전통시대 베트남-중국의 대외관계 -11세기 베트남의 중국 침략을 중심으로-

Abstract

This study examined the aspect of change in the relationship between Vietnam and China before and after Vietnamese invasion of China during 11th century. In addition, since this war was the first and last preemptive attack of Vietnam against China, the purpose is to find out the motivation, process, and changes in the relationship between two nations after the end of the war. The Ly Dynasty of Vietnam was the same age as the Song Dynasty that presented a pluralistic world order in East Asia. The Song Dynasty could not implement an active policy against the south due to the rise of northern power. For this reason, Song maintained an amicable policy with the Ly Dynasty. Since the Ly Dynasty also needed internal stability after establishment of the government, it maintained a friendly tributary relationship with Song. However, there had been a conflict on control over a minority group residing at the border of two nations since early stage of the Song Dynasty. The Ly Dynasty reinforced its defense in the northern region and stabilized the south in preparation for Song's attack, which could happen at any time once its north was stabilized. Such aspect between two nations also appears in Nung Tri Cao's rebellion around 1050. This rebellion can be regarded as a simple uprise of a frontier tribe, but it was a great opportunity for Vietnam to extend its northern border and settle southern policy of Song through extension of its influence. For Song, it was an opportunity to recognize the problems of southern frontier and to supplement and reinforce its passive policies. Such rebellions by minority groups later caused the problem of territorial dispute. The relationship between two nations encounters a turning point with continued frontier invasions of Vietnam in 11th century and promotion of reformation policy by Wang Anshi during Shenzong Period. Shenzong maintained an amicable relation with the south during early stage because of reinforced northern defense, but he domestically had a strong intent to attack Vietnam and was seeking for time and opportunity. As Ly Nhan Tong ascended to the throne at an early age in 1072, Shenzong expected that the domestic affairs of Vietnam were having anxiety and showed a greater intent to attack Vietnam. This was shown by Xin Qi and Liu Yi. Actions such as recruitment of soldiers, building of battleships, and sea battle training inflamed Vietnam. As commercial trades at the time were prohibited due to concerns of spying, the state of affairs between two nations became more acute. In the end, Vietnam realized the Chinese intent and determined to make a preemptive attack. The war began with Ly Thuong Kiet as the spearhead, and Vietnamese army saw victory by capturing Yongzhou castle through simultaneous attacks on water and land. Shenzong and Wang Anshi, who believed that Yongzhou castle would never collapse, were greatly shocked and immediately sent an army to Vietnam with Guo Kui as the commander in chief. However, this battle also ended because of internal circumstances of Song that caused inability to concentrate on war such as failure of Chinese tactics, discordance between generals, and defense against the north. The war ended as Vietnam ceded 5 states to China, but this cannot be seen as the victory of China. This was only a pretext to make the Song army to retreat, and practical diplomacy conducted by Vietnam for recovery of its territory had great impact on the relationship between two nations. China gave up on its willingness to conquer the territory of Vietnam, and the bilateral relationship showed a peaceful atmosphere. Also, the relationship became economic and trade-oriented with expansion of commercial trades. Changes were also shown in the tributary system, and China acknowledged Vietnam as a 'nation'. Vietnam held superiority over Chiem Thanh as its national status was elevated by this war. In this perspective, this war was an important battle of Vietnamese history that allowed Vietnam to be in equal terms with China. Especially, the poetry of Li Thuong Kiet born from this war became a driving force of ethnic awareness and spirit of resistance in battles against China that followed henceforth.