Editing Hongwu Emperor (section)

===Foreign relations===
The emperor's strict control over the economy and society created significant challenges in his relationships with foreign countries.{{sfnp|Dreyer|1982|p=115}} The government viewed trade as a corrupting influence and therefore prohibited private foreign trade.{{sfnp|Li|2010|p=38}} Under the Hongwu Emperor's reign, a [[Haijin|sea ban]] policy was implemented, which involved strict regulation of foreign relations and trade. Chinese citizens were forbidden from leaving the empire, and harsh punishments were imposed on both foreigners who entered the country and those who engaged in trade with them, including death and exile for their families.{{sfnp|Li|2010|p=3}} Additionally, the construction of ships with two or more masts was banned, existing ones were destroyed, and ports were blocked with stones and logs. Foreign goods were also destroyed, and the coast was heavily guarded. The emperor's ultimate goal was to prevent any foreign trade from taking place, as expressed in the phrase "not even a piece of wood should sail across the sea",{{sfnp|Li|2010|p=4}} but this ban on private foreign trade, without providing viable alternatives, only resulted in an increase in smuggling. The government attempted to combat this through the use of force, border control, and punishments, but these measures proved ineffective. Eventually, the [[Yongle Emperor]] responded by promoting trade within the tribute system.{{sfnp|Dreyer|1982|p=115}}

Foreign relations played a crucial role in establishing the legitimacy of Ming rule. The surrounding states expressed their recognition of Ming's authority and superiority by paying [[tribute]]. As part of this tribute system, foreign delegations were given Chinese goods of equivalent value. This was a way for the Ming government to regulate and restrict foreign trade.{{sfnp|Dreyer|1982|p=115}}

In 1368, the emperor announced his accession to [[Korea]], [[Trần dynasty|Đại Việt]] (present-day northern [[Vietnam]]), [[Champa]], and [[Japan]].{{sfnp|Dreyer|1982|p=117}} The following year, tribute missions were sent by Korea, Đại Việt, and Champa, and in 1370, by the Javanese [[Majapahit]]. In 1371, Japan, [[Siam]], [[Cambodia]], and the Sumatran Kingdom of Melayu also sent tribute missions, followed by [[Ryukyu Islands|Ryukyu]] in 1372.{{sfnp|Dreyer|1982|p=117}} From 1369 to 1397, the most frequent missions came from Korea, Ryukyu, Champa, Siam, and Đại Việt (20 times, 19 times, 18 times, and 14 times, respectively).{{sfnp|Dreyer|1982|p=117}} Specialized offices were established to receive these missions, located in [[Ningbo]], Quanzhou (in [[Fujian]]), and [[Guangzhou]] starting in 1370.{{sfnp|Dreyer|1982|p=117}} However, four years later, these offices were abolished,{{sfnp|Dreyer|1982|p=120}} resulting in a significant decrease in tributary trade. Nonetheless, it remained substantial, with the Siamese mission bringing 38 tons of aromatic substances in 1392 and the Javanese mission bringing almost 17 tons of pepper in 1382.{{sfnp|Dreyer|1982|p=117}}

Before embarking on any conquests abroad, the Hongwu Emperor made it a priority to stabilize the government in China. As a result, he refused to assist Champa in their war against Đại Việt and instead reprimanded the Viets for their aggression.{{sfnp|Dreyer|1982|p=117}} In 1372, after facing defeats in Mongolia, he cautioned future emperors against the pursuit of conquering glory and advised them to focus on defending China against "northern barbarians".{{sfnp|Chase|2003|p=42}} The Ming government recognized the [[Southern Court]] in Japan as legitimate, while viewing the [[Northern Court|Kyoto government]] as usurpers,{{sfnp|Dreyer|1982|p=120}}{{sfnp|Langlois|1988|p=127}} but they only resorted to harsh correspondence and never resorted to using force. This was likely due to the memory of the [[Mongol invasions of Japan|failed Mongol invasion]], which the Japanese were quick to remind them of.{{sfnp|Dreyer|1982|p=120}}