Study On The Suzerain-vassal Diplomacy Of Shen-guan (1637-1644)

Shen—Guan was a characteristic diplomatic institution，during the start-up periodof suzerain—vassal relationship system between Qing and Chosen from1636to1644.The study of foreign operational mechanisms of Shen—Guan can make certainsupplementary correction on the existing suzerain—vassal system theories in East Asia,and has important academic value in promoting East Asian system of vassal study. Mypaper places Shen—Guan in the background of the occurrence and development ofvassal relationship between Qing and Chosen. Then, it will make a further study on thesetting up, diplomatic activities, complex relationship between Qing and Chosenaround its revocation. Besides the introduction and conclusion, the body can bedivided into four chapters:The Introduction introduces the significance of the topic, summarizing andintroducing research results concerning with the topics home and abroad, generalizingthe existing problems, and clarifying the basic principles, framework and researchmethods.The first chapter introduces historical background, that is the process of theformation of vassal relationship between Later Jin (Qing) and Chosen and theestablishment of Shen—Guan. The development of the relationship between Later Jin(Qing) and Chosen had experienced a complicated course. Before16th century,Chosen regarded Jurchen as barbarian thus to treat them by means of Jimi (comfortmeasures) and preventing. The rise of Jianzhou Jurchen in16th century madesuzerain-vassal order in Northeast Asia collapse, forcing Chosen adjust the originalnorthern Jurchen policy. In the late period of Seonjo, Chosen exercised a Shih-ta (thePrinciple of Small State Waiting upon the Big One) cross-neighbor policy towards Later Jin established by Nurhachi, with Ming Dynasty as the center of Northeast Asianvassal order.In Later Jin’s fighting with Ming, Chosen actually support Ming Dynasty. Afterthe Battle Sarhu in the early17th century, Later Jin formed a cross-neighborrelationship with Chosen. After the coup of overthrowing Gwanghaegu, Injo stronglydefend the suzerain-vassal order of Ming Dynasty. In order to maintain its strategicsecurity, Later Jin launched the Jeongmyo War, forcing Chosen to form the alliance ofbrotherhood with it. Both sides established a relatively equal diplomatic envoys systembasing on the Ganghwa Covenant. In political relationship, Later Jin forced Chosen toremain neutral. However, this brotherhood still did not change the fact that MingDynasty as the sovereign state of Chosen, the two sides still had friction around a lot ofissues. In1636, Later Jin changed its name into Qing, launching the Byeongja War,forcing Chosen to pay tribute, admitting Qing’s suzerainty, severing relationship withMing. According to the covenant terms by Samjeondo, Chosen should send CrownPrince Sohyun to Qing as a hostage. The appearance of Shen—Guan was the productof this special period.The second chapter mainly examines the establishment and the internal positionof Shen—Guan. As the conditions, Chosen should send the king’s eldest son, secondson and sons or brothers of ministers to Qing as hostages. Under this provision, thesepeople went to Shenyang as hostages in April1637, and returned between1644and1645, ending the life of hostages. For the management of the hostages in Shenyang,Qing mainly provided housing, food and drinks, while Chosen was responsible forproviding clothing, spending, part of the diet. Hostages were living in Shen—Guan andthe Hostage Hall, while the former played an important role in diplomatic activitiesbetween the two countries. Shen—Guan had five official institutions, namely Jaesin(Ranking Civil), Seja sigangwon (Crown Prince Tutorial Office), Sejaik wisa wisu(Guard to the Office of the Crown Prince), Yeokgwan (Translating Official) andSeonjeongwan (Herald). The five departments had their own division of labor,responsible for diplomatic intervention of tasks between Chosen and Qing. In Shenyang, Crown Prince Sohyun carried on activities mainly by the officials of the HuMinistry of Qing, and established a personal relationship with the officials of Qing.Chapter three examines the diplomatic activities of Shen—Guan. After the vassalrelations established between Qing and Chosen and around the implement ofSamjeondo Covenant, the two sides conducted a series of representations. The staffs ofShen—Guan directly involved, the more representative were three major issues,namely, the population sending, conscription and Shen prisons. From the specificactivities of negotiations, we can see, the negotiations between Chosen and Qingwere by Shen—Guan. In negotiation activities, Shen—Guan was mainly responsible toconvey official information of Qing and Chosen, sniffing the intelligence of Qing,carrying on foreign affairs negotiations with Qing on behalf of Chosen. TakingShen—Guan as the representative of Chosen, Qing exposed it to some of the specificimplementation of the transaction.In dealing with foreign affairs, Shen—Guangradually established channels of information communication and processing fromQing to Chosen, drawing the attention of Qing all the more, so its political statusimproved continuously.The fourth chapter mainly discusses the revocation of Shen—Guan anddevelopment of the system of vassal. After came to the throne, Qingshizu began tocarry out the policy of detente to Chosen, relieving Chosen tribute repeatedly, anddeciding to revoke Shen—Guan and release the hostages. Qing hoped to cultivatepro-Qing heir by Shen—Guan, to stabilize the relationship between Chosen vassal andQing, putting their hope on Crown Prince Sohyun, eight-year hostage in Qing. ButChosen Injo did not want to see Crown Prince Sohyun and his Shen—Guan staffrelying on Qing to form political forces, thus after returning two months, he died. Hiswife was put to death. Three sons of him were exiled, among whom the eldest andsecond son died in exile.The6th year of Shunzhi (1649), Bongnim Daegun (Prince Bongnim)came tothrone known as Hyojong. He ideologically required of wiping out the nationalhumiliation, getting rid of the vassal relationship with Qing, putting forward "Northern Expedition". However, while this action was still brewing, it was suppressed by Qingin the event of "Six Missionary Criticizing". At the same time, the social and economicdepression and high appeal against the war made the Northern Expedition of Hyojong,as well as literati’s Shita theory could only be talk, and could not be implemented. Inspecific actions, Hyojong still adhered to the vassals obligations to Qing. While Qingtook close surveillance strategy against Chosen, and sent people to seek supplies,continued granville repression policy towards Chosen from Huangtaiji time. However,after getting rid of Duoergun’s regency, Qingshizu began to reign as the successor ofMing, shaping the suzerain-vassal ritual order, thus, Chosen gradually began to acceptfrom the mentality of Qing’s sovereign state identity. The development ofsuzerain-vassal relationship between the two had entered a new stage.The conclusion is a comprehensive study of the former four chapters,summarizing the role and status of of Shen—Guan in Qing and Chosen during thedevelopment of suzerain-vassal relationship, and making an overall understanding ofShen—Guan.