论明代的“以茶治边”政策

“以茶治边”的经济前提是茶叶生产的发展和税茶榷茶制度的实施。其理论基础则是依据“番人倚茶为命”而建立的所谓的“以茶驭番论”。并以此为前提制定了茶叶经济政策尤其是茶马互市政策 ,一方面垄断茶马市场 ;另一方面 ,又对西北游牧民族上层实行“以茶赏番”政策 ,从而加强对西北地区的联系与统治。这一政策对国家的统一、巩固和发展具有重要的意义

On Ming Dynasty's Policy of Harnessing the Borders with Tea

The economic prerequisite of harnessing the borders with tea was the development of tea production and the execution of tea tax collection. Its theoretical base was the theory of “harnessing the minorities with tea” in accordance with the belief that “minorities life relies on tea.” Based on this, the tea economic policy, and especially the policy of exchange between tea and horses were set up. Therefore, the markets of tea and horses were monopolized. In addition, the policy of rewarding the minorities with tea was carried out to the upper classes of northwestern nomads so as to strengthen the connections with and ruling of the northwestern areas. This policy had a great significance to the unity, consolidation and development of the country.