Question

How might East Asia's political geography be different today if China lacked its abundant natural
resources? (1 point)
China would likely be less powerful and depend more on global trade.
Japan and South Korea would have probably become communist states.
North Korea would have developed into a major economic superpower.
China would have expanded its borders past the Himalayan Mountains.

Answer 1

If China lacked its abundant natural resources, the statement "China would likely be less powerful and depend more on global trade" is the most plausible scenario. Without significant natural resources, China would have faced greater challenges in developing its economy and sustaining its population, likely resulting in lesser global influence. It would have had to rely more heavily on imports and could have been more focused on trade relationships to secure necessary resources, potentially leading to a different geopolitical landscape in East Asia.