processes, the third part explores some of the issues in Asia, the fourth part focuses on major Asian trends, and the final part returns to China-related concerns. This book is a synthesis of observational, academic, and critical writing, representing the author's international studies over the years. Most of the content has been publicly published, but some parts are being presented to readers for the first time. Observing Asia has always been the author's first step in international studies, followed by in-depth professional research. The author's international commentary is always aimed at being grounded in observation and research.