China Asia Research Articles

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.

A Study on the Selection and Development of English Education A Case Study of China and Belgium

A Study on the Selection and Development of English Education A Case Study of China and Belgium

What ASEAN Must Learn from Timor-Leste: A Tripartite Analysis on Australian Foreign Policy Related to Timor Sea Treaty 2018

The Timor Gap had been a hotspot of territorial dispute between Australia and Timor-Leste. In 2018, Australia finally agreed to settle a permanent maritime boundary in favour of Timor-Leste. Why was Australia willing to sacrifice the border and give a favourable outcome to Timor-Leste? The research examined the importance of the tripartite approach to Foreign Policy analysis to understand why a country may choose seemingly unfavourable options in territorial disputes. The analysis showed how Australian foreign policy was influenced by agency-structure interactions within the international system. The research demonstrated that structural constraints at the international level influenced Australia’s decision, including the South China Sea dispute between ASEAN members and China, previous agreements Australia-Timor-Leste on the management of the Timor Gap, and domestic political dynamics in Australia. The research reveals a relationship between actors’ structural and dispositional dimensions in foreign policy. In the case of Australia, there is a strong link between democratic values ​​and respect for the international rules-based order. Altogether, this situation prompted Australia to continue negotiations with Timor-Leste over the Timor Gap and ultimately to accept an agreement for maritime delimitation in Timor-Leste’s favor.

Global surveillance of antimicrobial resistance in food animals using priority drugs maps

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in food animals is a growing threat to animal health and potentially to human health. In resource-limited settings, allocating resources to address AMR can be guided with maps. Here, we mapped AMR prevalence in 7 antimicrobials in Escherichia coli and nontyphoidal Salmonella species across low- and middle-income countries (LIMCs), using 1088 point-prevalence surveys in combination with a geospatial model. Hotspots of AMR were predicted in China, India, Brazil, Chile, and part of central Asia and southeastern Africa. The highest resistance prevalence was for tetracycline (59% for E. coli and 54% for nontyphoidal Salmonella, average across LMICs) and lowest for cefotaxime (33% and 19%). We also identified the antimicrobial with the highest probability of resistance exceeding critical levels (50%) in the future (1.7–12.4 years) for each 10 × 10 km pixel on the map. In Africa and South America, 78% locations were associated with penicillins or tetracyclines crossing 50% resistance in the future. In contrast, in Asia, 77% locations were associated with penicillins or sulphonamides. Our maps highlight diverging geographic trends of AMR prevalence across antimicrobial classes, and can be used to target AMR surveillance in AMR hotspots for priority antimicrobial classes.

Analysis of Criminal Property Handling in Criminal Cases Based on Comparative Criminal Law between China and Thailand

Based on the stable improvement of the current level of economic and social development, the situation of economic and financial categories is gradually becoming more serious. This basic factor indirectly promotes the proportion of criminal civil cross disciplinary cases in the total number of criminal cases in China to continue to rise. Thailand and China are separated by a narrow strip of water. The governance of anti-corruption and related criminal property disposal issues is not only a reference for China, but also an important factor in optimizing the business environment of Southeast Asian countries and enhancing economic and cultural exchanges between China and Southeast Asian countries, especially under the regional platform of China ASEAN. This article first provides an overview of criminal property involved in cases, and through an analysis of the cross disciplinary issues between criminal and civil law in the handling of criminal property involved, proposes five specific measures for the handling of criminal property involved in cases based on the comparative criminal law between China and Thailand. A comprehensive understanding and comparative study of Thailand's anti-corruption legislation and related criminal property disposal is of great significance for improving China's anti-corruption legislative system and related criminal property disposal, deepening China Thailand cooperation, and enhancing the level of China ASEAN cooperation.

Intellectual Property Management in Universities for Building a China ASEAN Education Community

Intellectual Property Management in Universities for Building a China ASEAN Education Community

The efficacy of natural products for the treatment of nasopharyngeal carcinoma.

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a malignant tumor originating in the nasopharyngeal epithelium with a high incidence in southern China and parts of Southeast Asia. The current treatment methods are mainly radiotherapy and chemotherapy. However, they often have side effects and are not suitable for long-term exposure. Natural products have received more and more attention in cancer prevention and treatment because of their its high efficiency, low toxic side effects, and low toxicity. Natural products can serve as a viable alternative, and this study aimed to review the efficacy and mechanisms of natural products in the treatment of NPC by examining previous literature. Most natural products act by inhibiting cell proliferation, metastasis, inducing cell cycle arrest, and apoptosis. Although further research is needed to verify their effectiveness and safety, natural products can significantly improve the treatment of NPC.

China and Regional Security in South and Southeast Asia: A Comparative Analysis of ASEAN and SAARC

Asian regionalism is largely represented by economic cooperation at sub-regional levels, and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is seen as a prominent example of that. In contrast, the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) has failed to take off as a platform for economic cooperation and has been hostage to the India-Pakistan rivalry. While ASEAN was established as a forum to address members’ security apprehensions concerning China, SAARC was created to focus on regional cooperation in non-controversial matters like trade and human security. Hence, ASEAN has engaged more deeply with China through various mechanisms. Conversely, SAARC-China relations remain limited because India, the most dominant actor in the organization and the region, views China as a threat to its security and hegemony in South Asia. The research, therefore, aims to answer the following question: How does one region successfully manage security challenges/threats while the other remains ensnared by them? Resolving this puzzle necessitates a nuanced understanding of the role of regionalism in Southeast Asia, emphasizing the significance of comprehending the process and evolution of regionalism in this context. To address this inquiry, the research employs a comparative-historical analysis grounded in archival data encompassing both primary and secondary sources. The investigation reveals that SAARC’s limited engagement with China is a consequence of India’s opposition, a dynamic absent in ASEAN, where Indonesia actively supports cooperation with China. The research underscores the critical importance of unraveling the complexities of regionalism in Southeast Asia to grasp the underlying factors contributing to divergent outcomes in these regional organizations.