Pax Sinica (Latin for "Chinese Peace") is the time of peace in East Asia, maintained by Chinese hegemony, usually the period of rule by the Han Dynasty, Tang Dynasty, early Song Dynasty, Yuan Dynasty, Ming Dynasty and early Qing Dynasty. During these periods, China maintained the dominant civilization in the region, due to its political, economic, military and cultural power.
Other historical terms that start with Pax, modelled on Pax Romana, refer to a single time period but Pax Sinica is an exception.
In the later imperial period, China became more inward looking rather than expansionist, only requiring tributary recognition for the most part from its smaller or less advanced neighbors. Chinese civilization expanded gradually from its ancient centers by a process of sinification which assimilated diverse ethnic groups into the emerging Han majority.
A resurgence of this term has happened in recent years, as the rise of China changes the geopolitical landscape in Asia. The view has been expressed that a renewed Pax Sinica in central Asia may help maintain stability in the region.