To begin with, the political systems in Han China and Imperial Rome were different, contributing to the sophistication of issues of its control. In China, a strong centralized government was established. The distribution of power was based upon kinship. The brothers were sent to govern the other provinces. The matrix was influenced by
Confucianism which emphasized the family unit and class order. Therefore, filious piety was much concentrated in the Han society, leading to the zeal to the emperor which controled most of the power in the country. On the other hand, the philosophical ideology similar to the Confucianism was not primary in the politics in Rome. There was a much more decentralized political structure in Rome. Rome established its first democratic political structure, Roman Senate. Since the Senate was politically weak, only serving as the advisory council to the king, the members adhered to the leaders who were often ambitious about expansions of territories and invasions.
The different political structures contributed to the same objective of the government in power, trade. The two empires were famous for their flourishing technology and industries. For example, compass and papermaking technology thrived in Han China. Under the strong central government, Han China developed its presperous economy and established international trade through the Silk Road. Because of the willingness to enjoy peace and stablization, the emperor was reluctant to declare war with surrounding nations. Instead, the Silk Road became one of the most significant ways to maintain status quo in the ancient times. On the other hand, Rome devloped its trade through the construction technology. A great number of roads, aqueducts, and bridges set the foundation of a more convenient trade within the empire, spanning from Europe to West Asia.
Although there existed two very different political systems in Rome and China, the border disputes were highlighted in both states. In China, the conflicts were largely caused by the ethnical differences. Because of the Han dominance in China, the Huns in the Central Asia intruded the western boundaries of Han China, where national defense was weak. However, the skillful armies could always lead lasting battles. Hence, Han created a tribute system and solidified the peaceful situations with the surrounding brave states. Also, to maintain the harmony, the emperor usually sent his female families to the dangerous states. On the other hand, the Rome’s strategies were directly militarily. Thanks to the formidable power, few states could prevent the invasion of the Imperial Rome.
In conclusion, while the differences of political control of Han China and Imperial Rome were apparent, the similar territorial struggles were dealt with by the disparate ways.