Why didn't ancient China enter Southeast Asia? The answer to this question may not be simply a question of the limits of power, but more about wisdom, long-term consideration, and economic operation.
First, we can find some inspiration from modern history. During the Cold War between the United States and the Soviet Union, the expansion of both superpowers eventually reached the limits of their power. Whether it was the Cuban crisis, the war in Afghanistan, the Korean War, or the Vietnam War, expansion beyond the limits of power eventually led to the exacerbation of problems and the decline of national power. This reflects a universal pattern: transcending actual power may lead to short-term victories, but in the long run, it is likely to lead to catastrophic consequences.
In ancient China, this law also existed. The Mongol Empire, the Arab Empire, the Roman Empire, etc., all eventually declined due to overexpansion. Zhu Yuanzhang adopted a unique and clever method when faced with the problem that the power of the kingdom had reached its limit—the tributary system. By establishing this system, he succeeded in controlling the abuse of imperial power and avoiding the risk of overexpansion.
At the heart of the tributary system was the maintenance of a unified order through diplomatic means. The vassal state was not annexed, but was incorporated into the system of the ** upper kingdom, and nominally became a territory. In this way, the empire's territory was nominally expanded, while in practice the complex and power-consuming wars of territorial conquest were avoided.
In addition, the tributary system has brought great economic benefits. Through freedom**, the upper kingdom was able to export large quantities of major commodities such as tea, silk, and porcelain to the vassal states, and achieve economic colonization. This method not only avoids the loss of war, but also makes the ** kingdom continue to suck blood every year and obtain a lot of wealth through this economic colonization method.
The vassal states also benefited greatly from this. Nominally, they became a member of the Huaxia family, and they enjoyed a certain status and could participate in the imperial examinations and become officials, without obvious discrimination. Through peaceful means, the economic level of the vassal state was raised, the social order was stabilized, and the living standards of the people were improved.
However, the tributary system is not static. In the long run, some smart people have gradually discovered the economic benefits. The Ming and Qing dynasties have been around for 500 years, so why not change the system? The answer, perhaps, is that, despite its problems, the tributary system maintained some stability in the empire, and all parties benefited from it.
In general, the reason why ancient China did not advance into Southeast Asia was not only because of the limit of its strength. The tributary system allowed the empire to maintain a unified order while reaping benefits through economic means, avoiding the risk of overexpansion. This wise diplomatic strategy allowed ancient China to find a relatively balanced way to maintain stability and reap benefits.