WHU China Economic History Forum Begin Lecturing

On April 26, China Economic History Forum, which was organized by the Center for Studies of Traditional Chinese Culture of Wuhan University, began lectures. Professor Takeshi Hamashita, a famous Japanese historian scholar, delivered a lecture entitled "From Tributary Trade to Customs Administration -- Historical Transformation of Modern Asian Trading System”.
 

Professor Takeshi Hamashita believes that tributary trade is not an emperor-centered Confucian ritual concept, but a comprehensive concept involving political, economic, cultural, medical, social aspects. Professor Takeshi Hamashita compares himself with Professor Fairbank on the similarities and differences of their research on tributary trade: first, in terms of the relations between China and the tribute countries, Fairbank thought tributary mode is a radioactive one, with the traditional China as the center, which emphasizes the relations between tributary states and China; and Takeshi Hamashita thought the tributary mode is concentric / multilateral networks, emphasizing the relations among tributary states are also important. Second, Fairbank believed that traditional Chinese tributary trade is China-centered, the shift of tributary trade from traditional to modern times was due to the impact of Western countries; Takeshi Hamashita deemed that the relations among tributary states are equally important in tributary trade, the transformation of modern tributary trade has its underlying causes, and it is a comprehensive restructuring and transformation which involves concept, diplomacy, international relations, economy and other aspects. Third, in terms of East Asia, the world and Japan. Fairbank said that Japan implemented a policy of seclusion, and it entered modern period under the impact of the West; Takeshi Hamashita believed that there were four ports of foreign exchange in Japan as early as the Edo period.

In the end, Professor Takeshi Hamashita discussed issues such as the tributary system and marine use, historic comparison of ocean governance and management in the East and West, ocean management and the setting of East Asia customs, the Asian marine network etc.