tributary system (of Imperial China)
Historical term referring to the diplomatic and trade framework in which surrounding states acknowledged Chinese suzerainty and sent tribute in exchange for recognition and trade privileges.
The tributary system defined the relations between Chinese dynasties and neighboring countries.
The Ryukyu Kingdom was also incorporated into the tributary system.
朝貢 refers specifically to the act of paying tribute, while 冊封体制 denotes the overall system including investiture and diplomatic hierarchy.
華夷秩序 is a broader concept of Sino-centric world order, of which the tributary system (冊封体制) is a concrete institutional expression.
Standard kanji spelling for this historical term.
Variant using the simplified form 册; less common than 冊.
From 冊封 (sakuhō, 'investiture') + 体制 (taisei, 'system'). The term describes the historical East Asian diplomatic framework centered on China.