Abstract not available

Bibliography: leaves 285-314. Introduction -- Ch. 1. Sea power and the world -- Ch. 2. Chinese sea power and the century of humiliation -- Ch. 3. China's emerging sea power in the PRC period -- Ch. 4. China's expanding maritime sphere of influence int he Western Pacific and the Indian Ocean -- Ch. 5. Southeast Asia: gateway to China's maritime expansion -- Ch. 6. Russia and India: China's immediate competitors -- Ch. 7. Japan and the Republic of Korea (ROK): China's competitive neighbours -- Ch. 8. The United States: China's strategic competitor -- Conclusion "The thesis examines China's geostrategic relations with Asia-Pacific countries with special reference to its naval ambitions toward the region. The thesis concentrates especially on the People's Republic of China (PRC)'s apparent intention to expand its maritime influence into the Western Pacific and the Indian Ocean by putting pressure on the security of sea lines of communication (SLOCs) from the Gulf to the nations of East Asia via the Arabian Sea, the Bay of Bengal, the Straits of Malacca and Singapore, the South China Sea, and the Taiwan Strait." -- ABSTRACT

Atmospheric aerosols may be emitted directly as particles (primary) or formed from gaseous precursors (secondary) from different natural and anthropogenic sources. The highly populated South and East Asia regions are currently in a phase of rapid economic growth to which high emissions of carbonaceous aerosols are coupled. This leads to generally poor air quality and a substantial impact of anthropogenic aerosols on the regional climate. However, the emissions of different carbon aerosol components are still poorly constrained. Water-soluble organic carbon (WSOC) is a large (20-80%) component of carbonaceous aerosols that can absorb solar light and enhance cloud formation, influencing both the direct and indirect climate effects of the aerosols. A novel method for carbon isotope-based studies, including source apportionment, of the WSOC component of ambient aerosols was developed and tested for recovery efficiency and the risk of contamination using both synthetic test substances and ambient aerosols (paper I). The application of this method for the source apportionment of aerosols in South and East Asia shows that fossil fuel input to WSOC is significant in both South Asia (about 17-23%) highly impacted by biomass combustion practices and in East Asia (up to 50%) dominated by fossil energy sources (papers II, III, IV). Fossil fraction in WSOC in the outflow from northern China is considerably larger than what has been measured in South Asia, Europe and USA (paper IV). A trend of enrichment in heavy stable carbon isotopes in WSOC with distance the particles have been transported from the source is observed in the South Asian region (papers II, III). Dual-isotope (Δ14C and δ13C) analysis demonstrates that WSOC is highly influenced by atmospheric aging processes. / <p>At the time of the doctoral defense, the following papers were unpublished and had a status as follows: Paper 3: Manuscript. Paper 4: Submitted.</p>

University of Macau / Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities / Department of Government and Public Administration

As China’s economy and international prominence continues to grow, Beijing is now, more than ever, developing its inner and Western provinces, including Xinjiang. Its interests in Xinjiang extend to the greater South and Central Asian region as China continues to form diplomatic alliances and economic ties with its bordering neighbors. In particular, China’s move to the west and the recent designation of Kashgar as a Special Economic Zone has been an important factor for Beijing’s deepening relations with Pakistan, it’s gateway not only to South Asia but also to the greater Central Asian region. This paper will examine the steps China is taking to establish Xinjiang as a major trade and transport hub in the “New Central Asia,” and how the city of Kashgar is being developed to facilitate significant transnational trade and development with Pakistan. It will also examine China’s recent investments and development projects in Pakistan and how its neighbor in South Asia is now one of its most important allies in the region. It will posit that China’s thirst for energy resources, namely oil and natural gas from Central Asia and the Middle East, has prompted Beijing to place more emphasis on maintaining and deepening relations with Pakistan. Moreover, this paper will assess how Sino- Pakistani relations in the 21st are affecting China’s relations with India, especially in regards to Christopher Pehrson’s “String of Pearls” concept. This thesis will focus on two major case studies: the establishment of Kashgar as an SEZ and the development of the Gwadar Port in Southern Pakistan, and will show that in many regards, both projects are facing the same development problems.

Master's thesis. / Format: PDF. Bibl.

Masteropgave. / Format: PDF. Bibl.

Master's thesis. / Format: PDF. Bibl.

Hovedopgave. / Format: PDF. Bibl.

Rapid development and commercialization within the emerging field of Islamic finance are strong evidence of its sustainability. The Islamic finance industry has experienced remarkable growth, more than US$1 trillion in just 40 years.This consistent growth and the industry’s proven ability to safely navigate global recession and financial crisis while still coming up with innovative products indicate its resilience and competitive edge. Its gradual adoption into the financial portfolios of important financial centres including London, Singapore and Hong Kong is further evidence of its promising future. While numerous studies on Islamic banking, finance and insurance are now available, there has been very little systematic research on this industry’s actual and possible implicationsin maritime trade and commerce. This research aims to fill those gaps. The feasibility of applying Islamic principles to maritime trade is the main theme of this research, which argues that the reduction or removal of unnecessary uncertainties and harmful risks as required under Islamis necessary to strengthen global maritime trade. Islamic principles, as seen in various Islamic financial products applicable to modern maritime trade, will be relevant in strengthening global trade. This is due to, among other things, Islam’s prohibition from dealing with transactions tainted by excessive speculations in addition to the fairer allocation of risks that it required. However, to truly benefit global trade it is proposed here that Islamic financial products must consist of more than merely cosmetic changes to conventional products;their essence must also be different. 　　Global trade can be very volatile, particularly in periods of recession and financial crisis. Instead of wealth with real trade based on productivity, partnership and risk sharing, an increasing number of people are simply conducting speculative activities based on zero-sum risk-transfer and the speculative activities of others. Rather than reducing risk, interested parties are making profits by increasing risk through a variety of speculative and risky transactions. This unprecedented increase in speculative activities in maritime trade, from derivative products to shipbuilding, is a dangerous scenario if left unmonitored. This research proposes that the legal and regulatory framework governing maritime trade could be improved by incorporating some Islamic principles. The legal and regulatory framework governing Islamic finance is also analyzed here. The development of Islamic finance in Southeast Asia is also covered, together with a comparative study of the maritime trade sector in Malaysia, Singapore and Hong Kong as background to show potential. This thesis proposes that a conducive legal and economic environment is fundamental for maritime nations. / published_or_final_version / Law / Doctoral / Doctor of Philosophy