A Study On The Diplomatic Envoys In The Jiao-pin System Of The Southern And Northern Dynasties

From the year A.D.420 to A.D.589, we call it the Southern and Northern Dynasties. And in this nearly 170-year time, those dynasties in the south or north created a big fission time in China's history, and the regime changes frequently. And the relationship between the regime in north and south was really complex:not only has the inexhaustible chaos caused by war, or attacks another country's territory with violent means; but also has the peaceful exchange on the economy and culture. And some political powers also built the diplomatic relationship between each other for their realistic needs, which was called Jiao-pin in the history book.Jiao-pin means exchange diplomatic envoys between some political powers for the diplomatic activities. It based on two or more political powers with independent sovereignty, and those political powers got equal status in this system. The Jiao-pin system for the regimes in Southern and Northern Dynasties had more competition color than peaceful diplomatic activity. All those regimes in,this time exchanged diplomatic envoys as a main method of Jiao-pin, just for their own politics or military benefit. After all, Jiao-pin is a peaceful method to solute the contradictory between different regimes. And those diplomatic envoys are the mean undertaker of Jiao-pin system.The Southern and Northern Dynasties'environment had already decided the condition of diplomatic envoys won't be easy. They must knowledgeable, outstanding on eloquence, not only noble in morals, but also graceful in manner. Besides, they must have a high family status. Because they represent the regime's dignity and benefit, and their activity may direct their mission to success or to failure, and may affect the whole development process of the regime.This paper mainly elaborates and discusses the following aspects:First, the background of Jiao-pin in the Southern and Northern Dynasties. Second, the diplomatic envoys select of Jiao-pin and the character of diplomatic envoys selection. Third, the diplomatic activity of the envoys in Jiao-pin system. Fourth, the significance and influence of Jiao-pin system in Southern and Northern Dynasties.