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China pushes back on Western theory of a tribute system
SCMP Economy says Beijing is trying to reframe how it conducts diplomacy as US and other leaders increase visits to Beijing to engage with Xi.
China is intensifying efforts to challenge a Western concept that characterizes its diplomacy as part of a so-called “tribute system,” arguing that foreign frameworks distort accounts of ancient Chinese diplomacy and misrepresent China’s current rise, according to SCMP Economy.
The outlet says China is working to define its practices, experiences, and ideas using what it describes as home-grown social science language, rather than relying on what Beijing calls Western conceptual lenses.
SCMP Economy also notes that the article cites remarks by a US politician accusing China of meddling in elections, and it links the debate to arguments about shifting global thinking as China’s economic and financial influence grows.
In the same discussion, SCMP Economy points to Ray Dalio, founder of Bridgewater Associates, who characterizes increased visits by foreign heads of state and delegations to Beijing since late last year as attempts to establish “tribute-type relationships” with President Xi Jinping.