Repatriation of Castaways from ‘the Event Fighting for Tribute in Ningbo’ and ‘Three Views’ of Joseon, Ming and Japan in the 16th Century

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‘The Event Fighting for Tribute in Ningbo’ in 1523 was an important diplomatic event which disrupted the tributary relationship between Ming and Japan and consequently strained the diplomatic relations between these two countries. While the Japanese who made commotions with tributary trade in Ningbo was on castaway, they arrived at Joseon after drifting due to bad weather. Joseon repatriated both the Japanese who committed crimes in China and their Chinese captives to Ming, which acknowledged Joseon’s contribution.BR All of three countries in east Asia used this event in a political manner. Joseon wanted to gain political justification, whereas Ming want to get Joseon involved in suppressing Japanese invaders. Japan mentioned this event whenever their diplomatic position was threatened or they had specific requirements to justify their request. While the repatriation of drifters from the even fighting for tribute in Ninbo was caused by the ‘achievement-oriented diplomacy by capturing and returning the Japanese criminals to Ming, it caused tension in the diplomacy of Joseon both with Ming and Japan since Joseon lost balance between Ming and Japan. The event fighting for tribute in Ming is a noticeable event in the diplomatic relationships of Joseon with its ripple effects as well as a symbolic event to demonstrate Joseon’s diplomatic picture in the 16<SUP>th</SUP> century.