Diplomacy and trade in the Chinese world, 589-1276 / by Hans Bielenstein.

• Superior document: Handbook of Oriental studies, Section 4, China, Handbuch der Orientalistik
• Author: Bielenstein, Hans.
• Year of Publication: 2005
• Edition: 1st ed.
• Language: English
• Series: Handbuch der Orientalistik. China.
• Physical Description: 1 online resource (731 p.)
• Notes: Description based upon print version of record.

Covering the period from the establishment of Sui to the fall of Southern Sung, this reference work for the first time gives a full and conveniently arrranged overview of China’s diplomatic and trade relations with its major and minor Asian neighbours: continental South Asia and the islands, Japan, Korea, Northeast Asia, Tibet, Central Asia, West Asia, the Middle East, and the Hsia, Liao, and Chin States. Basing himself on his yearlong research of Chinese official histories and historical compendia, the author offers a wealth of detailed information - in translation - on matters such as the goods exchanged, the negotiations for peace and alliances, special missions required by diplomatic etiquette, foreign requests for marriage with Chinese princesses, et cetera Special emphasis is given to the meaning of the so-called “tribute missions”, in reality a disguised form of trade.

Table of Contents

Preliminary Material -- The Sources -- Introduction -- Continental South Asia and the Islands -- Japan -- Korea -- The Northeast -- The Southwest -- Ch’ing-hai -- East Turkestan -- West Turkestan -- Kashmir and Afghanistan -- The Middle East -- The Turkic Tribes -- The Tang-Hsiang -- Hsia -- Liao -- Chin -- Conclusion -- Weights and Measures -- Quoted Literature -- Index -- Handbook of Oriental Studies.