International Alliance and Diplomacy through Balhae's attack to Dengzhou

Abstract

This essay looked into a change of international alliance and diplomacy through Balhae(渤海)s attack to Dengzhou(登州) in 732. The international situation of the first half of 8th century had formed a multifactorial power as distinct from a one-sided lead of Tang(唐). In 710s, Balhae had friendship with Tang because of a temporary internal trouble, a decline of northern races, and a foreign policy in the early days of Tang. But the territorial expansion of King Mu(武王) of Balhae caused great tension between surrounding powers in 720s. The relation between Balhae and Tang is the same. As a result, Tang strengthened relationship with Heuksu-Malgal(黑水靺鞨) and Silla. In response, Balhae started to suppress Heuksu-Malgal and restrain Silla through negotiation with Japan. Nonetheless, Balhae and Tang did not caused a conflict. However, in 730s, Tang launched into the offensive in the northeastern provinces after stabilization of Tibet(吐藩) front. As a result, Liaoxi(遼西), a buffer zone was not stable. Balhae attacked Dengzhou with northern races in 732 and achieved a great victory at the battle of Mt. Madou(馬都山) in 733. But the military alliance against Tang weakened and dissolved for various reasons. Since then, the international relations changed from political and military relation to economic and cultural relations.