How was the tribute system an expression of the Chinese view of themselves and their relationship to the world?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The tribute system required non-Chinese countries to acknowledge Chinese superiority and their subordinate place in a Chinese-centered world order. It was based on the idea that China was the center of the world and other countries were expected to show deference and pay tribute to the Chinese emperor as a sign of their submission. This system reinforced the Chinese view of their own superiority and helped maintain their cultural identity as the dominant power in East Asia.

How Was the Tribute System an Expression of the Chinese