Establishing Balhae
The Tang killed Geolsa Biu, and Dae Jung-sang also died. Dae Jo-yeong integrated the armies of Goguryeo people and some Malgal tribes and resisted Tang's attack. His overwhelming victory over the Tang at the Battle of Cheonmun-ryeong (Hangul: 천문령, Hanja: 天門嶺) enabled him to continue on his father's empire. He claimed himself the King of Jin in 698, and established "Jin state" (Hangul: 진국, Hanja: 辰國). He put his capital at Dongmo Mountain in the south of today's Jilin province, and built Dongmo mountain fortress, which was to become Jin's capital.
He attempted to expand his influence in international politics involving the Tang, the Göktürks, the Khitan, Silla and some independent Mohe tribes. At first he dispatched an envoy to the Göktürks. Then he reconciled himself with the Tang when Emperor Zhongzong was restored to the throne.
In 712, he renamed his empire, Balhae. In 713 he was given the titular title of "Prefecture King of Balhae" by Emperor Xuanzong. Upon reaching a period of rest within the empire, King Go made it clear that Silla was not to be dealt with in a peaceful stance because they were the ones who received the help of the Tang to conquer Goguryeo, which was the predecessor state to Balhae. This aggressive stance towards Silla was continued on by his son and successor King Mu of Balhae.
Read more about this topic: Dae Jo Yeong
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