Thai Journal of East Asian Studies

A critique of Pine’s construction theory of “Shanrang” in the Zhan Guo period from a historical writing perspective

Yi Zhang — 2024-06-30

Yuri Pines once proposed that shanrang (abdication) was a construction of the Zhanguo (Warring States) period, about 475 BCE to 221 BCE, and regarded shanrang as the historical invention of political thinkers of that era, especially equalitarians, rather than existing as a system in history. This article attempts to reexamine this viewpoint by existing literature in relevant fields (whether traditional Chinese books or the literature), and combining concepts, theories, and methods of history writing to comprehensively scrutinize the shanrang narrative in traditional Chinese history books, to discern whether and how shanrang should exist in history. After pinpointing shanrang’s place in history as an historical process, Pines’ theory was critically evaluated. The validation of this approach innovates in discussing ancient Chinese systems while revealing limitations in the shanrang construction theory during the Zhanguo period. These include an innately negative attitude about the existence of the shanrang system, and theoretical issues requiring attention that should inspire innovative thematic study of sinology.

Political reasons behind the ambiguity of the treaty of Punakha

Matteo Miele — 2024-06-30

The 1910 Treaty of Punakha between the British and Bhutanese remains a problem for scholars and diplomats because the agreement did not unambiguously clarify Bhutan’s status in relation to the Empire. Starting from a 1906 letter from Ugyen Wangchuck to the Viceroy of India, the paper analyzes the position of the Government of India regarding the future of the Anglo-Bhutanese relationship. With that letter, the Bhutanese seemed to accept British supremacy. Sir Louis Dane suggested proceeding in this direction. Charles Lennox Somerville Russell, however, was more cautious and asked to listen to the opinion of John Claude White. The latter interpreted the letter as “a complimentary one.” In this context, the paper takes into consideration a letter from Francis Younghusband with which Lord Minto himself agreed. According to Younghusband, keeping the friendship with Bhutan alive without intervening in national politics could positively impact the relationship with Tibet. Therefore, the paper attempts to elucidate the Treaty of Punakha by hypothesizing that the advice expressed by Younghusband motivated, at least in part, the ambiguous wording of the agreement.

Achievements and limitations in China-Philippines relations in the first two decades of the twenty-first century

Tran Thai Bao — 2024-06-30

Since 1975, when diplomatic relations were established between the Philippines and China, despite challenges, an essential alliance has strengthened and endured. Filipino strategic philosophy and flexible foreign policy towards China helps the two countries maintain stable cooperative relations at bilateral and regional levels. This article clarifies achievements and limitations in China-Philippines relations in the first two decades of the twenty-first century.

Economic Strategy of the Republic of Korea: A Case Study of the Semiconductor Industry

Naphakhawat Wanchai — 2024-06-30

This research studied factors supporting the economic strategy governing the South Korean semiconductor industry towards a global economic and technological status. Mixed methods research was done with data gathered by trade statistics, market proportions, academic articles, journals, and websites and conceptually analyzed. International political economy (IPE) was the main study framework, focusing on geopolitical and geoeconomic perspective for data analysis. Results were that the semiconductor industry is considered a key determinant in South Korean economic strategy. As semiconductors are considered economic indicators, they reflect economic stability during geopolitical conflicts, including the United States (US)-China technology rivalry, featuring trade sanctions export control and production bases moved from China to avoid Chinese economic coercion. In a geo-economic dimension and cooperation with the US, next generation South Korean chip factories leading the manufacturing process and human resources. These findings underline South Korean economic strategy based on national interest to integrate the semiconductor industry in the global supply chain value.

Development of Thai Y series fan culture in China

Lanxin Li — 2024-06-30

This research article aims to study the development of Thai Y series fan culture in China. Employing a documentary research approach within the framework of fan culture theories, this study draws upon content analysis sourced from the discourse of Chinese fans on the Weibo platform. The findings reveal three distinct phases in the development of Thai Y series fan culture in China. Phase 1 (2014-2018): Chinese fans relied on subtitle groups to access and engage with Thai Y series. However, faced with copyright constraints, Chinese fans adapted their viewing practices by accessing Y-Thai series content via cloud drives in conjunction with subtitle groups. Phase 2 (2019-2021): The blossoming growth of Thai Y series and widespread popularity in China. As Thai Y series gained mainstream recognition in China, fans became increasingly interested in the symbolic and identity-related benefits associated with consuming products related to their favorite artists, rather than the practical use of these products. Phase 3 (2022-present): Diversity in the fan culture of Thai Y series. In recent years, Chinese fans have gained greater opportunities to interact with Thai Y series artists. This has led to an increase in transnational business value, benefiting both the Thai Y series artists and their devoted fans. Additionally, fans are increasingly being incorporated into the production and marketing of Thai Y series, as well as creating a fan culture in business that connects with other countries in the Mekong Basin.

Book Review Modern Japan: A Very Short Introduction

Muskan Jha — 2024-06-30

Differences between Chinese and Western cultures: Analyzing the concepts of “division” and “combination”

Ha Trinh Le — 2024-06-30

Over thousands of years of development from primitive society to the present, Chinese and Western civilizations have created their own distinctive cultures under their different natural environments and historical conditions. The well-known scholar Qian Mu once said that: Westerners are good at dividing, Chinese people are good at combination as these are close to their desires. Hence, this manuscript explores the fundamental differences between Chinese and Western cultures through the lens of “division” and “combination”. Chinese culture, deeply rooted in the concept of “combination”, emphasizes harmony, unity, and collective responsibility, reflecting its agricultural society and Confucian values. In contrast, Western culture, grounded in “division”, focuses on individualism, personal freedom, and the separation of powers, shaped by its diverse geographical conditions and philosophical traditions. This study delves into historical developments, social structures, and ideological underpinnings that have led to these distinct cultural paradigms. By examining the country and society, human relationships, environment, and ideology, the manuscript elucidates how these cultural principles influence the respective civilizations. The analysis aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of how “division” and “combination” manifest in various aspects of Chinese and Western cultures, highlighting the importance of these concepts in shaping cultural identity and social dynamics.

Integration concept of Taoist sites in Jiangxi province: Interpretation, analysis and sustainable tourism

Xin Liu — 2024-06-30

This paper aims to help Taoist heritage sites achieve sustainable tourism. Mount Longhu has been related to the Zhengyi sect of Taoism since the Song Dynasty, and the neighboring San Qing Gong and Tiezhu Palace temple complexes should be examined as part of the Taoist landscape for sustainable tourism. The cultural significance of the Burra Charter for sustainable heritage management will be used as principal methodology, supplemented by field study. Results show that integrating authentic Taoist sites in Jiangxi Province, China demonstrate the relative completeness of the Taoist landscape and form a solid basis for sustainable local tourism.