| Summary: | For more than 2,000 years, Chinese cultural influence has been profound in East and Southeast Asia. In East Asia, it has left a clear mark on the region’s economic, political, and social organization, which only began to decline in the late nineteenth century. In Southeast Asia, China’s early presence in the region’s social structures has also deeply influenced its cultural, political, and economic development—particularly in the area that now includes Vietnam. However, the presence of local cultures, languages, and influences such as Indian culture led to the formation of a distinct region. Given the growth of Southeast Asia, and the resurgence of China’s geopolitical significance in the region, it is important to consider the region’s achievements and influences.
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