The Study On The Relationship Between China And Korea As Suzerain And Vassal State During Qing Dynasty

In this paper, the writer divided the relationship between China and Korea as suzerain and vassal state during Qing Dynasty into five stages: formation, evolution, transformation, aberration, and finalization. The writer made in-depth review and study on the developments of each stage, the causes and impacts, and primary issues as well as hot ones.This paper consists of seven chapters.In Chapter One, as the preface, the historical backgrounds related to this study were reviewed. It briefly summarized the process of forming the relationship of suzerain and vassal state; revealed the essence of this relationship; analyzed the features and causes of developing this relationship; explored the types of suzerain and vassal state relationship during Qing Dynasty; indicated the particularities of Korea from other vassal states. Besides, the writer reviewed the research work on this concern, domestically and abroad; stated briefly the significance and focus of this study.In Chapter Two, the writer discussed the steps of forming the relationship of suzerain and vassal state between China and Korea, from the beginning of Qing Dynasty to the end of Kang Xi reign. Measures to adjust the suzerain and vassal state relationship by emperors were also analyzed. Under the guidance of Chinese traditional diplomatic concepts of morality, Qing Dynasty emperors promoted the fulfillment of the protocols on suzerain and vassal state relationship, which helped normalize this relationship in time.In Chapter Three, the causes of smooth development of the relationship between China and Korea during Yong Zheng reign and Qian Long reign were explored. Qian Long, the emperor, took advantage of various measures of morality diplomacy, and adopted the inclusiveness policy on Korea's attachment to Ming Dynasty. These helped in impelling Korean to attend the suzerain and led to the upsurge of the goodrelationship between two sides. It indicated that the cultural exchange between two sides deepened further mutual understanding and friendship.In Chapter Four, the writer analyzed the breaking up of the relationship of suzerain and vassal state in Eastern Asia in the mid of nineteenth century, with the discovery of new seaway and Western colonists' drive on economic globalization as the background. The writer discussed the chain strategies taken by Japan to shift the crisis to Korean, which started the dispute on whether Korea was a vassal state of China.In Chapter Five, the writer examined the Qing government's policy of supporting Korea to open up steadily as a transfer during 1882 till 1885 so that Korea could avoid being destroyed. This opening up led to certain change of the relationship of suzerain and vassal state. As a result, the relationship between China and Korea was enforced. With the invitation of Korean government, Qing government sent army to pacify the two unrests. Hence the relationship between two sides was strengthened and left little chance for Japan to invade Korea.In Chapter Six, the writer focused on the change of diplomatic policy during 1885 till 1894 by increasing pressure on Korea. This resulted in the aberration of the relationship and brought great impact. The writer pointed out that the relationship between China and Korea was still suzerain and vassal state in nature. Though it seemed like that between Western countries and their colonies, they should be taken as the same. In Chapter Seven, the writer demonstrated the process and nature of Japan's forcing China and Korea to end the suzerain and vassal state relationship during 1894 and 1895. The writer pointed out that Japan's real purpose of launching ($^F^^)War was to occupy Korea and invade China, then East Asia. In the end, the writer introduced generally the process of China and Korea starting to communicate equally after ending of suzerain and vassal state relationship.In Conclusion, this study was summarized and the writer lay emphasis on the prominent features and principles of Qing Dynasty developing the suzerain and vassal state relationship with Korea—morality, security, and peaceful development. The Chinese traditional diplomatic concepts of morality played a key role in each stage of the relationship between two sides. Meanwhile, the writer clarified some points of view which were against the historical facts.