This title provides concise, clear definitions of the terms, organizations and personalities making up the economic and political fabric of East Asia. Containing up-to-date, detailed information, this book will prove a key reference to anyone studying the region, an area which is coming to the forefront of international affairs. Short essays on recent history and economy profile each country in the region, while other entries detail eminent politicians or heads of state, important national and international organizations, political parties, religions, border disputes and geographical features. Key features: * a concise guide to one of the most influential economic regions of the world today * covers information in one volume that may otherwise only be available in a number of sources. Countries and territories covered include: People's Republic of China (including Hong Kong and Macau), Japan, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Korea, Mongolia and Taiwan ("Republic of China"). Other entries include: Economic development; Kim Dae-jung; Korean North- South relations ; Mao Zedong; P'yongyang; Shanghai; Taipei; Taiwanese relations with China; The Emperor of Japan; Ulan Bator.