The Return of the Chinese Tribute System? Re-viewing the Belt and Road Initiative

Abstract

Abstract This piece moves beyond orthodox international relations conceptions of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) by re-viewing it as a neo-tribute system that shares some of the key properties of the historical Chinese tribute system (CTS). We argue that neither of these projects embody imperialist properties but are based rather on relatively harmonious and peaceful relations between China and the members of these respective systems. The principal reason why we think a case can be made for viewing the BRI as a kind of neo-tribute system lies in its entwined economic and symbolic dimensions. While the historical CTS was ultimately designed to enhance the legitimacy of the Chinese emperor and the Chinese social system by attracting tribute states through the carrot of economic access to China's lucrative economy, the neo-tribute system today seeks to enhance the domestic legitimacy of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) by forging strong economic links with BRI states. More specifically, we argue that China's rulers gained legitimacy during the era of the tribute system through the symbolic practice of tribute state envoys demonstrating their status (although not political) inferiority by kowtowing in front of the emperor in the Chinese capital as a condition that is required in order to gain economically and politically. Likewise, BRI states today, in joining the system, provide tacit legitimacy to the Chinese state while also performing the symbolic practice of withholding public criticism of the CCP as the core condition of gaining economically from membership.