Final answer:
The statement is true; The Classic of Poetry is the oldest extant collection of poetry from East Asia, existing before Confucius and representing a seminal part of the region's literary heritage.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that The Classic of Poetry is the oldest poetry collection of East Asia is true. The Classic of Poetry, also known as the Shi King or The Book of Songs, is indeed a venerable anthology of Chinese poems written by various anonymous authors over several centuries. Compiled before Confucius was born around 551 B.C.E., this collection has traditionally been credited to him as the editor, and it became an essential part of the canon of Confucian works required for scholarly study. The poems within The Classic of Poetry are believed to represent the voices of people from all walks of life, capturing the essence of their problems and joys through time.
As one of the Five Classics, it significantly influenced the cultural and educational heritage of East Asian countries. Moreover, poetry was a key aspect of elite life during the Tang period, with great poets like Li Bai and Du Fu contributing extensively to this rich tradition of verse.