Unit 1: Reading
Taiwan's Regional Neighbors
As the world's economy becomes increasingly globalized, it's good to learn more about other nations. This article introduces three of Taiwan's regional neighbors: Japan, the Philippines, and the People's Republic of China.
Japan - An Aging Heavyweight
To the north of Taiwan is Japan - an affluent nation with over a hundred islands stretching 1000 km from the border near Russia to southern Okinawa. With a population of some 126 million, Japan is an economic superpower, though many of its factories are now overseas. With giants such as Sony, Mitsubishi, and Fujitsu, this nation is famous for quality, hi-tech consumer goods. However, since 1989 Japan's economy has declined steadily. As its population grows older, many question how long Japan will remain an economic heavyweight.
The Philippines - A Blend of East & West
South of Taiwan is the Philippines - the world's largest archipelago with over 7,100 islands and a population nearing 80 million. A place where complex Malay, Spanish, and American influences blend, the Philippines is the largest Christian country in Asia, though many Muslims are in the south. It was a Spanish colony for 500 years, an American colony for 50 years, and under Japan for four years during World War II.
Many Filipinos speak English at work and school, though most prefer to speak "Pilipino" - a combination of English, Spanish, and many local dialects.
The Philippine economy is based on agriculture and light industry. Exports include coconuts, sugarcane, bananas, and also light industrial products. Imports consist mainly of manufactured goods from Japan, the USA, and other countries in Asia.
With its lovely beaches, exotic diving spots, and seafood, the Philippines is a popular tourist destination. The friendliness of its people and ample shopping opportunities also attract about two million visitors each year1.
Mainland China - The Red Giant
Not far west of Taiwan is mainland China - the world's most populated country. About 95% of this nation's 1.2 billion people live in the low areas along the coast. 94% are ethnic Chinese (Han) and 6% belong to other ethnic groups. Since 1949 mainland China has regarded Taiwan as a renegade province. With a land area two hundred times Taiwan's, mainland China has many mineral, coal and oil resources. Trade with Taiwan remains strong, despite political tension.
Though China is a communist state, it has some features of a capitalist economy. The tension between its centralized political system and its decentralized economic system is strong. China now faces problems of growing unemployment, widespread pollution, social unrest, and government corruption.
Other Asian Nations
Taiwan also maintains close economic ties with other Asian nations such as South Korea, Thailand, and Malaysia. Since 1989 Taiwan has been a member of APEC, an association designed to promote trade and economic development.
Source: Philippine Dept. of Tourism, "Visitor Arrivals to the Philippine By Country of Residence: 1988 - 1997" [online] http://www.tourism.gov.ph/tourism/10yrs.htm. (21 Jan 2000)
copyright (c) 1999, 2000 by Ming Chuan University
Ver. 2.5 - Updated 22 Feb 2000
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