Tributary System

The Chinese Tributary System lasted until the fall of the Ch'ing dynasty in the twentieth century. It was established as the Chinese foreign relations protocol. Foreginers would exchange gifts with the Chinese emperor and practice subjugation towards him. The foreigner would practice ketou (bow) to the emperor, a sign of submission. The foreigner benefitted greatly from the generous gifts furnished by the Chinese. China gained respect and nomination as the most powerful nation of the region. Trade greatly beneftited from this policy as well. Europe established extensive trade with trade as evidenced by the expeditions of Marco Polo, an Italian, to China.

--Ashley Honaker