Northeast Asian Region Research Articles

Phylogenetic Relations and High-Altitude Adaptation in Wild Boar (Sus scrofa), Identified Using Genome-Wide Data.

The Qinghai-Tibet Plateau (QTP) wild boar is an excellent model for investigating high-altitude adaptation. In this study, we analyzed genome-wide data from 93 wild boars compiled from various studies worldwide, including the QTP, southern and northern regions of China, Europe, Northeast Asia, and Southeast Asia, to explore their phylogenetic patterns and high-altitude adaptation based on genome-wide selection signal analysis and run of homozygosity (ROH) estimation. The findings demonstrate the alignment between the phylogenetic associations among wild boars and their geographical location. An ADMIXTURE analysis indicated a relatively close genetic relationship between QTP and southern Chinese wild boars. Analyses of the fixation index and cross-population extended haplotype homozygosity between populations revealed 295 candidate genes (CDGs) associated with high-altitude adaptation, such as TSC2, TELO2, SLC5A1, and SLC5A4. These CDGs were significantly overrepresented in pathways such as the mammalian target of rapamycin signaling and Fanconi anemia pathways. In addition, 39 ROH islands and numerous selective CDGs (e.g., SLC5A1, SLC5A4, and VCP), which are implicated in glucose metabolism and mitochondrial function, were discovered in QTP wild boars. This study not only assessed the phylogenetic history of QTP wild boars but also advanced our comprehension of the genetic mechanisms underlying the adaptation of wild boars to high altitudes.

Warm-temperate evergreen pterophytes of Korea

Korean evergreen fern species that prefer warm-temperate forests as their main habitats are categorized into three groups according to their present distributions: group I, tropic-originating species; group II, Himalaya-originating species; and group III, endemic to warm-temperate regions of Northeast Asia. Due to global warming, a northward expansion of the species belonging to the group III is expected. New habitats of rare evergreen ferns, Crepidomanes latealatum and Haplopteris flexuosa, were found on the Haenam Peninsula, expanding their known Korean habitat from Jejudo Island.

THE ROLE OF MONGOLIA IN REGIONAL SECURITY

The situation in Northeast Asia is an important topic of international security arena. Political and economic relations between Russia and China, as well as the Korean Peninsula issue, which can have a major impact in Northeast Asia as such powerful actors that can change the world order and security environment. Past decades, the peace policy of mutual trust between the countries of the Northeast Asian region has become the most important issue not only in the regional but also in the international security environment. Therefore, it is important to analyze and assess a strategic interests and international geopolitical ambition of major powers that could directly or indirectly affect Mongolia's national security to develop national strategic solutions to enhance Mongolia’s national security and its security environment. Mongolia has no territorial, economic, military or political conflicts of interest with any of the countries in the region. Such reasons can give Mongolia an opportunity to be a key player in confidence-building measures to prevent hostilities, to avert escalation, to reduce military tension in Northeast Asia. There are many ways and fields to operate as peace player in this region. For instance, Mongolia can be an initiator or a main actor of a regional peacekeeping cooperation organization in Northeast Asia.

Analysis of effectiveness for cargo operation productivity considering environmental efficiency on container ports in the Northeast Asian region

The Northeast Asia container port system has experienced a significant increase in ship calls and container throughput, resulting in a detrimental impact on the environment surrounding the port area. This is primarily caused by emissions from the hotelling phase, which is closely associated with cargo operations at the berths. This study aims to investigate ship emissions during the hotelling phase and evaluate the impact of cargo operation productivity on environmental performance. To achieve this goal, the study used a bottom-up approach to calculate the ship's emissions at the berth based on various factors such as the number of ship calls, the power of the auxiliary engines, the load factor, the emissions factor, and in-port hotelling duration of the top 20 major container ports in the region from 2017 to 2021. The outcomes revealed that the major container ports in the Northeast Asian region, including Shanghai, Ningbo, Shenzhen, Hongkong, and Busan, are emitting an enormous volume of pollutants, primarily due to the high density of ships and continuous loading and unloading operations, causing severe air pollution. The study found that improving loading/unloading productivity is an effective measure to improve the environmental quality of the port area. Furthermore, the study also revealed that handling larger ships could reduce emissions per TEU.

THE MONGOL EMPIRE AND KOREA: FROM WAR TO VASSALAGE

The purpose of the article is an in-depth analysis of the complex relationship between the Mongolian Empire and the Korean state from the period of military conflicts to the establishment of vassalage. The research is aimed at identifying the key factors determining the course and historical significance of these relations. The novelty of the study lies in an in-depth analysis of the numerous Mongol campaigns against Korea and the resistance of Korea. The main direction of the research is to study the impact of these events on the historical dynamics of the region and the development of society as a whole. Special attention is paid to the analysis of diplomatic and trade relations between the nomads of the Far East and Korea, as well as China's role in the fate of Korea as a traditional overlord. Despite the difficult times, the article emphasizes that Korea was able to maintain its autonomy and become a key hub on the Great Silk Road, which contributed to the development of handicraft production and increased its authority. The article represents an important contribution to historical science, enriching our understanding of the complex relationships in the Northeast Asian region. The practical significance of the article lies in the possibility of applying its results to a deeper analysis of modern geopolitical processes. The research methodology includes an analytical approach to data interpretation and a comparative analysis of historical events. The authors analyze the impact of the collapse of the clan system and the crisis of the central government on the military system of the Korean state, paying attention to changes in the mobilization system, which turned out to be one of the reasons for the deterioration of the political and social situation in the country. As a result of the research, the key factors determining the course of relations between the Mongolian Empire and the Korean state have been identified. The analysis allows us to conclude that these events are important for shaping the historical trajectory of both peoples and the region as a whole.

A REVIEW ON BANGLADESH-CHINA-INDIA-MYANMAR ECONOMIC CORRIDOR IN THE CONTEXT OF BANGLADESH’S INTEREST

Carrying out study on BCIM economic corridor is extremely important; because, Bangladesh is surrounded by India, Myanmar and China, where Bangladesh needs to maintain friendly relations with these three neighboring countries. China is rising rapidly in terms of socio-economic and political development in the South, Southeast and Northeast Asian region. China has the highest foreign currency reserves through which many countries of South, Southeast and Northeast Asia might be economically benefitted. Besides, India is a big country with huge population which might be a potential development partner of South and Southeast Asian countries. On the other hand, Myanmar has huge reserves of gas, oil and other mineral resources from which Bangladesh can be greatly benefitted. This study has found that the BCIM economic corridor is very significant for Bangladesh’s regional connectivity, people to people contacts, cultural exchanges, soft–power diplomacy and economic interests. This study has a geostrategic and development cooperation implication for the South Asian region. This study is an important policy paper for Bangladesh’s geopolitical and economic interests.

New Thoughts and Prospects on the Role of City Diplomacy in China-Korea Relations under the Unprecedented Changes of the Past Century

Today's world is accelerating in the unprecedented changes of the century, China's emergence in the field of science and technology, the United States to Japan and South Korea to set up a chip alliance to limit China's scientific and technological development, which is a layer of complex geopolitical relations of the Northeast Asian region of the country's diplomatic outlook fog. China and South Korea, the two countries have a long history of interaction, especially since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries rapid development of economic and trade exchanges, to the development of the two countries have brought significant benefits. With the evolution of the world pattern, especially the two major powers of China and the United States in the Asia-Pacific region of the strategic game, South Korea is faced with the dilemma of choosing sides, to the interaction between China and South Korea has brought great instability, to the humanities exchanges, economic and trade exchanges between the two countries also caused great inconvenience, affecting the two countries of the political, economic and diplomatic relations interaction. In the face of many dilemmas, the role of city diplomacy has become an effective way to maintain and promote normal exchanges between China and South Korea, and city diplomacy will make great contributions to the stability of China-South Korea relations.

Multilateral Cooperation in Northeast Asia: Insights from Micro-Regional Cooperation in the Greater Tumen Initiative (GTI)

This paper examines multilateral cooperation in Northeast Asia (NEA) through the Greater Tumen Initiative (GTI) as a case of micro-regional cooperation. Drawing on functionalism and micro-regionalism, it explores how cooperation spillover from nonpolitical to political spheres can be facilitated by considering participant diversity, agenda comprehensiveness, and the complexity of cooperation. There is an overall positive trajectory of change as the GTI actively fosters cooperation spillover by expanding its committees and partnerships. However, in terms of committee activities, although its agendas demonstrate increasing comprehensiveness, participant diversity and collaboration complexity remain low in general. The partnerships are in their nascent stages of cooperation, exhibiting limited spillover, except for the NEA Local Cooperation Committee. Moreover, the challenge in evaluating accomplishments within the framework of the GTI arises from the apparent scarcity of discernible achievements. To revitalize multilateral cooperation, the GTI should enhance actor diversity, emphasizing private sector participation; broaden discussion agendas rather than exclusively focus on specific projects until institutional stability is established in cooperation; and enhance governance mechanisms and foster cooperation among internal organizations, currently vulnerable to disruptions, to ensure progressive and sustained collaborative efforts. Through these enhancements, it is anticipated that tangible outcomes will be uncovered and, ultimately, foster micro-regional multilateral cooperation that can significantly contribute to peace and prosperity in the Northeast Asia region.

Insights into atmospheric trace gases, aerosols, and transport processes at a high-altitude station (2623 m a.s.l.) in Northeast Asia

As part of the efforts to understand long-range air pollution transport in Northeast Asia, a comprehensive field measurement campaign was conducted at the top of Changbai Mountain (2623 m a.s.l.) from 25th July to 21st August in 2021. The ambient concentrations of trace gases and chemical characteristics of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) were comparable to those at background or free tropospheric locations in China, but exceeded levels at corresponding sites in Europe and the United States. Well-defined diurnal variations were evident in most air pollutants, including carbon monoxide (CO), sulfur dioxide (SO2), and nitrogen oxide (NOx), reflecting the influence of boundary layer development and local anthropogenic activities. Ozone (O3) exhibited a unique diurnal distribution, with lower concentrations during the daytime and higher levels at nighttime, indicating a pronounced impact of downward transport of O3-rich air from the upper troposphere during the nighttime. During the campaign, organic carbon (OC) constituted the predominant component of PM2.5, comprising 43% of the total, while sulfate (SO42−) was the most abundant secondary inorganic component in PM2.5, accounting for 26%. Combining the analysis of air mass backward trajectories, we found that Changbai Mountain is primarily influenced by air masses originating from North Korea and the Sea of Japan, constituting 62% of the total, and local vegetation biological emissions and anthropogenic emissions in North Korea notably affect the observation site. Conversely, the secondary aerosol components were most abundant in marine air mass originating from the marginal seas of China and the strait between the Korean peninsula and southern Japan. Utilizing the Lagrangian photochemical trajectory model (LPTM), a significant increase in particulate SO42− concentrations was observed when air mass passed through the marginal seas of China, primarily due to SO2 oxidation reaction. This study contributes to an improved understanding of the atmospheric chemistry in the high-altitude regions of Northeast Asia and underscores the substantial role of secondary inorganic aerosol formation during the transport of marine air masses.

Study on the Promotion of Digital Trade to Northeast Asian Regional Economy

Society is currently transitioning from the era of informatization and digitization to the era of intelligence. Advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things, and big data are permeating every aspect of production and life. This penetration presents a rare opportunity for the development of digital trade and catalyzes innovation in traditional trade patterns. This paper first analyzes the inevitability of digital trade development in Northeast Asia. Secondly, it delves into the challenges faced by digital trade development and explores in-depth the promotion strategy for digital trade’s impact on the economic development of the Northeast Asia region, providing insights from various perspectives for reference.

An Analysis on the Regional Integration of Northeast Asia by Developing Narci (Northeast Asia Regional Cooperation Index)

An Analysis on the Regional Integration of Northeast Asia by Developing Narci (Northeast Asia Regional Cooperation Index)

Design and Study of Mechanical Cutting Mechanism for Submarine Cable Burial Machine

This paper aims to explore the current state of research on submarine cable burial machines and proposes a novel mechanical burial machine design employing a chain-type structure based on a combination of theoretical considerations and practical requirements. Through theoretical analysis, simulation, and experimental studies, the cutting process of the mechanical burial machine is investigated in detail, with special attention given to the seabed conditions in the Northeast Asia region. Starting from the dynamic process of the blade–soil interaction and the working mechanism of the blade–soil system, an accurate and reliable model for the seabed rock–soil stress is established, along with a fast computation method. A destructive analysis of rock–soil mechanical cutting is performed, elucidating the influences of the cutting depth, cutting angle, and chain blade cutting speed on cutting resistance. This paper provides reference parameters for the design of chain-type trenching devices under different seabed conditions, and adjustments are made based on simulation experiments and actual soil trenching test results. These analyses contribute practical and reliable guidance for the design and optimization of submarine cable burial machines.

Patterns and drivers of atmospheric inorganic nitrogen deposition in Northeast Asia

Elevated nitrogen (N) deposition due to intensified emissions of NH3 and NOx is a global problem with profound consequences on living organisms and the environment. Although N emission rates are currently considered to be high in East Asia, reports on the current N deposition level and composition are still limited, especially in northeastern China, where official N deposition monitoring sites are unavailable. This limits our understanding of the spatio-temporal N deposition patterns and their influencing factors at regional to continental scales. Here, we used data collected mostly during 2019 at 38 sites, comprising 7 sites in northeastern China and 31 EANET (Acid Deposition Monitoring Network in East Asia) sites in middle and east Russia, Mongolia, central and southern China, South Korea and Japan to explore the spatial-seasonal variations and drivers of ammonium and nitrate deposition across the Northeast Asia. Total bulk inorganic N (TIN) deposition was 3.7–24.5 kg N ha−1 yr−1 and NH4+-N/NO3−-N ratio in the TIN was 0.8–2.8 in northeastern China. The bulk/wet TIN deposition averaged 7.5 kg N ha−1 yr−1 (predominantly in the form of ammonium-N: NH4+-N/NO3−-N = 1.4) over the Northeast Asia region, with the highest rates being observed in northeastern China (11.6), as well as central and southern China (10.7), followed by east Russia, South Korea and Japan (5.6), and the lowest in middle Russia and Mongolia (1.5). This regional bulk/wet TIN deposition level is about twice of the wet TIN deposition level in Europe and the United States. The TIN deposition in summer and spring was 45–467% higher than in autumn and winter. Out of the ten land uses considered, only agricultural and urban land uses significantly positively correlated with NH4+-N and NO3−-N deposition rates across all monitored sites. This study suggests that the ongoing agricultural and urban expansions are likely to enhance N deposition and its associated effects across global ecosystems.

The nature of Lao security challenges

East Asia (including the sub regions of Northeast Asia and Southeast Asia) has been viewed as ranking among the most dangerous or conflictual regions on the planet, enduring colonial and Cold War legacies and several potential flashpoints. Regional international security governance has focused on nonintervention and conflict management, whereas domestic governance has focused on national security, development, and unity under tight central government control. Laos is a paradigmatic case of East Asian security policy prioritization. Its authoritarian government focuses, primarily, on traditional state-centric conceptualizations of security, and top-down, macroeconomic models and mega-projects to develop the country out of insecurity. This research project uses a qualitative approach consisting of literature review, document analysis, and limited interviews in the field. The conclusions are that, while by some measurements Lao governmental policymaking has been successful in achieving stated security objectives, in terms of nontraditional security (NTS) and human security considerations, these policies may not only be considered insufficient, but could also be counter-productive, storing up challenges for the future. Hence, the final section contains policy prescription for a more sustainable security situation in the Lao PDR.

Organochlorine Compounds in the Amur (Heilong) River Basin (2000-2020): A Review.

Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) are well-known contaminants that raise serious concerns, even more than 20 years after they were banned. Their worldwide distribution and persistence necessitate continuous monitoring in all components of the environment. The most challenging issues of POP regulation are associated with international water resources because their solutions require international cooperation in environment protection. This review provides data on various POPs (DDT, HCH, endrin, dieldrin, and PCBs) and their concentrations in aquatic organisms inhabiting the Amur River basin, one of the most poorly explored regions of Northeast Asia. Most studies have been conducted in the Songhua River (China), a tributary of the Amur River, which indicates that large inland bodies of water, especially those of international importance, require more extensive research.

A Regional Air‐Sea Coupled Model Developed for the East Asia and Western North Pacific Monsoon Region

AbstractIn this study, we developed a regional coupled model for the western North Pacific (WNP) and East Asian region. The atmospheric/oceanic component of the coupled model was the Weather Research and Forecasting and the Regional Ocean Modeling System, coupled through the National Center for Atmospheric Research Coupler version 7 (CPL7). An evaluation is provided through the simulation of the climatology and interannual variability of the summer monsoon climate from 1982 to 2015. The coupled model is also compared with a solely atmospheric run, which is driven by the observed sea surface temperature (SST) as the surface boundary. The results show that the coupled model has good capability in modeling the climate in the WNP and East Asian domain, including the climatology of summer precipitation and circulation, the subseasonal (month‐to‐month) variation in the western Pacific subtropical high and associated precipitation, and the seasonal cycle of the East Asian rain belt. One merit of this model is its ability to simulate the northward and eastward shift from early to late summer. With respect to the interannual variability, the model captures the spatial pattern of the leading mode of summer precipitation, with a north–south dipole mode in the studied region. The model also reproduces the larger SST variability in the northern part of this region. The temporal correlation coefficient between the coupled simulation and observation was 0.70 for the precipitation and 0.53 for the SST leading mode. The coupled model also captures the precipitation–SST relationship, which results from reasonably considering the air–sea coupling processes in the coupled run.

Regional variation in the shift towards microlithization: The development of early microblade technology in North China

We reconstruct the early developmental sequence of microblade technology in North China through comprehensive analysis of lithic remains dating from ∼27–20 cal. ka BP. Lithic analysis reveals that the earliest microblade technology emerged in North China at ∼27–26 cal. ka BP. The earliest microblades exhibit precocious features and coexisted with blade assemblages. The close technical affinity between microblade and blade assemblages suggests that the earliest microblade technology developed from blade technology which was likely introduced from Mongolia and Siberia around ∼27–26 cal. ka BP. Microblade technology developed in standardized ways after 26 cal. ka BP, suggesting that people in North China increased their reliance on reliable composite tools to acquire resources while practicing mobile lifeways. This trend is similar to the technological strategy pursued across broader regions of Northeast Asia to cope with climatic changes associated with the Last Glacial Maximum, yet the specific characteristics of microblade technology in North China reflect an adaptation to the local environment.

Correlation of Interests of Russia, China and the United States on the Korean Peninsula and their Implementation under Possible Scenarios of Development of the Situation

In the article, the author addresses the problem of conflict settlement on the Korean peninsula through the prism of interaction between the leading regional powers. This conflict is considered as one of the rudiments of the bipolar system of international relations, which has the potential for nuclear escalation in the XXI century. The author analyzes the experience of interaction between the United States, Russia and China with the countries of the Korean peninsula, highlights the priorities of these countries in the region, and also provides an overview of the most likely scenarios for the development of events, taking into account the correlation of interests of the countries of the "Korean node". Particular attention is paid to the approach of regional Powers to the nuclear aspect of the conflict in Korea. The author comes to the conclusion that the deterioration of relations between external actors involved in the resolution of this conflict has a direct negative impact on the development of the situation in the region. The low degree of convergence of interests of the parties to the conflict and the lack of coordination of actions on nuclear issues hinders the search for a compromise in resolving the Korean issue. Given the current foreign policy situation, the most likely scenario for the further development of events in the region is the consolidation of two opposing blocs Washington-Seoul-Tokyo and Beijing-Moscow-Pyongyang, which will actually consolidate the existing distribution of influence in the Northeast Asia region.

Spatial distribution of PM2.5 chemical components during winter at five sites in Northeast Asia: High temporal resolution measurement study

The Center for Fine Particle Research Initiative in East Asia considering National Differences (FRIEND) project was launched in 2020 to characterize air pollution in Northeast Asia with effective collaboration. One of the goals of this study is to elucidate the spatiotemporal characteristics of atmospheric aerosols (e.g., PM2.5) in Northeast Asia. To achieve this objective, (1) the chemical speciation of fine particles was measured in high resolution, (2) the physical characteristics of fine particles were also elucidated, and (3) the gaseous and particulate components of the atmospheric aerosols were comprehensively monitored. The first field campaign was conducted from December 15, 2020, to January 15, 2021, and simultaneously monitored five key sites in Northeast Asia: Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia; Beijing, China; Seosan and Seoul, Republic of Korea (Korea); and Noto, Japan. The synoptic weather conditions mainly determined the periods of high PM2.5 mass concentration. During the first high-pollution event, the air over the Northeast Asian region was generally stagnant, and the inland wind speed over China, Korea, and Japan was very low. The PM2.5 mass concentration in Beijing, Seosan, and Seoul had increased simultaneously. Then, the prevailing westerlies in Northeast Asia caused the polluted air mass observed in Seoul to move to the background site in Noto. During the second high-pollution event, the Asian dust phenomenon occurred in the Gobi Desert and moved to all sites. Though the synoptic weather conditions largely determined the trend of the PM2.5 mass concentrations at the five sites, the levels of chemical components in both gaseous and particulate phases were different at each site, reflecting local emission and formation characteristics. Overall, the concentrations of air pollutants were highest in Ulaanbaatar; comparable in Beijing, Seoul, and Seosan and very low in Noto. A common characteristic of the five sites was the high organic aerosol (OA) proportion in fine particles. The chemical components that increased with the PM2.5 mass concentration were OA at Ulaanbaatar, OA and nitrate at Beijing and Seosan, nitrate at Seoul, and sulfate and OA at Noto. Further study directions for each site are discussed.

Security assessment of transnational power interconnection between China and neighboring countries

China and its neighboring countries are energy-dependent regions with strong resource complementarity and significant benefits of cross-border grid interconnection. However, the power interconnection of the whole Greater China region is still far from being realized. In addition to internal factors, external geopolitical issues, grid interconnection technical issues, and geographical obstacles also pose certain security challenges to the creation of regional power grids. To quantify the security of power grid interconnection between China and neighboring countries, this study proposes a security assessment framework for the power interconnection between China and neighboring countries from the five dimensions of politics, economy, law, technology, and geographic environment. We collected the observable panel data of China's neighboring countries from 2011 to 2018 and used the entropy method to objectively evaluate the security of power interconnection between China and 22 countries in the four regions of Northeast Asia, Central Asia, South Asia, and Southeast Asia. The study proposes the feasible paths for power interconnection between China and surrounding countries based on the investigation on the interconnection advantages and security shortcomings of each region and country by combining the endowment of renewable energy resources in each region.