During the Tang dynasty, foreign countries paid homage and tribute to the Chinese Emperor through the tribute system. Ambassadors presented bronze fish tokens to receive benefits and rights, demonstrating submission to the Emperor. The system allowed for exchanges of gifts and titles, creating diplomatic ties. These tributes evolved from practical goods to extravagant and fantastical items. Rituals like wife-swapping in diplomatic relations, as seen in other cultures, have since disappeared. The Tang dynasty's diplomatic practices aimed to maintain the Emperor's authority while fostering foreign relationships, balancing symbolic gestures with practical benefits.

The text discusses two kinds of conversation: dialectic, aiming for a synthesis through common ground, and dialogic, seeking reciprocal understanding without resolution. It critiques the Western fixation on 'truth' in conversations as leading to conformity. The text advocates for a diverse acceptance of multiple truths and emphasizes the importance of conversation for societal coexistence. It warns against the reductive nature of verbal jousts and the elitism it fosters. Finally, the text suggests that while dialectic conversation is the ideal, dialogic conversation is more common due to the complexities of truth and human understanding.

The article 'Reading the CCP Clearly' discusses the inappropriate use of analogies in foreign policy decision-making, specifically referencing historical analogies related to Hitler and Mao. It explores China's unique economic and political development, emphasizing the dangers of oversimplified comparisons in international relations. The author warns against relying on outdated slogans and analogies and highlights the complexity of China's culture and history.