As a historian with a focus on Asian studies, I have a deep interest in the intricate tapestry of history that has shaped the various nations of Asia. One of the most fascinating periods of history is the era of Chinese influence over Vietnam. This period is marked by a complex interplay of cultural, political, and military interactions between the two nations. Vietnam, known historically as Đại Việt, has a rich and varied history that has been significantly influenced by its powerful northern neighbor, China. The period of Chinese control over Vietnam is a critical chapter in the country's history, shaping its cultural identity and political development for centuries to come. The Chinese influence over Vietnam can be traced back to the early Han dynasty when the region was incorporated into the Chinese empire. However, the most significant period of Chinese control began in the 1st century AD and lasted until the 10th century AD. This era is often referred to as the "Ancient period" or the "Chinese period" in Vietnamese history. During this time, Vietnam was known as Annam and was a part of the Chinese empire. The Chinese introduced their administrative system, legal codes, and cultural practices to the region. This included the Confucian philosophy, which became deeply ingrained in Vietnamese society and continues to influence it to this day. The Chinese also brought with them advanced agricultural techniques, which helped to develop the Vietnamese economy. However, the Vietnamese people often resisted Chinese rule, leading to numerous revolts and rebellions. One of the most notable of these was the Mạc-Hàn War in the late 15th century, which resulted in the establishment of the Mạc Dynasty. Despite these periods of resistance, Chinese control over Vietnam was largely unchallenged until the Tang Dynasty began to decline in the early 10th century. This decline provided an opportunity for the Vietnamese to assert their independence. The Vietnamese, under the leadership of Ngo Quyen, launched a revolt against the Chinese in 938 AD. This culminated in a decisive battle on the Bach Dang River, where Ngo Quyen's forces defeated the Chinese army. The victory at Bach Dang marked the end of nearly a millennium of Chinese rule over Vietnam and is celebrated as a significant moment in Vietnamese history. It symbolizes the Vietnamese people's determination to maintain their sovereignty and cultural identity in the face of foreign domination. In conclusion, the period of Chinese control over Vietnam was a complex and transformative era in the country's history. It was a time when Vietnam was deeply influenced by Chinese culture and administration, but it was also a period marked by resistance and a struggle for independence. The eventual victory at Bach Dang River in 938 AD is a testament to the resilience and determination of the Vietnamese people. 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 >>