By taking such kinds of policy, Srivijaya felt save from the dangers of Chinese military expansion which had reached as far as Vietnam and Fu-Nan. Besides, Srivijayan ships would get a better treatment when they were anchoring at Chinese ports (Wolters, 1967). 35 This explains Srivijaya was able to control trading centres at the Malay Peninsula (Braddell, 1936). 36
As a maritime state, Srivijaya implemented its strategy for survival and expanded its power. For its survival, Srivijaya established international diplomatic ties with two ‘‘superpowers’’, i.e. China and India which were seen as the potential threats. Diplomacy with India, for example, was constructed by establishing a vihara at Nalanda during the reign of Balaputadewa.
Diplomacy with China was constructed by sending tribute to the Chinese emperor. Every time Srivijaya got a threat from its enemies, it always asked for protection from China. On the other side, regionally Srivijaya strengthened and expanded its power to surrounding egions in the Malay world. Gradually Srivijaya could control surrounding trading centres and traffics by military power (Christie, 1999). 37
The burgeoning of Srivijaya in Sumatra was in line with the development of political power in Central Java (Mataram Kingdom). Competition and conflict between Srivijaya and kingdoms in Java showed a high tension when the centre of Mataram kingdom moved from Central Java to East Java.