SINO-VIETNAMESE RELATIONS, 1771-1802: FROM CONTENTION TO FAITHFUL CORRELATION
Abstract: This article
attempts to examine
the nature of the Tay
Son period (1771-1802),
through the study of their
foreign relations with the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) in which the latter became closely involved
in Vietnamese affairs.
The uprising of
Tay Son had
lead a heterogeneous military force that ousted the
Trinh and Nguyen families and eventually toppled the 348 year-old Le
Dynasty (1428-1776) where
China recognized herself
as the legitimate
rulers of Vietnam. Hence,
this gave rise
to serious friction
and profoundly altered
the relationship between the
two countries. Findings
suggested that Tay
Son rulers willingly
accepted their role as minor
partners with China being the largest partner after relations returned to their
traditional period. Vietnam
clearly realized she had to acknowledge China’s suzerainty and
become a tributary in order to avoid China’s intervention in their internal
affairs.
Author: Ku Boon Dar
Journal Code: jpsejarah&umumgg150008
