The Battle of Xiaoting, also known as the Battle of Yiling, fought in 221-222 CE, is a notable military engagement in the history of the Three Kingdoms period in China. This battle, primarily between the forces of Shu Han, led by Liu Bei, and the state of Eastern Wu, commanded by Sun Quan, holds significant importance for its strategic implications and its impact on the relationships among the three kingdoms.

Following the establishment of Shu Han and the declaration of Liu Bei as its emperor, tensions between the states of Shu and Wu escalated. The root cause of this conflict was the betrayal of Sun Quan, who had earlier allied with Liu Bei against Cao Cao at the Battle of Red Cliffs. Sun Quan's subsequent capture of Jing Province, a key strategic location that Liu Bei considered his own, broke the alliance and set the stage for the Battle of Xiaoting.

Liu Bei, seeking to avenge the loss of Jing Province and the death of his general and close friend, Guan Yu, launched a campaign against Sun Quan's forces in Eastern Wu. The battle took place in the region of Xiaoting, present-day Yichang in Hubei Province. Liu Bei’s intention was not only to reclaim lost territory but also to assert his authority and the strength of Shu Han.

The battle is renowned for the tactical challenges it presented, characterized by the difficult terrain of the region, which included dense forests and steep hills. Sun Quan appointed Lu Xun as his commander, who, despite being relatively young and less experienced, proved to be an adept strategist.

Lu Xun adopted a defensive strategy, avoiding direct confrontation with the larger Shu forces and instead focusing on small, frequent skirmishes. This tactic exhausted the Shu army and eroded their morale. The turning point of the battle came when Lu Xun seized a strategic opportunity to launch a surprise attack. He ordered a series of fires to be set, taking advantage of the Shu army's extended supply lines and the dense woodland. The fires caused chaos and significant casualties within the Shu ranks.

The Battle of Xiaoting ended in a decisive victory for Eastern Wu and a disastrous defeat for Shu Han. Liu Bei's army was forced to retreat, and Liu Bei himself died shortly afterward, reportedly from illness and the stress of his defeat. This battle significantly weakened Shu Han and marked a decline in its power.

The aftermath of the Battle of Xiaoting had far-reaching implications for the dynamics of the Three Kingdoms period. It reinforced the power of Eastern Wu and demonstrated the military and strategic capabilities of its leaders. Furthermore, it disrupted the balance of power among the three kingdoms, leading to a period of relative stability but continuous rivalry and tension.