China Asia Research Articles

Spatiotemporal Changes and Trade-Offs/Synergies of Waterfront Ecosystem Services Globally

The types of ecosystem services are complex and diverse. This study estimated four ecosystem services, their trade-offs, and their synergistic outcomes in 2010, 2015, and 2020 using the InVEST model. Globally, results showed that waterfront ecosystem services are high (low) in the north (south), and that high-value areas are mainly in Sweden and Finland in Europe; the Congo in Africa; Russia, Southwest China, and Indonesia in Asia; the Northwestern United States and Canada in North America, and northeastern Peru and northwestern Brazil in South America. Overall, ecosystem services changed little during 2010–2020. Additionally, a notable trade-off was found between water yield and habitat quality, and strong synergies were found between water yield and carbon storage and sequestration, water yield and sediment delivery ratio, carbon storage and sequestration and sediment delivery ratio, and carbon storage and habitat quality. The results of this study could help promote sustainable development of waterfronts globally.

Does Good Governance Good for Business: Insight from ASEAN+3

This study investigates the impact of good governance on the ease of doing business in ASEAN+3 countries (ASEAN nations plus China, Japan, and South Korea) using the Panel Corrected Standard Error (PCSE) method for panel data analysis. The research examines six governance indicators and their influence on business environment metrics like the ease of starting a business. The combined panel and cluster analyses reveal significant disparities in the economic environments of the ASEAN+3 region. Cluster 1 (Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar) faces challenges with low EoDB scores, poor governance, and high corruption, requiring substantial reforms. Clusters 3 and 4 (Japan, Malaysia, China, Thailand, South Korea, Singapore) benefit from strong governance, effective legal frameworks, and high productivity, illustrating the positive impact of robust institutions and political stability. The panel data analysis highlights the crucial role of government effectiveness, rule of law, and productivity in enhancing economic performance, while political instability and corruption significantly hinder outcomes, underscoring the need for political and institutional reforms.

Dampak ASEAN China Free Trade Agreement (ACFTA) terhadap Pertumbuhan Ekonomi Indonesia

This research aims to analyze the impact of Indonesia's participation in the ASEAN-China Free Trade Agreement (ACFTA) on national economic growth, especially in the contribution of exports and imports. Based on data, since the implementation of ACFTA, Indonesia's trade flows with ASEAN countries and China have increased, but imports from China far exceed exports, creating a significant trade deficit. In 2018, Indonesia's trade deficit with China reached 18.41 billion USD. Although international trade offers opportunities for economic growth, this imbalance creates challenges, especially for domestic industrial sectors that must compete with cheaper imported products. Research also shows that every 1% increase in Indonesia's per capita income drives an increase in imports by 1.04%. However, ACFTA also opens up opportunities for Indonesia to increase the added value of export products through global supply chain integration. By supporting the right policies to increase the competitiveness of local industry and reduce dependence on imported products, Indonesia can take advantage of ACFTA to encourage more inclusive economic growth.

FOXA1 enhances antitumor immunity via repressing interferon-induced PD-L1 expression in nasopharyngeal carcinoma

BackgroundNasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a distinct subtype of head and neck cancer which is prevalent in south of China and southeastern of Asia. Consistent activation of interferon (IFN) signaling, and...

The impact of trade liberalization on China–ASEAN trade relations along the belt and road: An augmented gravity model analysis

While trade liberalization has become increasingly important in global economic integration, little is known about its specific impact on China–ASEAN bilateral trade relations within the Belt and Road Initiative framework, particularly regarding cultural factors. This study addresses this gap by examining how trade liberalization affects bilateral trade dynamics between China and ASEAN nations, with special attention to linguistic and religious proximity as potential moderators. Using an augmented gravity model and panel data from 2012 to 2022, we find that increased trade liberalization significantly enhances bilateral trade volumes, with stronger effects in export trade compared to imports. Moreover, shared linguistic foundations and religious beliefs amplify these positive effects, particularly in ASEAN countries with lower economic development levels. These findings provide crucial insights for policymakers seeking to strengthen regional economic integration and optimize trade cooperation strategies along the Belt and Road.

A Cropland Disturbance Monitoring Method Based on Probabilistic Trajectories

Acquiring the spatiotemporal patterns of cropland disturbance is of great significance for regional sustainable agricultural development and environmental protection. However, effective monitoring of cropland disturbances remains a challenge owing to the complexity of the terrain landscape and the reliability of the training samples. This study integrated automatic training sample generation, random forest classification, and the LandTrendr time-series segmentation algorithm to propose an efficient and reliable medium-resolution cropland disturbance monitoring scheme. Taking the Amur state of Russia in the Amur river basin, a transboundary region between Russia and China in east Asia with rich agriculture resources as research area, this approach was conducted on the Google Earth Engine cloud-computing platform using extensive remote-sensing image data. A high-confidence sample dataset was then created and a random forest classification algorithm was applied to generate the cropland classification probabilities. LandTrendr time-series segmentation was performed on the interannual cropland classification probabilities. Finally, the identification, spatial mapping, and analysis of cropland disturbances in Amur state were completed. Further cross-validation comparisons of the accuracy assessment and spatiotemporal distribution details demonstrated the high accuracy of the dataset, and the results indicated the applicability of the method. The study revealed that 2815.52 km2 of cropland was disturbed between 1990 and 2021, primarily focusing on the southern edge of the Amur state. The most significant disturbance occurred in 1991, affecting 1431.48 km2 and accounting for 50.84% of the total disturbed area. On average, 87.98 km2 of croplands are disturbed annually. Additionally, 2495.4 km2 of cropland was identified as having been disturbed at least once during the past 32 years, representing 83% of the total disturbed area. This study introduced a novel approach for identifying cropland disturbance information from long time-series probabilistic images. This methodology can also be extended to monitor the spatial and temporal dynamics of other land disturbances caused by natural and human activities.

China-ASEAN Regional Bond Market Cooperation: Present Situation, Opportunity, and Strategy Choice

A report from the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China underscored the necessity of maintaining the trajectory of reforming the socialist market economy and enhancing global openness. Strengthening cooperation in the China-ASEAN regional bond market and advancing high-level bond market liberalization are essential in establishing financial prowess. This paper reviews and summarizes the China-ASEAN regional bond market development within the context of international cooperation initiatives like the Belt and Road Initiative and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (RCEP). It analyzes the current state of international bond markets and local currency bond markets in ASEAN nations, systematically examines the opportunities, challenges, and risks associated with the development of the China–ASEAN regional bond market, and offers strategic recommendations for bond market collaboration based on the financial cooperation realities among these countries. The report provides significant insights for enhancing the Belt and Road Initiative and China-ASEAN financial collaboration within the RCEP framework, fostering regional economic integration and strengthening bond market cooperation and development between China and ASEAN nations.

Growth, physiological and N, P, K accumulation responses of Erythropalum scandens Bl. Seedlings under different substrates

Erythropalum scandens Bl. is a medicinal woody vegetable found in southern China and parts of Southeast Asia. Studies have shown improper substrate hindered E. scandens seedling growth, causing water accumulation and nutrient deficiency. In pursuit of an ideal growth medium for E. scandens seedlings during the early stages, this study conducted a pot experiment to identify a mixed substrate with optimal water permeability and fertility. In this study, pure Alfisols soil treatment as the control (CK), and two soilless substrates (peat soil and perlite) were combined with Alfisols soil into different volume ratios, in order to better use soil resources from understory space and balance the texture of mixed substrates. The growth, physiological characteristics and nutrient status of 24-month-old E. scandens seedlings were determined after planting in different mixed ratios. The results showed that as the proportion of peat soil increased in the mix, most indexes exhibited an initial increase followed by a decline, while soluble protein content decreased consistently. Conversely, an increasing perlite ratio resulted in a general decline in most growth and physiological indexes. Root growth, biomass accumulation and chlorophyll content, peaked in the 66.67% Alfisols soil + 33.33% perlite (T4) treatment. Notably, T3 (66.67% Alfisols soil + 33.33% peat soil) showcased the best above-ground growth, while T1 (50.00% Alfisols soil + 50.00% peat soil) excelled in element content accumulation. In conclusion, the cultivation substrate should primarily consist of Alfisols soil, constituting at least 50%. The addition of peat soil enhances above-ground growth and nutrients accumulation, while perlite contributes to robust root development. One third of peat soil and a small amount of perlite can be added to the substrate during E. scandens seedling cultivation, and proper fertilization should also be used in order to increase nutrient accumulation in aboveground and underground parts. This research provides valuable insights into maximizing the potential of E. scandens seedlings through precise cultivation methods.

Comparative Dynamics of the Belt and Road Initiative: Unveiling the Unique Position and Implications of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor

The Belt and Road Initiative introduced by China is one of the biggest infrastructure and development projects striving to facilitate commercial exchanges and stimulate growth through construction, trade, and investment links across countries and continents. Under this grand framework, the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) arose as a significant and novel dimension of the deepening bilateral relationship between Beijing and Islamabad Meanwhile CPEC plays a strategic role as a critical artery that aims to redefine the regional dynamics. This article undertakes analytical research to disclose the position as well as consequences of CPEC among other projects comprising the BRI on a global scale. Through fine-grained analysis of the political, economic, and social dimensions of CPEC somehow positioned next to other BRI projects, this study can identify the uniqueness of CPEC at the level of its ambitions, challenges, and implications on both regional geopolitics and economic frameworks. The paper draws upon a combination of qualitative and quantitative data, comprising CPEC project results, bilateral agreements, and economic indicators, among others, to demonstrate how CPEC functions as a driving force towards economic transformation in Pakistan with associated implications for international trade corridors. Moreover, the research sheds light on the geopolitical strategies behind China’s investments and brings to the surface how CPEC is not only employed in economic affairs but rather military and geopolitical interests for China in South Asia as well. Such a comparative study assists in the process of knowing the multilayered nature of the BRI, and bringing forth those emerging insights on how projects like CPEC can form the structure of global economic and governance engagement of the 21st century.

Economic policy uncertainty and the predictability of stock returns: impact of China in Asia

PurposeMotivated by the significant role of uncertainty in affecting investment decisions and China's economic leadership in Asia, this paper investigates the predictive role of exposure to Chinese economic policy uncertainty at the individual stock level in large Asian markets.Design/methodology/approachWe estimate the monthly uncertainty exposure (beta) for each stock and then employ the portfolio-level sorting analysis to investigate the relationship between the China’s uncertainty exposure and the future returns of major Asian markets over multiple trading horizons. The raw returns of the high-minus-low portfolios are then adjusted using conventional asset pricing models to investigate whether the relationship is explained by common risk factors. Finally, we check the robustness of the portfolio-level results through firm-level Fama and MacBeth (1973) regressions.FindingsApplying portfolio-level sorting analysis, we reveal that exposure to Chinese uncertainty is negatively related to the future returns of large stocks over multiple trading horizons in Japan, Hong Kong and India. We discover this is unexplained by common risk factors, including market, size, value, profitability, investment and momentum, and is robust to the specification of stock-level Fama and MacBeth (1973) regressions.Research limitations/implicationsOur analysis demonstrates the spillover effects of Chinese economic policy uncertainty across the region, provides evidence of China's emerging economic leadership, and offers trading strategies for managing uncertainty risks.Originality/valueThe findings of the study significantly improve our understanding of stock return predictability in Asian markets. Unlike previous studies, our results challenge the leading role of the US by providing a new intra-regional return predictor, namely, China’s uncertainty exposure. These results also evidence the continuing integration of the Asian economy and financial markets. However, contrary findings for some Asian markets point toward certain market-specific features. Compared with market-level research, our analysis provides deeper insights into the performance of individual stocks and is of particular importance to investors and other market participants.

Carcinogenic risks of inorganic arsenic in white rice in Asia

This study estimated the incremental lifetime cancer risk (ILCR) of inorganic arsenic (iAs) from white rice ingestion in eight countries (China, Korea, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Thailand, Vietnam, Bangladesh, and Cambodia) in Asia by using data collected from published literature (n = 4857). ILCR of iAs exposure from white rice ingestion substantially varied with region, ranging from 0.37 to 13.46 per 10000 people, with an average of 6.12 per 10000 people. Bangladesh had the highest ILCR, followed by Cambodia, Vietnam, Thailand, China, Korea, Saudi Arabia, and Pakistan. Carcinogenic risks of iAs exposure from white rice ingestion in China, Korea, Thailand, Vietnam, Bangladesh, and Cambodia are at an unacceptable level (more than 1 per 10000 people). Linear regression analysis indicated that ingestion rate and inorganic arsenic content were the critical factors determining regional differences in carcinogenic risk of iAs exposure from white rice ingestion in Asia.

Cross-scale characteristics and emission reduction pathways of trade-embodied carbon flows in the global supply Chains

In the context of the 1.5 °C warming target, there is a growing awareness of the increasingly frequent carbon flows between subregions. However, understanding the characteristics and pathways of cross-scale carbon flows between subregions and regions remains elusive and impedes achieving emission reduction targets. This study employs a nested multi-regional input–output model and the structural path analysis method, establishing the characteristics of the carbon emission transfer network within global supply chains and discerning the crucial structural pathways and nodes for carbon emissions. The study found that (1) in 36 major countries, the embodied carbon flows are predominantly influenced by the developed countries around China in Asia and the Pacific. (2) In 30 subregions, coastal subregions with large-scale foreign trade and energy-intensive subregions in China's central and western parts contribute significantly to the larger embodied carbon outflow due to exports. (3) “Manufacture of non-metallic mineral products (S09) → construction (S19)” and “manufacture and processing of metals (S10) → construction (S19)” are the two key pathways of paramount significance of embodied carbon emissions. (4) “R25 South Korea” has the highest number of key pathways and the greatest embodied carbon emissions from critical paths, followed by “R27 India” and “R22 United States.” These findings offer valuable insights for the development of regional emission reduction policies.

DYNAMIC VOLATILITY SPILLOVERS BETWEEN CURRENCIES OF ASEAN MEMBER COUNTRIES AND CHINA: EVIDENCE FROM TVP-VAR APPROACH

Driven by the importance of analyzing interregional volatility spillover effects, this study investigates dynamic volatility spillovers between the currencies of China– ASEAN Free Trade Area (FTA) member countries by applying the time-varying parameter vector autoregressive (TVP-VAR) connectedness approach to a sample spanning January 1, 2006, to October 31, 2022. The results show that (1) dynamic volatility connectedness varies over time and reaches peaks due to economic events, such as the 2008 global financial crisis (GFC) and the COVID-19 pandemic; (2) the Chinese yuan (CNY) market assumes more of a net receiving role for volatility spillovers after the 811 exchange rate reform, while the Singapore dollar (SGD) market assumes more of a net transmitting role for volatility spillovers in the whole sample period and (3) negative spillovers are dominant during the study period, except during the European debt crisis. Our findings can help China and ASEAN establish an exchange rate coordination mechanism to prevent the cross-country transmission of exchange rate risk.

Impact of economic growth, energy consumption, and trade openness on carbon emissions: evidence from the top 20 emitting nations

ABSTRACT The study focuses on the top 20 carbon emission-increasing nations across continents from 2000 to 2021 and the effects of gross domestic product, energy consumption, and trade openness on carbon emissions. The study uses a panel dataset and multiple linear regression analysis to pinpoint the significant factors influencing each nation's carbon emissions. The findings indicate that China, Kazakhstan, Saudi Arabia, and South Korea in Asia; Algeria, Egypt, Morocco, and the Seychelles in Africa; Antigua and Barbuda, Bolivia, Chile, and Panama in America; Albania, Belarus, Lithuania, and Russia in Europe; and Fiji, Samoa, Tonga, and Vanuatu in Oceania have a highly significant impact on carbon emissions in their respective regions. Energy consumption significantly increases carbon emissions in all countries except Panama and Kazakhstan, where it only significantly impacts GDP-related carbon emissions. These insights lay the groundwork for policymakers to prioritise sustainable development, reduce carbon emissions in their decision-making processes, and establish comprehensive strategies that reconcile ecological concerns with socioeconomic goals by understanding the intricate dynamics between gross domestic product, energy use, trade openness, and carbon emissions.

A Comparison of Three Asian English Textbooks by Correspondence Analysis

This paper explores the differences of the English textbooks for the fifth graders in China, Myanmar, and Sri Lanka in Asia. Specifically, the fifth graders’ textbooks were analyzed using a readability tool and Correspondence Analysis (hereafter, CA). An analysis of the data suggests that, in terms of readability and content, there were both similarities and differences between the three textbooks. More precisely, regarding readability, the English textbook of China is closer to the level of English textbook of Myanmar, and the level of textbook of Myanmar is higher than the other two textbooks. Also, concerning the content including vocabulary, CA shows that basically the three textbooks are different from each other.

Development of the best investment strategy for insurance companies based on ARIMA-SVM

The purpose of this article is to develop the best investment strategy for insurance companies in the context of extreme weather, aiming to improve the profitability of insurance companies and reduce investment risks. This research focuses on Asia and North America, and constructs an ARIMA model to accurately predict the frequency of extreme weather in the next decade. At the same time, a comprehensive evaluation model was constructed by combining the entropy weight method to quantitatively evaluate the payment ability of local residents. On this basis, the SVM classification model was established to predict whether the insurance company should be insured in a certain place, and the performance of the model was deeply analyzed, and the recall rate and accuracy of the classification model were 0.93 and 0.94, respectively, indicating that the model had good reliability. After a series of rigorous model analysis and data validation, it was finally concluded that China in Asia is the best choice for insurance companies. This strategy not only helps insurers optimize resource allocation, but also achieves stable and sustainable development in the context of complex and volatile extreme weather.

Recent Developments in the Use of High Pressures for the Production of Nanostructured Materials

The use of pressure to achieve superior properties in metals, especially for use in a range of weaponry, has a long history dating back to the artisans of ancient China and many parts of Asia. Nevertheless, scientific principles were not introduced until the classic experiments conducted by Nobel Laureate Professor Percy Bridgman at Harvard University almost 100 years ago and these experiments led directly to the development of metal processing through the procedure now known as high‐pressure torsion (HPT). This review provides a brief overview of the historical evolution of pressure as a convenient tool in metal‐working and then summarizes the major features associated with the processing of metals by HPT and, more recently, the torsional straining of stacked disks in HPT to produce a range of hybrid materials. Finally, there is a brief report on the development of the relatively new processing procedure of tube high‐pressure shearing (t‐HPS) which may be used for the fabrication of metal matrix composites.

중국의 아세안 전략과 경제협력의 특징과 문제 -메콩개발과 일대일로를 중심으로

중국의 아세안 전략과 경제협력의 특징과 문제 -메콩개발과 일대일로를 중심으로

Strategic Hedging in ASEAN: A Response to the Rise of (Beijing and) Washington

This article problematizes three predominant narratives surrounding the behavior of ASEAN member states and the rivalry between Beijing and Washington in the context of ASEAN’s political security. This qualitative research is developed through a mixed assessment of documents, archive, and literature reviews combined with behavioral and contextual observations. Firstly, it questions the narrative of the ‘assertiveness’ of China as a rising power. With close trading relations dating back to the first dynasties, this Paper argues that the notion of China’s assertiveness and aggression is misplaced. As a key regional trade partner, China was never a threat to ASEAN countries. This narrative developed with the growing interest of the United States to contain the region from China over the years. As such, there lies a gap in the literature, which leads to the singling out of narratives that better explain the holistic relation between ASEAN states and China. Secondly, this article surfaces the lack of consistent commitment of the US to the Asia Pacific (also referred to as the ‘Asia Pivot’), other than to signify its interest in aggressively preventing China from dominating the Indo-Pacific. In this sense, the US’ behavior is viewed less as a great power but more as a greatly reactive one. Lastly, hedging is analyzed here as a necessary response to the dynamics of the Indo-Pacific arena and not a manner of indecisiveness among member states, often claimed as ‘small states’ in the face of the rivalry taking place in its backyard. Keywords: ASEAN, assertiveness, China, hedging, strategy

Variation in adaptation and growth among Corymbia citriodora natural-stand and landrace seed sources in southern China

ABSTRACT Corymbia citriodora subsp. citriodora has a long history of cultivation as a multipurpose tree in China and many other countries in Southeast and South Asia. Despite this history and longstanding interest in the species, published studies examining genetic variation among and/or within provenances/seed sources are scarce. Recognising this and to initiate an improvement program for this species, a field trial was established in southern coastal China in 2015 with 171 open-pollinated single mother-tree family seedlots representing five natural-stand seed sources in Australia and six planted seed sources in China. Large significant variation was found among seed sources for pest and disease resistance, survival, growth and stem form up to age 81 months. Australian seed sources were generally superior to Chinese ones for most traits. Phenotypic correlations among traits, at both the individual tree and seed-source mean levels, were favourable, with the strongest individual tree correlations found between disease susceptibility at 10 months and various tree growth traits. Overall, the variation observed in this field trial indicates the potential gains in this species from seed-source selection and ongoing breeding.