Sung-Liao diplomatic practices

This dissertation is a study of Sung-Liao diplomacy. It does not address the particulars of Sung-Liao relations but rather focuses on the modes of formal diplomatic contact between the two states. It is a history of diplomacy rather than a diplomatic history.; With some qualifications, this dissertation accepts the proposition that Sung-Liao diplomacy was conducted on a footing of equality or diplomatic parity. It notes, however, that the Sung and Liao reserved exclusively for among themselves a more exalted body of ritual and rhetoric that did not apply to other states. The concept of an entire international community of equally sovereign and independent states did not exist in East Asia during Sung times. Sung China was not one state among equals but one of only two states recognizing each other as equals and regarding other states as tributaries or vassals.; The Introduction argues that the multi-state system and diplomatic practices of Eastern Chou times were probably precedents for some aspects of Sung-Liao diplomacy. The Eastern Chou model of foreign relations was an alternative to the tributary framework of foreign relations that began developing during Han times.; Chapter One outlines the military developments leading up to the Shan-yuan peace of 1005. It compares some provisions of the Shan-yuan meng or covenanted agreement with provisions of meng concluded during Eastern Chou times.; Chapter Two examines the various types of embassies exchanged between the two states and describes the ceremonial for diplomatic audiences at the Sung and Liao courts.; Chapter Three investigates the inner logic of the fictitious kinship relations between Sung emperors and Liao emperors and empress dowagers. It then presents a study and sample translations of Sung diplomatic missives to the Liao.; Chapter Four is a study of the embassy reports (yu-lu) submitted by Sung envoys after their missions. These reports were essentially intelligence summaries and geographical descriptions of Liao territory. Over one hundred pages of annotated translation of these reports are included in Appendix One.