The so called tributes are actually trade in disguise. And a quite unfair one at that (for Ming)

All the tributaries LOVED coming to China, because not only is all the expenses covered, they also get way more gifts in return (you bring a few apples or oranges call it “specialty” but get gold in return)

The rules where Joseon tributes can only come once every 3 years was so that Ming doesn’t go bankrupt. But even then there are records of Joseon emissaries bringing tributes (and getting gold in return) every year. Ryukyu was supposed to come every 2 years but came multiple times a year.

So tributes sounds great but was actually like a charity event. Hence why even countries in Indonesia and Malaysia loved going to China to do “tributes”