China was the dominant power in East Asia for the best part of 2 millennia. It expanded aggressively during periods when it was strong, absorbing many native cu

China was the dominant power in East Asia for the best part of 2 millennia. It expanded aggressively during periods when it was strong, absorbing many native cultures in the periphery, and had many neighbouring states paying tribute and aligning with its values (e.g. Confucianism). It was an Empire, but the difference (compared with European Empires) being it was not a naval power that established colonies across oceans.