Ryukyu Islands: Exhibition of Ming imperial edict sheds light on historical ties between China and Ryukyu

An exhibition at Lyushun Museum in Dalian city, northeast China's Liaoning Province, has brought to public attention a precious historical relic that not only testifies to the long-standing tributary ties between China's Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) and the Ryukyu Kingdom but also offers irrefutable evidence of Japan's historical aggression against the archipelago.

The centerpiece of the exhibition is a replica of a 1629 imperial edict issued by Emperor Chongzhen of the Ming Dynasty to the King of Ryukyu, with the original document safely preserved in the museum's archives.​

Dated to the second year of Emperor Chongzhen's reign (1629), the edict formalized Shang Feng's succession to the Ryukyu throne following the death of King Shang Ning. In the imperial document, the Ming court commended the late king for his unwavering loyalty and service to the tributary state and exhorted the new ruler to govern his realm with prudence, safeguard territorial stability, and uphold Ryukyu's obligations as a tributary state. It also included a detailed inventory of imperial gifts and authorized Ming envoys to carry out the investiture ceremony for the new Ryukyu king.​

Wu Yuhong, a professor at the Ryukyu Research Center of Dalian Maritime University, told CGTN that the edict is a tangible relic of the historical fact that the Ming emperor bestowed titles on Ryukyu's monarchs.

Measuring 172 centimeters long and 55 centimeters wide, the yellow paper edict is adorned with golden cloud-dragon patterns along its borders. Written in neat, regular script, it comprises 44 lines with 1 to 18 characters per line and is dated August 16 of the second year of Chongzhen's reign (1629).​

The tributary relationship between China and Ryukyu continued into the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911). In the 11th year of Emperor Shunzhi's reign (1654), King Shang Zhi of Ryukyu sent envoys to Beijing to return two old imperial edicts, one imperial decree and a gilded silver seal, while requesting new investiture documents and seals – a move that led to the Chongzhen-era edict being repatriated to China.​

The Ryukyu Kingdom, a highly autonomous entity under the traditional Chinese suzerain-vassal system, maintained relative independence for centuries. However, its fate took a tragic turn in 1879 when Japan forcibly annexed the kingdom, an act that Professor Wu described as "a typical act of aggression and coercion."

Following the annexation, Ryukyu became a colony with distinct colonial features in both its political structure and economic system, and the Ryukyuan people launched a prolonged struggle to restore their nation.​

The post-World War Two era saw a resurgence of the Ryukyuan restoration movement, which later evolved into a widespread "Ryukyu nationalist movement" that gained international sympathy and support.

From the perspective of post-war international law, experts argue that the Ryukyuan people are entitled to exercise the right to national self-determination – a right that aligns with their long-held aspirations and fundamental interests.​

"The exhibition of this edict is not just about showcasing a cultural relic; it is about reviving a crucial part of history that links China and Ryukyu," said a curator at Lyushun Museum. "It reminds the world of the legitimate historical ties between the two sides and also highlights the unjust treatment that the Ryukyuan people have endured, especially in the context of Japan's colonial aggression."

The exhibition has drawn a steady stream of visitors since its opening, with many stopping to take photos of the edict replica and learn about the historical context behind it. For scholars and history enthusiasts, the relic serves as a key piece of evidence that challenges attempts to distort the historical status of the Ryukyu Islands and the nature of Japan's past aggression in the region.​

"As international attention continues to focus on historical justice and the rights of indigenous and colonized peoples, the exhibition of the Ming imperial edict offers a timely reminder of the importance of preserving historical truth and upholding the principles of international law that safeguard the right to self-determination for all peoples," Wu said.