At first, Yoshimitsu ASHIKAGA was regarded by Ming as 'a vassal of Jimyo who competed for the rank of Japanese King with 良懐', and had difficulty with having Ming approve Yoshimitsu as a partner for diplomatic relations.
その足利義満も、当初は明国から、「良懐と日本の国王位を争っている持明の臣下」と看做されて、外交関係を結ぶ相手と認識されず、苦労している。