China's land and population are the country's most important renewable resources. However, even with China's vast land area and large population, we cannot ignore the contribution of the great unified dynasties in Chinese history, which played a key role in China's territorial expansion. By comparing the territories of successive unified dynasties, we can see the changes in the form of China's land and consider whether the territory of modern China has reached its most perfect state. First, let's look at the contribution of the Western Han Dynasty. The Western Han Dynasty began to expand its territory abroad from Emperor Wudi of Han, reaching its peak during the reign of Emperor Xuan of Han. The territory of the Western Han Dynasty included the Hetao region, the Hexi Corridor, Weiman Korea, Jiaojiao County, Hainan Island, and the Western Regions. The territory of the Western Han Dynasty reached 6.09 million square kilometers, twice the size of the Qin Dynasty and two-thirds of modern China. The most important contribution of the Western Han Dynasty was the incorporation of the Western Regions into the Chinese territory, opening up the Silk Road that lasted for 2,000 years, and promoting cultural exchanges between the East and the West. Next is the contribution of the Sui and Tang empires. The Tang Dynasty was the second great unified dynasty since the Han Dynasty, reaching its peak during the reign of Emperor Taizong of Tang.
The territory of the Tang Dynasty, which included the Sea of Japan, Annan, the Aral Sea, Lake Baikal and other places, was the first unified dynasty in China since the Qin Dynasty that did not build the Great Wall. The expansion of Emperor Taizong's father and son doubled the territory of the Tang Dynasty. By recovering Turkic homelands and controlling the Aral Sea and eastern Persia, they incorporated the Outer Northeast and Sakhalin into Chinese territory. The territory of the Tang Dynasty reached 12.37 million square kilometers, nearly one-third larger than modern China. The boldness and magnanimity of the Tang Dynasty are desirable. The Yuan Dynasty was the first grand unified dynasty established by an ethnic minority in Chinese history. The territory of the Yuan Dynasty, which included the Han Dynasty, Monan, Mobei, Northeast, eastern Xinjiang, the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, the Penghu Islands, Jeju Island, and Nanhai Zhudao, reached 13.72 million square kilometers, 4.12 million square kilometers larger than modern China. For the first time, the Yuan Dynasty incorporated Tibet, Yunnan, and the Outer Northeast region into China's territory, and established Goryeo Province on the Korean Peninsula. The contribution of the Yuan Dynasty is one of the largest dynasties in Chinese history. The territory of the Ming Dynasty was mainly inherited from the Yuan Dynasty, and the territory of the Ming Dynasty at its peak could reach 13.16 million square kilometers.
The Ming Dynasty set up military institutions in the northeast and Yunnan regions by establishing the Nuer Gandu Division and the Sanxuan Six Comfort Division, and also incorporated the island of Taiwan into China's territory. The contribution of the Ming Dynasty kept China's territory relatively stable. The Qing Dynasty is the largest dynasty in Chinese history. The Qing Dynasty determined that Northeast China and Sakhalin Island were Chinese territories through the complete submission of the steppe peoples and the signing of the Treaty of Nebuchu with Tsarist Russia. In addition, the Qing reincorporated lost Xinjiang and ruled the Ladakh region. The territory of the Qing Dynasty reached 13.16 million square kilometers, which is the most perfect territorial form in Chinese history. The territory of the Qing Dynasty gave China access to the sea in the northeast, which was conducive to overseas trade; The establishment of a military base on Sakhalin will help control the first island chain; Control in Outer Mongolia increases the security factor of the capital, Beijing; The preservation of Lake Balkash has given Xinjiang more opportunities for development. In summary, China's land and population are the country's most important renewable resources. Successive unified dynasties played a key role in China's territorial expansion.
Although modern China already has a huge territory, we can also see the changes in China's territorial form from history. By reviewing the contributions of these dynasties, we can better understand China's territorial development and consider whether modern China was at its most perfect. So, has our current territory in China reached the most perfect territorial form? I believe that with the changes in the international situation and the development needs of China, China's territorial situation may change. For example, as China's engagement and influence in global affairs increases, we may need a broader maritime territory to support our maritime interests and maritime strategy. In addition, with the development of China's economy and population growth, we may need more land to meet the needs of resources and residence. Therefore, we should continue to pay attention to and study China's territorial issues, and adjust and optimize the form of China's land according to actual needs. Finally, I would like to ask the question, do you think China's land situation is in the most perfect state?
If not, how do you think we should adjust and optimize the national landscape to meet China's development needs? Looking forward to your comments and opinions.