THE STATE OF BOHAI AND ITS PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT SYSTEM (698 A.D. - 926 A.D.) (*)

Abstract

Bohai (698 A.D. 926 A.D.) was a medieval state in East Asia. The Tang Empire in 713 recognized Bohai and considered this state as kingdom from the 760s. However, the status of Bohai was unclear. Although Bohai was a formal vassal of the Tang Empire, it followed its own independent path, not only in its internal policies, but also in its foreign relations. Furthermore, it regarded itself as an empire. The provincial system of Bohai imitated an imperial system, but the status of provincial powers in the Bohai state is not clear. The aim of this article is to consider and analyze provincial power structures in Bohai and the status of the provinces within the Bohai state.