關係先於權力？從關係平衡與權力平衡檢視中越宗藩關係（1009~1885）

Relations Before Power? Analyzing Sino-Vietnamese Relations from the Approach of Balance of Relations and Balance of Power (1009~1885)

現有關於古代東亞國家國際關係的研究，大多從權力結構或文化特殊性兩大途徑展開。強調東亞特殊性的研究認為，儒家文化規範和倫理關係深刻影響了東亞國家的對外交往，東亞國家因此能夠建構一個不同於歐洲的，享有某種長和平的「天下體系」（或朝貢體系）。現實主義者則認為東亞朝貢體系與其他國際體系無異，都是由霸主的權力維繫，儒家文化並不是必要因素。作者以為無論從上述哪種角度理解古代東亞國家的互動，都存在大量無法被解釋的例外，古代東亞國家之間的長和平與殘酷的戰爭，都是無可否認的歷史現實。
本文試圖將強調物質因素的「權力」概念與強調文化理念因素的「關係」概念，共同納入對前現代東亞國際關係的解釋框架中，並使用自公元1009年越南李朝成立至1885年中越宗藩關係結束之間越南與中國的交往情況，檢驗關係與權力如何共同影響中越兩國的交往。研究發現，關係確實能一定程度主導國家的決策與行為，但前提是國家間的「共性」先得到確認，此時越南與中國可以和平共處。當國家間的共性得到確認時，越南與中國將優先進行「關係平衡」。在關係平衡的措施失敗之後，權力平衡

Most of the existing studies on the international relations of ancient East Asian countries have been conducted from the approach of power structure or cultural specificity. Studies that emphasize the specificity of East Asia believe that Confucian cultural norms and ethical relations have influenced the relations of East Asian countries, so that East Asian countries can build a long-term peaceful“Tianxia system”different from Europe. Realists believe that the Tianxia system is no different from other international systems, maintained by the power of the hegemon, and Confucian culture is not necessary. No matter which of the above perspectives is used to understand the interaction of ancient East Asian countries, there are many unexplained exceptions. The long peace and cruel wars between ancient East Asian countries are undeniable historical realities.
This article attempts to incorporate the concept of power that emphasizes material factors and the concept of relation that emphasizes cultural factors into the explanatory framework of East Asian countries and uses the relationship between Vietnam and China from 1009 to 1885 to examine how relations and power jointly affect the relationship between China and Vietnam. The study found that relations can determine a country’s behaviour. If the resemblance with the country is confirmed, Vietnam can coexist peacefully with it. When the relationship is facing a crisis of breaking down, Vietnam will prioritize the balance of relations with China, and the balance of power will only appear after the failure of the balance of relations.