China's Claim of Goguryeo and Bohai as 'Frontier Regimes': A New Battle Over Historical Understanding

Recently, it has been revealed that Chinese government-issued university textbooks and online courses describe Goguryeo and Balhae as "border regimes" of China, causing widespread ripples. This is a historical understanding based on the ideology of the "China Community of Nations," which integrates even minority ethnic groups into a single Chinese nation. It could be called the "completed version of the Northeast Project," representing a new move by China.

From the "Northeast Project" to the "China Community of Nations": The Evolution of China's Historical Understanding

Since the early 2000s, China has been promoting a historical research project called the "Northeast Project," arguing that Goguryeo history is part of Chinese history. Initially, Goguryeo was defined as a "local regime of minority ethnic groups." However, in the current textbooks, even the expression "minority ethnic groups" has been removed, and it is described as a "border regime," which is noteworthy.

This change is not merely a revision of historical understanding but is deeply connected to China's national strategy. In recent years, ethnic issues in Tibet and Xinjiang have become serious in China, and the ideology of the "China Community of Nations" has been strengthened to maintain national unity and stability. By emphasizing the historical view that China has been a unified nation since ancient times and that various ethnic groups are all included in the larger framework of the Chinese nation, the aim is to suppress inter-ethnic conflicts and increase centripetal force towards the state.

The Historical Independence of Goguryeo and Balhae: South Korea's Rebuttal

In South Korea, there is strong criticism that China's claim of a "border regime" is a distortion that is not based on historical facts. Goguryeo was founded in 37 BC and was a powerful nation that ruled a vast territory spanning northern Korea and northeastern China for over 700 years. Balhae was also a nation founded by the remnants of Goguryeo, and it had its own unique culture and system.

South Korean historians are trying to prove, based on Chinese historical records and archaeological materials, that Goguryeo and Balhae existed as independent nations without being under Chinese rule. For example, the "Records of the Three Kingdoms" (三国志) notes that there was a clear boundary between Goguryeo and China, suggesting that Goguryeo was not a local regime of China. Records of wars between Goguryeo and China also support the fact that Goguryeo confronted China as an independent state.

International Impact of Historical Understanding

China's claim of a "border regime" is not merely an academic issue but could have international implications. China has recently been expanding its influence in the international community based on its economic and military strength, and it is actively promoting its own claims regarding historical understanding.

The history of Goguryeo and Balhae is deeply related not only to South Korea but also to neighboring countries such as Japan and Russia. If China's historical understanding is internationally recognized, it could spread to historical understanding issues with these countries, potentially leading to tension in East Asian international relations.

Future Outlook: Towards a Resolution of Historical Understanding Issues

The historical understanding issue of Goguryeo and Balhae is an important issue for both South Korea and China, and discussions are expected to continue. Issues of historical understanding are closely related to national identity and territorial issues, and are not easily resolved.

However, it is undesirable for bilateral relations to worsen due to differences in historical understanding. The two countries need to continue their efforts to promote academic exchange in historical research and deepen mutual understanding. It is also important to proceed with calm and objective discussions, referring to the opinions of international academic institutions and experts.

A New Perspective: Introducing a Multifaceted Perspective in History Education

Taking the Goguryeo and Balhae historical understanding issue as an opportunity, we should consider introducing a new perspective in history education. Traditionally, history education has generally focused on the history of one's own country. However, in today's globalizing world, coexisting with people who have different cultures and historical perspectives is essential.

In history education, it is important to actively learn not only the history of one's own country but also the history of neighboring countries and different perspectives to understand diverse historical views and cultivate critical thinking skills. This will enable a deeper understanding of historical understanding issues and more constructive discussions.

Conclusion: Overcoming Historical Understanding Issues

As seen in the "border regime" issue of Goguryeo and Balhae, issues of historical understanding can lead to conflict between nations and negatively affect international relations. However, differences in historical understanding are not necessarily the cause of conflict. By understanding and respecting different historical views, it is possible to build a relationship of coexistence and cooperation.

To achieve this, promoting academic exchange in historical research, introducing a multifaceted perspective in history education, and conducting calm and objective discussions in the international community are essential. Taking the Goguryeo and Balhae historical understanding issue as a lesson, it is important to continue efforts towards overcoming historical understanding issues in the East Asian region.