Studies On The Relationship Between Ming Dynasty And Ryukyu During The Hongwu Period

After the foundation of Ming Dynasty, Zhu Yuanzhang sent emissaries to othercountries actively trying to rebuild the East Asian Huayi system. In this process,Ryukyu, located in the far southeast to China, was absorbed into the tributary systemof Ming Dynasty. The formal relation of Ming Dynasty and Ryukyu was confirmed inthe fifth year of Hongwu, marked by the visit of Yang Zai to Ryukyu.This thesis mainly discusses and explains the issue from the following threeparts:The first part discusses the foundation of the relation of Ming and Ryukyu inHong Wu era, which involves Ryukyu recorded in classics written before MingDynasty and the landmark of the establishment of Ming and Ryukyu’s relation. Thenthe condition leading to their relation is discussed from two aspects. The first aspectdemonstrates Ming Taizu’s motivation to send emissaries to visit Ryukyu to probeRyukyu’s attitude towards Ming Dynasty. The second aspect indicates the motivationof Cha Du, the Zhong Shan king of Ryukyu. He sent emissaries to pay tribute to MingDynasty to achieve political consideration and realize the aspiration for economicbenefits.The second part studies the development of Ming and Ryukyu’s relation in HongWu era. On the one hand, this part clarifies the motivationof Li Hao’s visit to Ryukyu.On the other hand, it discusses the formation of the situation in which the three kingscame to tribute and explores the fact that Ming Dynasty firstly conferred titles ofnobility on Ryukyu.In the third part, firstly, the further development of the relation of Ming Dynastyand Ryukyu is demonstrated from the angle of preferential policies. Then, it studiesthe reason of the preferential policies. Last but not least, the domestic po liticalsituation of Ryukyu during the period when the relation of Ming Dynasty and Ryukyufurther developed is discussed.