The Chinese Realm:
Defining the Realm
Where?
Some geographers designate a "Chinese Realm" and "Japan" rather than combining them into a single world realm. As was discussed in the previous lecture, (Defining East Asia) a Chinese realm can be justified on economic and historical grounds.
Using economic data, we could include the following in a Chinese
Realm:
China, Mongolia, and North Korea. Many geographers would also include
South Korea and Tawan but this is clearly not based on economic
criteria [eameacnt.htm]
East Asia [eaout] or Chinese Realm [chcount]?
If you have not already done so, please read the lecture on Defining East Asia (go to that lecture).
Chinese Realm: Regional Criteria
NORTH: desert [climate]
WEST: desert and mountains [phys]
[climate]
EAST: water [Where]
SOUTHWEST: mountains [phys]
SOUTHEAST: no physical barrier[phys]
POPULATION DENSITY: [eapopden]
[checumen]
Deserts [climate], mountains [phys] and low population densities [eapopden] characterize the borders of the Chinese realm EXCEPT for the southeast border adjacent to Vietnam. These physical barriers have isolated and separated the Chinese realm from other realms. But, as we would suspect the lack of a physical barrier in the southeast has permitted a significant amount of contact and movement between the Chinese Realm and Southeast Asia. In fact, there has been so much contact that mainland southeast Asia is often called "indochina".