Overview
This lecture covers how China's geography has influenced its population growth, economic development, strategic vulnerabilities, and foreign policy, especially regarding borders, agriculture, and dependence on maritime trade.
Agricultural Geography & Population
- Eastern China has fertile floodplains, supporting large-scale rice agriculture.
- Double-cropping allows two harvests a year, increasing rice output by about 25%.
- Rice yields approximately 11 million calories per acre, much higher than wheat’s 4 million.
- Productive agriculture is key to sustaining China’s 1.4 billion people.
Border Challenges & Security
- Southern borders with Vietnam, Laos, and Myanmar are not naturally set and have significant military presence.
- Jungle terrain in the south makes military operations difficult and favors defenders.
- China has limited natural geographical protection on southern borders.
Tibet’s Strategic Importance
- Tibet acts as a buffer zone with India and is sparsely populated (0.2% of China's population, 13% of its area).
- Control of Tibet prevents Indian influence and provides a defensive barrier via the Himalayas.
- China invests in transportation infrastructure in Tibet for integration and strategic movement.
- Tibet is the source of major rivers (Yellow and Yangtze), crucial for eastern agriculture and water security.
Northern & Eastern Borders
- Mongolia to the north is sparsely populated, friendly, and acts as a natural barrier.
- Russia is the only other northern neighbor and current ally.
- The eastern coast is vulnerable due to proximity to US military and allies.
Maritime Vulnerabilities & Foreign Policy
- China’s economy relies heavily on maritime exports and imported food.
- The US and its Pacific allies could blockade China, threatening its economy and food supply.
- Control of the South China Sea and relations with regional countries are key for China's access to the Pacific.
- Strained relations over the South China Sea have cost China potential allies like the Philippines.
Dependence on Foreign Resources
- China imports more food and oil than it exports, especially from Africa.
- Heavy investment in Africa for resources reflects China’s transition from self-sufficiency to global dependence.
- Foreign dependence increases China's vulnerability to international pressures.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Double-cropping — Planting two successive crops in one year on the same land.
- Floodplain — Flat land near rivers with fertile soil, ideal for agriculture.
- Buffer zone — A region separating two hostile areas, often used for defense.
- South China Sea Dispute — Territorial conflicts over maritime sovereignty, crucial for trade routes.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review maps of China’s borders and major rivers for context.
- Study the impact of geography on China's past and current foreign policy decisions.