The Protectorate General to Pacify the East,…

The Protectorate General to Pacify the East, established shortly after the overthrow of the kingdom of Goguryeo by Tang and Silla forces, is governed by the Tang general Xue Rengui.

Tang China has established it to govern not only the prefectures established on Goguryeo and Baekje territory, but also to govern Silla itself.

Silla had retaliated against the Protectorate's domination by aiding Geom Mojam's rebellion in the north, and attacking Protectorate forces in Baekje territory.

Silla had seized Sabi Castle from the Tang armies in 671, overthrowing the puppet government of Buyeo Yung.

The Tang government, angered by thia move, had declared a younger brother of King Munmu to be Silla's rightful ruler but had been unable to follow this symbolic blow with a military one.

As the result of the Silla–Tang Wars, Silla forces expel the Protectorate armies from the Korean Peninsula in 676.

The Protectorate's capital is officially transferred to the former Goguryeon city of Shinseong, where it continues to oversee the affairs of Goguryeo refugees and portions of the former Goguryeo territory.