The Tang Dynasty’s Shifting Power Dynamics

In the mid-7th century, the Tang Dynasty stood as a dominant force in East Asia, yet its internal politics were far from stable. Emperor Taizong, a revered ruler, had taken measures to protect his loyal officials through posthumous edicts. One such official, Chu Suiliang, was shielded by Taizong’s decree, ensuring his safety even after the emperor’s death. However, Taizong’s brother-in-law, Zhangsun Wuji, held a different position—his familial ties to the imperial family theoretically made him untouchable.

Yet, Taizong could never have anticipated the rise of Empress Wu Zetian, a woman whose political acumen and ruthlessness would reshape the Tang court. Zhangsun Wuji, once a pillar of the imperial court, found himself stripped of his titles in 659, exiled to Qianzhou (modern Guizhou), and ultimately forced to commit suicide under suspicion of treason. This marked a turning point in Tang politics, as Empress Wu consolidated power behind the ailing Emperor Gaozong.

The Decision to Invade Baekje

By 660, the Tang Dynasty had not launched a major military campaign in over a decade. Meanwhile, the Korean Peninsula was in turmoil. Goguryeo, the northern kingdom, had been destabilized by the death of its dictator Yeon Gaesomun, whose sons were now locked in a power struggle. Empress Wu saw an opportunity.

“Baekje must be dealt with first,” she declared. “Silla has repeatedly sought our aid. Crush Baekje, and Goguryeo will lose its arrogance. Attacking Goguryeo now would be reckless.”

Her reasoning was strategic: intervening in Goguryeo’s civil war might unite the feuding brothers against a common enemy. Instead, she advocated patience—let Goguryeo’s internal strife deepen, weakening it for an easier conquest later. The court, initially skeptical, was swayed by her logic.

The Campaign and Its Execution

Empress Wu handpicked General Su Dingfang to lead the invasion. A seasoned warrior who had recently quelled rebellions in the Western Regions, Su was the ideal commander. The Tang court mobilized 100,000 troops—a staggering force—at Silla’s request.

Baekje, unprepared for such an assault, collapsed swiftly. King Uija, an aging and indecisive ruler, fled the capital as Tang forces advanced. His sons, divided in their response, failed to mount a unified defense. The crown prince, Buyeo Yung, urged resistance, but internal betrayal sealed Baekje’s fate. Buyeo Yung’s own son, Buyeo Pung, defected to the Tang, demoralizing the defenders.

By 660, Baekje’s capital, Sabi, fell. The kingdom was formally annexed, divided into five Tang-administered commanderies. Yet, resistance lingered.

The Aftermath and Regional Repercussions

Baekje’s collapse sent shockwaves across East Asia. Survivors of the royal family, including Prince Buyeo Pung (who had been a hostage in Japan for decades), became focal points for rebellion. A resistance movement, led by the general Gwisil Boksin and monk Dochim, sought Japanese aid to restore Baekje.

Meanwhile, Empress Wu’s influence grew. Her decisive handling of the Baekje campaign demonstrated her strategic brilliance, further sidelining Emperor Gaozong. The Tang Dynasty’s expansionist policies, now firmly under her direction, reshaped the balance of power in East Asia.

Legacy of the Baekje Conquest

The fall of Baekje marked the beginning of the Tang’s deeper entanglement in Korean affairs. It also highlighted Empress Wu’s political mastery—a foreshadowing of her eventual reign as China’s only female emperor. The campaign’s success reinforced Tang dominance but also sowed the seeds for future conflicts, including the Silla-Tang Wars and the rise of Unified Silla.

For modern historians, the conquest of Baekje serves as a case study in imperial strategy, dynastic politics, and the enduring influence of one of history’s most formidable women. Empress Wu’s vision not only secured Tang supremacy but also redefined the geopolitical landscape of 7th-century East Asia.