Champa–Song Tributary Trade and Frontier Rivalry in the 1070s

Timeline

1. 1071–1073Bianjing (Northern Song capital) · HenanThe king of Champa sent envoys bearing ivory, spices, glass, and other local products to Song, requesting investiture and trade privileges. The Song court, following the tributary system, granted official titles and returned silk and copper coins; Champa thereby maintained legitimate trade channels to ports such as Guangzhou and Quanzhou.
2. 1074–1078Port of Guangzhou · GuangdongChampa merchant ships regularly arrived at Guangzhou and Quanzhou, bringing aromatic medicines, pearls, and exotic treasures in exchange for porcelain, ironware, and copper coins. The Song maritime trade offices tightened regulation of trade with Nanyang states, but Champa enjoyed relatively favorable tariff rates thanks to its tributary status.
3. 1075–1080Northern Champa frontier · IndochinaDuring the Song–Vietnam War, Champa needed to maintain tribute to Song to preserve its maritime trade while remaining wary of Lý dynasty military pressure on northern Champa in the 1070s. Champa adopted a wait-and-see and limited-alliance strategy between Song and Vietnam, avoiding involvement in large-scale land warfare.