| Abstract |
This essay explores the frontier defense mechanism of Northern Song China, which aimed to counter the Tangut Xixia, by focusing on the concepts of “pinning” (qianzhi) and “reinforcing” (ceying). The Song struggled with handling raids and invasions by Xixia since the reign of Renzong (1022-1063). Lacking consensus at court, proposals for frontier circuits to mutually reinforce one another were not effectively implemented. After the costly war that failed to annex Xixia in the reign of Shenzong (1067-1085), “pinning” and “reinforcing” were adopted by the court. During Zhezong’s reign (1085-1100), recognising the strategic importance of frontier topography, the court established a defense mechanism that emphasized mutual reinforcement among neighbor circuits and counter-invasions in response to Xixia incursions. This defense mechanism, according to unearthed documents, continued to operate in the Shaanxi region until it collapsed under Jurchen Jin forces during the destruction of Northern Song. |
