Tributary Trade Activity in Diplomatic Relations between Vietnam & China in the Feudal Period
In diplomatic relations between Vietnam and China in the feudal period, Tributary activity (which was considered as one of two important contents of diplomatic relations besides investiture beseeching) was not only a method of maintaining pacific political relations but also the orthodox way of establishing trade relations between Vietnam and China. During the feudal period in Viet Nam, the Kings after coming to the throne paid special attention to tributary activity for Chinese emperors. In terms of form, tributary activities were diplomatic rituals and an indispensable means of communication in the relations between “vassal” (Vietnam) and “mother country” (Chinese). However, in fact, the value of tributes and gifts was not small. Broadly, we can divide the tribute and gift system into 2 categories: The first is the tributary materials and items that Vietnam’s King presented to Chinese Emperor; the second is items the ambassadors brought with them.
