All articles tagged with #east asia
China's People's Liberation Army announced the successful completion of two days of military exercises off Taiwan, aimed at asserting sovereignty and testing joint operations capabilities, amid heightened tensions and international concern over China's assertive actions in the region.
China's People's Liberation Army announced the successful completion of two days of military exercises off Taiwan, aimed at asserting sovereignty and testing joint operations capabilities, amid heightened tensions and international concern over China's assertive actions in the region.
Researchers in China have identified a new long-necked dinosaur species, Mamenchisaurus sanjiangensis, from the Late Jurassic period, shedding light on the diversity and evolution of sauropods in East Asia and challenging previous notions of geographic isolation during that era.
A study reveals that prehistoric Japanese Jomon people had minimal Denisovan DNA, suggesting limited contact with Denisovans, while ancient East Asians from China and Mongolia carried more Denisovan genes, helping to map early human migration and interactions across Eurasia.
A new study suggests that the recent acceleration in global warming is partly due to the reduction of air pollution in East Asia, especially China, which had been masking the full extent of human-induced warming. The cleanup of pollutants like sulfur dioxide has removed a cooling effect, revealing more of the greenhouse gases' impact and causing faster surface warming. This artificial cooling effect, which has been in place for decades, is now diminishing as air quality improves, leading to an increase in observed global temperatures.
A recent study finds that efforts to reduce air pollution in East Asia, especially in China, have inadvertently accelerated global warming by removing sulfate aerosols that previously cooled the Earth's surface, highlighting the complex interplay between air quality improvements and climate change.
Archaeologists in China have discovered 300,000-year-old wooden tools from the Old Stone Age, indicating that early humans in East Asia crafted sophisticated tools for digging and planned visits to exploit underground plant resources, challenging previous notions of technological conservatism in the region.
A discovery of 300,000-year-old wooden tools in southwest China suggests advanced plant-based foraging by Denisovans, challenging previous notions of technological lag in East Asia during the Paleolithic era.
A nearly complete skull and partial skeleton of a new sauropod species, Jinchuanloong niedu, were discovered in northwestern China, providing valuable insights into Middle Jurassic sauropod diversity and evolution, especially among non-neosauropod eusauropods.
Scientists have discovered a new human species, Homo juluensis, in northeastern China, dating back 300,000 years. This species is characterized by larger skulls and teeth compared to Neanderthals and Homo sapiens, with brain volumes reaching up to 1,800 cubic centimeters. Despite their large brains, it's unclear if they were more intelligent. The discovery highlights the complexity of human evolution in East Asia, with potential links to Denisovans. Homo juluensis used stone tools, hunted in groups, and may have declined due to climatic changes and integration with modern humans.
China is increasingly concerned about the growing alliance between North Korea and Russia, as it could destabilize the balance of power in East Asia and draw US allies closer together. North Korea is reportedly providing military support to Russia in Ukraine, while receiving economic and diplomatic backing in return. This alliance could potentially weaken China's influence in the region, although China has significant leverage over both countries. Analysts suggest that China might be wary of this development but could also see it as an opportunity to strengthen an authoritarian bloc.
The Joro spider, a large and colorful invasive species from East Asia, is spreading across the U.S. but poses little threat to humans. Experts are more concerned about other invasive species that harm crops and trees, exacerbated by global trade and climate change.
The Joro spider, a large, venomous but docile spider native to East Asia, is spreading to the D.C. area. Despite its intimidating size, experts assure that its fangs are too small to harm humans or pets. The spider helps control invasive pests and travels by "ballooning" on wind currents. As climate change warms northern regions, these spiders are moving further north. Experts advise not to fear but to admire these colorful spiders.
The World Bank forecasts that growth in developing East Asia and Pacific will slow to 4.5% in 2024, down from 5.1% in 2023, with China's economy expected to moderate to 4.5% from last year's 5.2% expansion. The region's growth is outpacing the rest of the world but faces headwinds from China's slowing growth, high debt levels, and a slumping real estate sector. External factors such as global economic slowdown, protectionist policies, and high interest rates also pose risks. The report emphasizes the need for bold policy action to unleash competition, improve infrastructure, and reform education to boost the region's economy, while highlighting the potential for China's pro-market reforms to accelerate growth.
Bitcoin remains flat around $42,000 as East Asia anticipates the Year of the Dragon, traditionally associated with luck and prosperity in the Chinese Zodiac. Analysts predict market fluctuations in 2023, with bitcoin outperforming and ether showing potential for price performance. The Year of the Dragon is expected to bring positive energy for Ethereum, with anticipated impacts of ETFs and upgrades. Traditional finance also anticipates a market resurgence in the second half of the year, but volatility is expected, prompting a reminder to seek professional advice before investing.