Chinas use of international law in the modern times in dealing with the modern word while still trying to keep the traditional tributary state system at work is characteristic of Chinas dualism in the operation of foreign affairs.The transmigration from the use of tributary law to international law took a considerable long period of transition until the tributary state system finally collapsed in the early 20th century.During the transitional period, China was maintaining foreign relations on two separate levels as she used either the tributary law or international law, or both, as she saw fit.The juxtaposition of the two at times created confusion and dilemma, leading to the gradual disintegration of the tributary state system in the long run.