Studies On Shi Bo System Of Ming Dynasty

Since the Ming Dynasty has established, the overseas trade that had been during the development in the Chinese history declined suddenly in this time, which has a close relationship with the implementation of overseas trading control system at that time. As one system of management of overseas trade in olden times, Shi bo (A system Administrating Foreign Trade) system had a history of over 1000 years. It was historically developed from the Shi bo shi, which was founded in Tang Dynasty and further improved in Song and Yuan Dynasty, however, it was on the decline in Ming Dynasty. The Shi bo system underwent a serried of changes in Ming Dynasty in the term of the implement of marine ban policy, commence specially for traded with tribute payment instead of private overseas trade, having a strong political function. In the middle and late of Ming Dynasty, under the press of multi-factors, Shi bo system returned to its economical function and developed into customary system in the early of Qing Dynasty.Ming Dynasty is in the late of the ancient world of China, when the feudal society was going out of style. At that time, the legal system of overseas trade such as Shi bo system showed great retrogression, which had an extremely adverse impact on the succeeding overseas trade; furthermore, the forward direction of history was changed. Because the development of overseas trade had a close relationship with process of development of the society, the study of Shi bo system will give the in-depth knowledge of reasons for the backwardness of modern China and also give a profound understanding for the role of legal institutions.In this thesis, the development of Shi bo si in Ming Dynasty is the key line. The author analyzed the background of the establishment of Shi bo si and related laws and regulations and further concluded the features in itself and the effect on after world. Hopefully, it would give a full reorganization and deep understanding of Shi bo system in Ming Dynasty. The thesis includes five parts:First, the state of overseas trade and the history of Shi bo si before Ming Dynasty were introduced. In this part, it gave a brief overview of the overseas trade of China before Ming Dynasty, followed by the introduction of the origin, development and perfection of Shi bo system an a brief introduction of function of Shi bo si before Ming Dynasty.Second, the marine Ban policy in Ming Dynasty and the establishment and operation of Shi bo si were introduced. In this part, the effect of seafaring prohibition policy on the overseas trade was illustrated firstly. In the case of the prohibition of private overseas trade, only three Shi bo si were established to manage tribute payment trade. Then, the operation of Shi bo si was introduced in terms of Kanhe (Licensing)) system, transaction management, tax system and prohibition of trades.Third, the reform and development of Shi bo si in all parts of the county were introduced. The author made a comparison of the different destiny of Shi bo si in Zhejiang, Shi bo si in Fujian and Shi bo si in Guangdong. Of all, Shi bo si in Zhejiang and Shi bo si in Fujian were converted into Yuegang(Moon port) by vicissitudes eventually while Shi bo si in Guangdong maintained stable growth and the Shi bo administration in Macao and Thirty-six hongs in Guangdong played an important role in the direct trades between China and the west. This part will focus on the detailed analysis of the change of management system of Shi bo si of Guangzhou and a profound inquiry were discussed on the advantages and disadvantages of different periods from Shi bo Eunuchs, Haidao Fushi to the Tax commissioner and Eunuchs Management.Fourth, the lawmaking institution of Shi bo system in Ming Dynasty was introduced. The legal system of Shi bo system of Ming Dynasty was discussed from the points of central and local legislation and we concluded that the legislation is repetitive, rigid, lack of innovation and without single regulation. At last, the guideline of legislation for Shi bo system was illustrated combining with the social background in terms of Zhong ben yi mo (Agriculture Priority) policy, the need of political rights and national security.Fifth, the Shi bo system of Ming Dynasty is evaluated. Comparing with the Shi bo system in Song and Yuan Dynasty, it was found that the Shi bo system in Ming Dynasty was going backwards. After analyzing the interaction relationship between Shi bo system and economic society, the author thought that although Shi bo system in Ming Dynasty promoted social economic development at a time to a certain extent, taken by Shi bo system itself, it is an obstacle to the overseas trade, rather than an impulsive force. The essence of Shi bo si is a mere instrument of feudal domination on overseas trade.