The new American bilateralism. A new version of the Chinese tax system?

The new foreign policy posture adopted by the Trump administration marks a significant change from the previous attitude of the US State Department. This new posture is not only transactional, but makes explicit a certain view of international hierarchy according to which the United States is predominant and foreign counterparts are expected to recognise this asymmetry and comply with the demands coming from Washington in a more or less supine manner.

The recent visit of Zelensky and Meloni to the White House clearly illustrates the case in different ways. When Zelensky tried to resist Trump's instructions, he was simply slapped with the warning 'you don't have the papers'. Trump expected Zelensky to follow Washington's instructions and pay homage to the landlord by signing the contract for mining exploitation in Ukraine. Zelensky did not immediately comply with these demands and was therefore dismissed without qualms. In a different vein, more recently Meloni went to Washington with remarks and, in particular, brought EUR 10 billion worth of Italian FDI to the US. This 'gift' was well received and was publicly appreciated by President Trump in return.

Although the current US attitude can be described as mere realpolitik made transparent, there are additional elements to be observed. The current US administration expects its counterparts, be they partners or competitors, to pay tribute to the US President by bringing a real 'gift' that will not be reciprocated in kind. Ironic as it may be, this attitude is very reminiscent of the old tribute systems that the Chinese empire imposed on its neighbours for many centuries.

The Chinese tributary system (also known as the Cefeng 册封体制 system) was an arrangement established during the Tang dynasty, between the 6th and 9th centuries, for the development of trade, political and military relations between China and its Asian neighbours. Neighbouring countries were required to regularly pay homage to the Chinese emperor, recognising his superiority within a Sino-centric world order.

Foreign envoys visiting the Chinese emperor had to perform a specific ritual that ultimately served to demonstrate subordination to the Middle Kingdom. This involved prostrating oneself before the emperor to acknowledge the vassal status of the Chinese empire, presenting a tribute and receiving 'vassal gifts' from the emperor. After that, trade and other business could be developed. The system continued until the 19th century, when China, exposed to western influence, adopted the new world order based on national sovereignty and standard diplomatic relations.