The Pacific Theater - Which city has the greatest influence across the Pacific Ocean? (centers, rich)

[A.J._in_L.A.]

Which city facing the Pacific Ocean has more influence as far as world politics, finance, trade, etc? Here are some examples, starting with my city:

1) Los Angeles: Contains the busiest port in America and the 5th busiest in the world. The biggest city in the what is considered the 7th-10th biggest economy in the world, California. Contains Hollywood, known around the world as the "entertainment capital of the world" and a giant economic engine to L.A.

2) San Francisco - California's first "major" city and is considered the finance capital of California. Is the centerpice of the San Francisco Bay Area, which contains the technological haven of Silicon Valley which a leader of technology and the wine producing Napa and Sonoma Valleys, in which both products coming from said regions can be seen worldwide.

3) Tokyo - One of the "big 4" world class cities, and one of the financial centers of Asia and the world. One of the leaders of technology along with San Francisco and the Bay Area. Contains a rich culture as it has been around for centuries and has been the host city for many other cultures in Japan and is a major player in world affairs.

4) Hong Kong - The biggest city in the biggest country in the world and is one of the "4 Asian Tigers/Little Dragons". The crown jewel of China and has been a city for international trade for centuries. Is the financial capital of China and is a one of the biggest financial centers in the world. Like Tokyo, has been the host city for international culture in China and like Los Angeles, is considered the entertainment capital of China. Is also a major player in world affairs.

5) Singapore - Another one of the "4 Asian Tigers/Little Dragons", a city-state that has rose to power in the past century after World War II. Also contains a major trading port and is the one of the leaders of world finance. Is considered the de-facto capital of Indochina and has the culture to reflect that.

6) Sydney - The capital of Australia. Arguably the most powerful in the Oceanic region. Also a major player in finance and international trade as it is Australia's largest city. Is a stopping point for immigrants who come into Australia and is considered a rich center of culture.

There's more options in the poll. So with that said, which city contains the greatest influence over the Pacific Ocean?

[bennyboo<3seattle<3]

i go for tokyo hands down. it has the highest gdp for a city in the world. also has the most office space in the world. largest metro population. most high tech city. it wins hands down.

[PDX_LAX]

Culturally I have to say Los Angeles. Politically? No clue. Toss-up between Tokyo, Beijing, and Los Angeles maybe.

[grapico]

hong kong, lots of international business... best example of east meets west out of all of them.

[OyCrumbler]

Tokyo by far. It's cultural influence around the world is fairly big, but it's especially strong in East and Southeast Asia.

[machiavelli1]

In order

1) Tokyo
2) Los Angeles and Hong Kong
4) Singapore
5) Sydney

[toughguy]

Seoul is right up there with Tokyo in terms of technological and business leadership. It's also the 2nd largest metropolitan area in the world behind Tokyo. It's an alpha world city, and not even being mentioned in the top 5 is a head scratcher. Also, Shanghai should be listed, which is also an alpha world city. Vancouver does not really belong on this list...

[A.J._in_L.A.]

Originally Posted by toughguy

Seoul is right up there with Tokyo in terms of technological and business leadership. It's also the 2nd largest metropolitan area in the world behind Tokyo. It's an alpha world city, and not even being mentioned in the top 5 is a head scratcher. Also, Shanghai should be listed, which is also an alpha world city. Vancouver does not really belong on this list...

Seoul was included in the poll when this thread was created

[LASam]

Originally Posted by A.J._in_L.A.

6) Sydney - The capital of Australia.

Actually, Canberra is the capital of Australia. It's located between Sydney and Melbourne. Recently just learned this myself!

[18Montclair]

Originally Posted by bennyboo<3seattle<3

i go for tokyo hands down. it has the highest gdp for a city in the world. also has the most office space in the world. largest metro population. most high tech city. it wins hands down.

None of this really speaks to any influence over the Pacific Rim.