论古代中国的国家观与天下观——边境与边界形成的历史坐标

On the View of State and "Tianxia" in Ancient China——Historical Coordinate of Borderland and Borderline

本文认为,中国古代并没有真正意义上的国家观,各王朝所持有的是天下观。即在法理上,中原王朝并不认为天下有与自己平起平坐的国家。这一观念自先秦时期奠定之后,影响深远,即便是由传统的"蛮夷之邦"入主中原的王朝也不自觉地接受了这一政治观念。但是,天下观在其长期的政治实践中,却不得不每每面临诸多强大对手的挑战。因此,每当此时,双方的实际控制线就有了一定的边界含义。不过,真正近代意义上的边界出现于清朝。即当清朝面临沙俄这样从未接触过的具有全新文明的强大对手的挑战时,近代意义上的国与国之间的边界才最终形成。换言之,只有当中国面临的对手足够强大,或者说其文明受阻于强敌时,天下观才转为国家观,有边无界的状态才得以消解。

Modern concept of state did not exist in ancient China. The view of ＂Tianxia＂ was held by every dynasty. Central dynasties did not think that other surrounding states had equal status with themselves. This view which was shaped in Pre - qin period had a far - reaching impact, even accepted by dynasties built by ethnic minorities. Modern concept of borderline appeared in Qing Dynasty. Only when China faced a powerful opponent, the view of ＂Tianxia＂ can changed into the modern concept of state.