Complex sentence: These diplomatic contacts were within the Sinocentric system of bilateral and multinational relationships in East Asia, missions sent to perform investiture ceremonies for the King of Ryūkyū, formally acknowledging him as King on behalf of the Chinese Imperial Court, and as a tributary subordinate.
Split into simpler sentences: These diplomatic contacts were within the Sinocentric system of bilateral and multinational relationships in East Asia. Some missions were sent to perform investiture ceremonies for the King of Ryūkyū, formally acknowledging him as King on behalf of the Chinese Imperial Court, and as a tributary subordinate.