History’s Lesson from China Before Communism: Defending National Sovereignty from Hidden Threats

In the midst of ancient China’s turbulent history before communism, two stories stand as stark reminders of the dangers sovereignty faces from within and without—the Shame of Jingkang (靖康之恥) and the tragic end of General Yue Fei (岳飛). These tales are not just relics of the past; they echo into today’s world, where geopolitical threats take on different forms, often without the roar of war but with the quiet whispers of influence, soft expansion through education, trade, and diplomacy. These lessons are as relevant now as ever, as we should strive to protect our national pride and sovereignty.

The Fall of a Dynasty: The Jingkang Incident

In 1125 AD, the Northern Song Dynasty was brought to its knees by external forces—the invading Jurchens of the Jin Dynasty. But the Shame of Jingkang was not solely due to military defeat. Emperor Qinzong, the leader at the time, was paralyzed by indecision, torn between factions in his court. The pro-peace and pro-war camps fought not on the battlefield, but in the halls of power, weakening the country’s ability to respond to the invading forces.

As the capital of Kaifeng fell and the royal family was captured, the incident became a national humiliation. It wasn’t just the failure of arms that led to the dynasty’s collapse; it was the failure of strong leadership and the refusal to heed the advice of loyal generals like Li Gang, who could have defended the nation. The dynasty lost its sovereignty, not because it lacked strength, but because it lacked unity and the resolve to stand firm against both external and internal threats.

Loyalty and Betrayal: The Story of Yue Fei

General Yue Fei, a symbol of loyalty and righteousness, fought bravely for the restoration of the Song Dynasty. His integrity, discipline, and patriotism made him a beloved figure among his soldiers and the people. Yet, despite his victories on the battlefield, Yue Fei was recalled by Emperor Gaozong, manipulated by treacherous advisors like Qin Hui, who saw Yue’s loyalty as a threat to their own power.

Yue Fei’s tragic execution wasn’t just the loss of a great general; it was the sacrifice of a loyal servant at the hands of those who failed to see the bigger picture. His story reminds us that when a nation does not cherish its loyal defenders and surrounds itself with deceitful advisors, even the most valiant efforts can be in vain.

Modern Parallels: Defending Sovereignty in Malaysia Today

Today, the threats to sovereignty are not always as overt as an invading army. In the modern world, geopolitical expansion can happen in subtle ways—through trade agreements, educational influence, and cultural infiltration. Nations must be wary of allowing external powers to exert influence over their economy, education systems, and political structures. Just as the Song Dynasty fell because of indecision and disunity, modern countries must be vigilant in protecting their national interests.

Every country, with its rich history and diverse culture, must take pride in defending its sovereignty. This doesn’t just mean military strength—it means ensuring that the nation’s values, economy, and education are safeguarded from outside influence that could slowly erode the independence and identity of the country. In an interconnected world, choosing the right friends and allies becomes more critical than ever. The wrong alliances can lead to a slow loss of autonomy, just as the Song Dynasty fell when it made compromises with the Jurchens.

The Importance of Strong Leadership and Loyal Advisors

The stories of Jingkang and Yue Fei also remind us of the importance of surrounding ourselves with loyal and wise advisors. Leaders who fail to choose the right people to guide them risk losing not only their power but their country. Just as Qin Hui’s treachery led to Yue Fei’s execution, a country’s downfall can come from within, when those in power allow self-interest and corruption to guide their decisions.

For us, the lesson is clear: strong leadership is essential, but so is loyalty from those around the leader. A nation must not only defend its borders but also its ideals and values from those who would weaken it from within. Whether in politics, business, or daily life, it is crucial to have people of integrity who will stand by the nation’s side in times of need.

A Call to Confidence and Pride

By remembering the lessons of history—the fall of the Song Dynasty and the sacrifice of Yue Fei—we can take pride in defending our sovereignty. This means being vigilant against outside forces that seek to influence the nation, but also standing firm in promoting unity, integrity, and loyalty within.

By choosing the right partners, both in trade and diplomacy, and ensuring that education reflects the true values of the nation, we can stand strong in the face of global challenges. Just as Yue Fei’s loyalty continues to inspire generations, so too can the pride and determination of everyday people in protecting their sovereignty and independence.

In the end, history teaches us that sovereignty is not just about military might—it’s about making wise choices, staying united, and ensuring that loyalty to the nation always comes first.

Global Renaissance Collections is the authorised distributor of Shen Yun Collections in Malaysia. Shen Yun Collections features exquisite art and crafts inspired by China's rich cultural heritage before Communism, showcasing elegant designs, vibrant colors, and traditional craftsmanship reflecting ancient beauty.