Legal Definitions - vassal state

A vassal state is a country that has been granted certain rights and privileges by a more powerful state. These rights and privileges are limited and the vassal state is expected to be loyal to the more powerful state.

• During the Middle Ages, many European countries were vassal states of the Holy Roman Empire. They were granted certain rights and privileges, but were expected to provide military support to the Empire.
• Japan was a vassal state of China during the Tang Dynasty. Japan was granted trading rights, but was expected to pay tribute to China.

These examples illustrate how vassal states are expected to be loyal to the more powerful state and are limited in their rights and privileges. They also show how vassal states can be granted certain benefits, such as trading rights, in exchange for their loyalty.