nly Vietnamese culture was heavily influenced at that time and later by Chinese culture, but Vietnam nevertheless (from 1371 to 1592) maintained its independence and culture. Therefore, it was not "Little China," even when we consider the period standing alone. When we consider the period in a larger historical context, comparing this period to the earlier era of total Chinese domination, the argument that Vietnam was "Little China" grows even weaker.
Throughout 2000 years of recorded history . . . the Vietnamese have been sustained by a feeling of unity based on common origin, language and cultural heritage. They are intensely proud of having been an independent and unified nation for centuries, although they also experienced period of disunity and foreign domination. They take equal pride in their cultural heritage, regarded by them as an eloquent testimony to their eclectic and creative talents for absorbing foreign cultures without themselves losing distinct political identity (Smith et al. 29).
This determination to maintain its independence was great in the period in question just as it was under the earlier period of complete Chinese domination. There is no question that China was more powerful than Vietnam, nor that Vietnam both admired and feared China. However, again, even during the period of greatest C
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