One enduring issue of the Tang/Song Dynasty is the tension between centralized political power and regional autonomy. During the Tang Dynasty, the central government held significant power and control over local officials, but as the dynasty declined, regional governors and military leaders gained more autonomy and began to challenge the central government. This led to a period of fragmentation and conflict known as the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms period.
The Song Dynasty attempted to address this issue by implementing a system of centralized bureaucracy and civil service examinations, which were designed to ensure that officials were selected based on merit rather than regional connections. However, this system also led to tension between the central government and local officials, who often had different priorities and agendas.
Another enduring issue of the Tang/Song Dynasty is the relationship between China and its neighbors. During this period, China was a major power in East Asia and had significant influence over neighboring countries such as Korea, Japan, and Vietnam. However, this influence was not always welcomed by these countries, and there were frequent conflicts and tensions between China and its neighbors.
Overall, these enduring issues highlight the complex and dynamic nature of political power and international relations during the Tang/Song Dynasty, and their impact can still be felt in the region today.