Sovereignty with “Chinese Characteristics” Evolution of Tianxia and its manifestations during the imperial era

Abstract

The concept of Tianxia, with its deep-rooted cultural heritage spanning millennia, continues to shape contemporary China's global strategies. The Sinocentric model, which advocates for an inclusive global order, is challenging the rules-based order, namely the international norms developed principally by Western powers. This article analyzes the historical evolution of Tianxia, intending to facilitate familiarity with this concept among non-Eastern and Spanish-speaking readers. It is anticipated that this will enable these readers to understand this concept, which will have significant geopolitical and geostrategic consequences in the near future.