In the 10th century, with the fall of the Tang dynasty, a phase of huge political instability swept the nation at a time when many of its neighbours were - on the contrary - experiencing a period of cultural unity and political power; the Mongols (under Great Liao) and Korea both unified under powerful polities, Japan was in its Heian period, the Uyghur Kingdom of Qocho was thriving and the Chola dynasty was a few decades short of its largest extent. To accompany this, in the west, a powerful figure could've risen up from Tibet or Annam as well.
Now in our timeline, China eventually regained stability under the Song dynasty. But if that hadn't happened, who among the aforementioned factions could've taken advantage of the political disunity and established their own powerful dynasty in China?
Historically the Great Liao came closest, with the Later Tang dynasty managing to almost accomplish Chinese national unity; Goryeo and Chola, while unlikely to take on the mantle directly, - for different reasons - could've easily supported a warlord to push their interests in the region. Leaders from Qocho or Tibet are also possible candidates for taking the throne themselves.
Now in our timeline, China eventually regained stability under the Song dynasty. But if that hadn't happened, who among the aforementioned factions could've taken advantage of the political disunity and established their own powerful dynasty in China?
Historically the Great Liao came closest, with the Later Tang dynasty managing to almost accomplish Chinese national unity; Goryeo and Chola, while unlikely to take on the mantle directly, - for different reasons - could've easily supported a warlord to push their interests in the region. Leaders from Qocho or Tibet are also possible candidates for taking the throne themselves.
