Hello, I'm a historian with a particular interest in the relationship between China and Vietnam. It's a complex and nuanced history that spans many centuries. I'd be happy to delve into the topic of how long Vietnam was part of China, which is a question that requires a careful examination of historical periods and the nature of the relationship between these two nations.

The history of Vietnam's relationship with China is often divided into two main periods: the era of Chinese domination and the era of Vietnamese resistance and independence. The era of Chinese domination is typically considered to have begun with the annexation of the region by the Han dynasty in 111 BC, following the fall of the Nanyue Kingdom. This marked the start of a period of Chinese influence and control that would last for many centuries.

However, it's important to note that the nature of Chinese rule over Vietnam varied significantly over time. There were periods of direct administration where Chinese officials governed the region, as well as times when Vietnam was more of a tributary state, maintaining a degree of autonomy while still acknowledging the suzerainty of the Chinese emperor.

The Tang dynasty, which is mentioned in your reference, was a period of Chinese rule that ended with its collapse in the early 10th century. After the fall of the Tang, Vietnam saw an opportunity to assert its independence. The Vietnamese, led by Ngo Quyen, a popular patriot, launched a revolt against the remaining Chinese forces. The pivotal moment came in 938 AD with the Battle of Bach Dang River, where Ngo Quyen's forces defeated the Chinese armies, effectively ending the period of Chinese rule over Vietnam.

The victory at Bach Dang River is often cited as the end of a millennium of Chinese rule, but it's a bit more complicated than that. The 1000 years figure is a symbolic representation rather than a precise historical measurement. The actual duration of Chinese control was less than a millennium, and the degree of control varied.

After the Battle of Bach Dang River, Vietnam began to establish itself as an independent entity, although it would continue to have interactions with China, both peaceful and conflictual, for centuries to come. The relationship between the two nations evolved into a complex tapestry of cultural exchange, political alliances, and military confrontations.

In conclusion, while the Battle of Bach Dang River in 938 AD is a significant historical marker, the duration and nature of Vietnam's status as part of China is a matter of historical debate and interpretation. It's a history that involves periods of direct rule, indirect influence, and the ebb and flow of power and autonomy.

read more >>

In the early 10th century the Tang dynasty in China collapsed. The Vietnamese seized the initiative and launched a long overdue revolt against Chinese rule in Vietnam. In 938 AD popular patriot Ngo Quyen finally vanquished the Chinese armies at a battle on the Bach Dang River, ending 1000 years of Chinese rule.read more >>