Jiaozhi Province (Ming)

Origins

After defeating the Ho dynasty in 1407, the Yongle Emperor annexed the country as Jiaozhi Province, reviving an old Han name. The Ming administration was based at Dong Quan, present-day Hanoi, under military and civil commissioners.

Rule and society

Ming officials divided the province into prefectures and counties, imposed Chinese law, taxed salt, gold and forest products, and recruited labour and craftsmen for China. They removed books and historical records, promoted Chinese customs and schools, and conscripted local men. These policies provoked continuous rebellion, first under the Later Tran dynasty and then by Le Loi from Lam Son.

Decline and legacy

Le Loi's insurgency, begun in 1418, won major victories in 1426 and 1427, defeating Ming relief armies at Chi Lang. The Ming agreed to withdraw in 1427, and in 1428 Le Loi proclaimed the Later Le dynasty. Ming rule was the last period of direct Chinese rule in Vietnam.