In the face of great powers, how did the vassal-vassal system in modern China disintegrate?

The disintegration of the traditional order in East Asia in modern times is closely related to the influence of Western forces penetrating into Asia. In the late Qing Dynasty, the Chinese Empire gradually retreated under the oppression of Western powers, and the superposition of multiple crises within the empire made the Chinese Empire actually It was already beyond its capabilities and lacked the strength and energy to maintain the political, economic and cultural ties with neighboring vassal states.

Especially since the two Opium Wars, the failure of the Qing Dynasty has changed the environment inside and outside the empire from many levels. Although the surrounding vassal states may still want to rely on it, the Qing Dynasty was unable to maintain it, and in the face of constant adjustments by the great powers, it no longer maintained this vassal system.

The establishment of the suzerain-vassal system actually means that the Central Plains dynasty has nominal suzerainty over neighboring countries. While enjoying the tribute from the surrounding vassal states, it must also uphold justice and maintain good relations with these surrounding vassal states. This system It is not only based on force, but also on economic and cultural foundations. We will not use force unless it is a last resort, but we must also maintain the stability of the surrounding areas and coordinate the relations with the surrounding areas politically.

The breakdown of suzerain-vassal relations between Vietnam and the Qing Dynasty can be seen as a starting point. France began to invade Vietnam very early and actually occupied Saigon. Later, it annexed most of the southern areas and gradually took de facto control of Vietnam.

But as the latter was a vassal of the Chinese Empire, the Qing Dynasty was actually obliged to protect Vietnam. However, at the same time, the Qing Dynasty also faced internal and external troubles and was not able to deal with these problems. In the end, France became the actual protector of Vietnam. China's "guardian" role was actually eliminated due to the signing of the Treaty of Tianjin between China and France. lose.

Then during the Northeast Asian crisis, the Qing government gradually lost its suzerainty over the Ryukyu Islands, Korea and other places. Mainly because the Qing Dynasty itself did not have the strength to maintain it, and the infiltration of Western powers and Japan highlighted the powerlessness of the Central Plains dynasty. For example, once the Western powers wanted to open the country to North Korea, but North Korea was unwilling and asked the great powers to negotiate with the Qing government. However, the Qing government found it difficult to actually fulfill its obligations as a suzerain country and protect North Korea. This was also shown in the process of Japan's invasion of North Korea. It is clear.