Northern Song and Western Xia Relations (1010s)

Timeline

1. 1012–1013Bianjing · HenanSong Zhenzong sent envoys to invest Western Xia's ruler Li Deming as Prince of Xiping, granting official titles and silk, confirming his nominal submission to Song. Li Deming accepted the investiture and sent his son or envoys to court to give thanks. Investiture was a key element of the suzerain-vassal ritual between Song and Xia, sustaining political trust and surface order.
2. 1014–1020Bao'an Commandery · ShaanxiSong and Xia conducted trade at border markets and forts; Western Xia exchanged horses, cattle and sheep, and green salt for Song silk, tea, and grain. Envoys and merchants traveled constantly between the two, and border conflict was limited. Li Deming's peace policy toward Song allowed Western Xia to recuperate and accumulate strength.