"But in certain historical contexts, or when its exotic connotations are integral to the topic, Oriental remains a useful term."

It outlines where Orient is useful, and in what context. What exactly is exotic about bikes made in Taiwan? And really, who do you know that still calls China "the Orient"? Some WW2 vet? i have perfect comprehension of what I'm reading. Do you? And if you think people who still refer to China, Japan, Korea, et. all as The Orient aren't also calling people from there Orientals, you've got another thing coming.