Silla’s Perception of the International World Order as Seen through Diplomatic Documents

• Published in: International journal of Korean history Vol. 24; no. 2; pp. 171 - 207
• Main Author: Choi, Heejoon
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 고려대학교 한국사연구소 01.08.2019; 한국사연구소
• Subjects: 역사학; Tang; 신라; 일본; Japan; 외교문서; diplomatic documents; Silla; suzerain state; 사대; Suzerain; investiture; 번국; international order; Tributary System; 교린; Kyorin (exchanging friendship with a neighboring country, 交隣); vassal state; 당; Submission to the stronger; 국제질서; 조공; 책봉; tribute; 종주국
• ISSN: 1598-2041; 2508-5921
• DOI: 10.22372/ijkh.2019.24.2.171

This paper is an attempt toward structural understanding about Silla's recognition of the international order under the Sinocentric diplomacy system in East Asia from the seventh to tenth century through analyzing diplomatic documents. It proved that the Silla king regulated himself as the Tang Emperor’s vassal servant in their official diplomatic relations, and the Tang Emperor also reciprocated by establishing rela-tions with the Silla King as his own vassal. Taking itself as the Tang’s vassal serv-ant, Silla would also recognize Tang’s neighboring countries as vassal states (with itself included) and established relationships with them accordingly. Because of this, Silla would also utilize conventions showing that it considered itself on an equal position with Japan in its diplomatic relations with them and treated them as a neighboring country. On the other hand, the records confirm that the king of Silla installed the monarchs of neighboring countries, thereby receiving tributary from them and from the position of a suzerain state, maintained the appearance of the venerable relationship. This can be understood as another formal position the king of Silla chose, who claimed to be a vassal of the Tang emperor. KCI Citation Count: 0