How Did the Ming China’s relationship with Japan differ from its relationship with Korea?

Ming China's Relationship with Korea

Korea had been required to tribute to China regularly. The relationship between Ming China and Korea was characterized by the Chinese demanding tributes from the Koreans. Tributes were a form of acknowledgment of China's superiority and were a way for the Koreans to maintain peaceful relations with their powerful neighbor. The tributes served to reinforce the hierarchical relationship between the two countries, with China at the top and Korea as a subordinate state.

Ming China's Relationship with Japan

Japan was not required to tribute as much to China. Unlike Korea, Japan had a different relationship with Ming China. The Japanese were able to maintain a more independent stance and were not as heavily influenced by Chinese demands for tributes. The relationship between Ming China and Japan was more about trade and diplomatic exchanges rather than strict hierarchical tributary relations.