Diplomatic Relations Between Majapahit And China, From King Hayam Wuruk To The Ming Dynasty

YOGYAKARTA - Diplomatic relations between Majapahit and China show how two major civilizations interact through diplomacy, cultural exchange, and economic interests. From alliances to influence competition, the two played an important role in regional areas.

Diplomatic relations between Majapahit and China were built through the basis of trust and agreement between kingdoms. Curious how diplomacy between Majapahit and China was formed and established? Check out the following article.

According to GR Berridge in the book Diplomacy: Theory and Practice (2010), the concept of diplomacy refers to political activities to pursue goals and maintain certain interests through negotiations, without resorting to violence, propaganda, or law.

In this case, Majapahit implemented pragmatic diplomacy to secure his interests long before the modern era. This effort was made to create regional stability and smooth trade routes. With a wide diplomatic network, Majapahit can maintain his hegemony in Southeast Asia.

Diplomatic relations between Majapahit and China were strained by the conflict during the Raden Wijaya era. At that time, Raden Wijaya used the strength of Chinese troops to attack Kediri to free the Kertanagara family.

But diplomatic relations between the two kingdoms returned when King Hayam Wuruk took the throne. In 1368, Hayam Wuruk sent envoys to China bringing tribute to the Emperor of the Yuan Dynasty. This diplomatic journey occurred during a major transitional period when the Yuan Dynasty fell.

In the book Restoration of Persada History of the ancestors of Majapahit (1983), it is stated that China at that time experienced a riot and a new leader named Tsu Yuan Tsiang appeared who later became Emperor of Hung Wu.

Emperor Hung Wu founded the Ming Dynasty in 1368 after successfully controlling Peking. This dynastic change is a new momentum for the relationship between Majapahit and China.

When Peting fell, the envoy of Majapahit, who was then in Fukien on his way home, decided to return to the Chinese capital. The envoy congratulated Emperor Hung Wu on the founding of a new dynasty. This diplomatic move led China to recognize Majapahit as an important partner in Southeast Asia.

In 1370, Emperor Hung Wu sent an official envoy to Majapahit to announce the founding of the Ming Dynasty. This envoy was warmly welcomed by King Majapahit, Sri Pah-ta-la-po. In the same year, Majapahit replied by sending letters and produce as a form of respect.

The diplomatic relations continued through sending envoys on 1375 and 1377. This exchange indicates that Majapahit and China have established stable and mutually beneficial relations. Diplomacy between the two kingdoms is an example of mature political interactions in the Asian region.

Apart from Majapahit, several areas under his control are also in a relationship with China. Subarnabhumi, which is actually a subordinate of Majapahit, also sent envoys to China. This shows the wide network of Majapahit's influence in the Sumatra region.

The marriage of Nagarakretagaya said that the subordinate countries of Majapahit in Sumatra such as Palembang, Jambi, and Dharmasraya also independently sent envoys to China from 1373 to 1377. Even the King of Pagaruyung and Maharaja Palembang were recorded as having a diplomatic relationship.

Diplomatic relations between Majapahit and China are a major history that forms the political dynamics of Southeast Asia. Through the exchange of envoys, tributes, and diplomatic strategies, the two kingdoms built mutually beneficial relations.

From the explanation above, it can be concluded that Majapahit is not only superior militarily, but also good at diplomacy. The qualified strategy of foreign relations has made him able to maintain regional hegemony. This diplomatic footprint is proof that Majapahit is one of the great powers in Asian history.

This is the explanation of Majapahit and China's diplomatic relations, follow other interesting articles on VOI.ID. So that we don't miss the updated news and continue to monitor our social media accounts!