typhoon A tropical storm, like a hurricane, that occurs in the western Pacific Ocean

Isolationism A policy created by the late Ming empires that China should not be involved with other countries. Later, China under Mao's leadership withdrew from the world out of a desire to be self sufficient.

megalopolis A region in which several large cities and surrounding areas grow together

Terraced farming An ancient technique for growing crops on hillsides or mountain slopes, using step-like horizontal fields cut into the slopes

Three Gorges Dam The world’s largest hydroelectric dam built on the Yangtze river to help control flooding, generate power and allow ships to sail farther into China

The Great Leap Forward The attempt by the People's Republic of China in to solve the country's economic problems by labor- intensive industrialization.

Genghis Khan The fearsome Mongolian warrior of the 13th century who conquered most of Asia

Economic Tiger A country with rapid economic growth due to cheap labor, high technology, and aggressive imports, such a Singapore, China, Thailand, and South Korea.

Samurai The samurai is a well-trained, highly skilled warrior and belonged to the Japanese feudal military aristocracy. The samurai serves his daimyo, or master, with absolute loyalty, even to the death. In fact, the word samurai means, "those who serve." The samurai is a member of an elite class, considered superior to common citizens and ordinary foot soldiers. The samurai's life is ruled by bushido, a strict warrior code emphasizing honor.

Confucianism A movement based on the teachings of Confucius, a Chinese philosopher, who lived about 500 B.C. He stressed the importance of education in a well-ordered society. Respect for elders was stressed as well as obeying the government.

Taoism A Chinese philosophy based on the writings of Lao-Tzu ( fl. 6th century BC), advocating humility and religious piety. It stresses living simply and honestly and in harmony with nature...

Buddhism A religion that originated in India about 500 B.C. and spread to China, where it grew into a major religion. Also, about 90% of Taiwan’s population is Buddhist. Buddha’s teachings offered escape from endless reincarnation, a method of spiritual attainment through correct views and actions (the eight-fold path), and a spiritual goal (nirvana): a soul free from craving, suffering, and sorrow.

DMZ – Demilitarized Zone An area in which it is forbidden to station military forces. It runs along the 38th parallel north. The DMZ cuts the Korean peninsula roughly in half.

Free Trade Zone Areas in which goods may be manufactured, bought, and sold without the intervention of government and with no penalty. In China an example of FTZ's are the special economic zones created in urban areas during the late 1970's.

Jakota Triangle A zone of prosperity during the 1980’s and early 1990’s. The most powerful of the Pacific Rim nations of East Asia were Japan, Korea (south), and Taiwan and they enjoyed record economic prosperity during this time period.