US Allies in Asia
Former enemies during World War II they are now a close friend of the United States.
Japan
The war that divided the Korean Peninsula and made North Korea an enemy of the United States. Fought from 1950 to 1953, although hostilities continue today.
Korean War
Former allies against the Japanese during World War II they are now the number one rival to the United States.
China (People's Republic of China)
In 1492 when Christopher Columbus stumbled upon the Caribbean islands, he at first mistakenly thought he had landed in this Asian nation.
India
This country is known as the "Land of the Rising Sun".
Japan
Seoul is the capital city of this country.
South Korea
Longest war in US history, it was fought to defeat the Al-Qaeda terrorist network and replace the Taliban government that supported them. It was not successful and lasted from 2001 to 2021.
Afghanistan War
This Southwest Asian (Middle Eastern) nation has been enemies with the United States since 1979, when 52 Americans were held hostage for 444 days. Today the US accuses the government of supporting terrorism against Israel and the United States.
Iran (Islamic Republic of Iran)
Name of the ancient trade route that connected China, India, the Middle East and Europe for over 1,700 years.
The Silk Road
This Asian Nation is also known as the "Hermit Kingdom".
North Korea
Although briefly allied with the Japanese Empire during World War II this country has since been a friend and ally of the United States. Home of Mr. Jon's favorite Asian food.
Thailand
The second longest war in US history, it was fought to prevent the spread of Communism into Southeast Asia. It was not successful and lasted from 1955 to 1975.
Vietnam War
Vietnam (Socialist Republic of Vietnam)
Over 1,000 years the Emperors of China built the Great Wall to keep out the Hordes of the Mongol Empire. Eventually Mongolia would conquer China and most of Asia under the rule of this man and his descendants.
Genghis Khan (Temujin)
This Asian nation is also known as the "Middle Kingdom".
China
Although not an official US ally, this country is a rival nuclear powered neighbor to China and is friendly to the United States. It recently became the world's most populous nation.
India
The shortest war in US history, it lasted only 10 weeks during 1898. After a resounding victory, the United States claimed the Asian territories of Guam, the Mariana Islands, and the Philippines (in addition to Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands in the Caribbean).
Spanish-American War
The Chinese government has been forcing the minority Uighur people living in Western China, who are mostly followers of this religion, to live in Concentration Camps for "Re-Education" into becoming obedient Chinese citizens.
Islam (Muslim)
Between 1580 and 1780, Russia killed, conquered, and colonized its way across this region of Northern Asia that lies East of the Ural Mountains. It is a mostly cold and lonely place.
Siberia
Due to its long history of invasions by foreign powers this landlocked country has been nicknamed the "Graveyard of Empires". Victims of the Graveyard include Persians, Greeks, Arabs, Turks, Mongols, Brits, Russians, and Americans.
Afghanistan
The official name of Taiwan.
Republic of China
US President Teddy Roosevelt won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1905 for negotiating an end to the War between Russia and this other Asian nation. The war was a defeat for Russia.
Japan (Russo-Japanese War)
Known by two different names, this country is ruled by a brutal military regime that overthrew democracy and has restricted the freedoms of the people. Ethnic violence and rebellions are common in the country today.
Myanmar / Burma
Historically among the wealthiest nations in the world, this country was not truly united until it gained independence from the British Empire in 1947 during the non-violent revolution led by Mahatma Gandhi.
India (Republic of India)
This archipelago Asian nation of over 18,000 islands has the most active volcanoes of any country on Earth. The capital city is Jakarta on the island of Java.
Indonesia