FARMER, E. L. (1995). Zhu Yuanzhang and early Ming legislation. Leiden: Brill., pp. 119-21
 

Les Instruccions Ancestrals de Hongwu (Zhu Yuanzhang) fundador de la dinastia Ming

Apartat 4. sobre les relacions amb els pobles estrangers

4. The barbarians roundabout are hemmed in by the mountains and the sea, isolated in out-of-the way corners of the world. Although they have land, the land is insufficient; although they have people, the people are difficult to control. If they overestimate their own strength and come to harass our borders, it will be inauspicious for them. As they are not a threat to China, should we rashly send forces to attack them, it will also be inauspicious for us. I fear that later generations of my offspring will rely on the wealth and power of China, and, coveting a momentary martial glory, will rally forces without provocation, at great cost in human life. Always remember that this is forbidden. The barbarians in the northern and northwestern border regions who are next to each other cause continual warfare.

This necessitates the designation of commanders and the training of troops in time to defend against them.

The following is a list of the foreign countries against which campaigns shall not be launched:

Northeast:
Korea

East and to the North:
Japan. (Although they sent tribute they were deceitful.)

South and to the East:
Greater Ryukyus (Irregular tribute. The sons of the ruler and his ministers have enrolled in the national university to study and have been shown great hospitality.)
Lesser Ryukyus (No contact, has not sent tribute.)

Southwest:
Annam. (One tribute every three years.)
Cambodia (Sends tribute at the regular time. This country borders the sea.)
Siam (Sends tribute at the regular time. This country borders the sea.)
Champa (From Champa on, when these countries paid tribute they often included deceitful merchants. Consequently relations were refused. This country borders the sea.)
Samudra (nord de Sumatra) (This country borders the sea.)
Western Ocean Country (This country borders the sea)
Java . (This country is located in the middle of the sea.)
Pahang (costa est de la península malaia) (This country is located in the middle of the sea.)
Baihua (Java Occidental) (This country is located in the middle of the sea.)
Srivijaya (a Sumatra oriental) (This country is located in the middle of the sea.)
Brunei. (This country is located in the middle of the sea.)