An Asian Perspective on China: Hamashita Takeshi’s Study on the Tribute System and its Implications
Author: Wei-Chi Chen, Chih-Yu Shih
Abstract / Chinese PDF Download
An “Asian” approach, together with the concept of “all under-heaven”, hasbecome popular in Asian Sinology. Hamashita Takeshi, one of the best writers onAsianism, develops a research agenda for regional study, using the ChineseTributary Trade System as a metaphor. He dissolves the image of nation-states intoa complex networking among Asian regions. This “Asian” approach is believeduseful in epistemologically resisting Euro-centrism as well as China-centrism. Thepaper introduces Hamashita’s research and discusses its implications for Chinastudies.
Keywords：Asia、Asianism、China Studies、Hamashita Takeshi、Tribute System