A Study Of The Tributary System In The Song Dynasty

Tributary system is the projection of the Confucian ritual thoughts on foreignrelations. From Qin dynasty to Ming and Qing dynasty, content and features oftributary system are different, but in terms of its essence, and embodies the principleof ‘mutual benefit’. Tributary system includes both tributary state knees as tribute,and including the suzerain conferring the reward, in gong seal on both sides of theactivities, their respective interests principle is not the same. Political value of tributeis the most important for Chinese rulers, but economic value matters most forbarbarians.The Song dynasty attaches great importance to the tributary system as formertimes and reform it, making it more in line with the physical truth of Song dynasty.Tributary dates, routes, tributes, given back and conferring have a relatively clearrequirements during Two Song dynasties. Missions regularity and decency alsogradually improve during the period of the captial. The central and local governmentshave set up special management organizations to manage tributary affairs. Tributarysystem is the two-way interaction between Song dynasty and other regime, is not onlyan important way for political and economic ties between the two sides, also is a kindof important management for other parts.The tributary system of Song dynasty, however, is always a dual politicalstructure, in order to pursue the unified order, and the rulers of Song dynasty pay thetributary states well, sticking to the "much less to send", a highlight of generous spiritof China’s rulers. Through invation and trade, tributary state obtain the hugeeconomic interests, and the Song dynasty through stable tributary relationship withother countries, won the stability of the surrounding environment, so as to achieve thepolitical purposes.