Meng Zhixiang, originally a military leader and governor, proclaimed himself emperor of the Later Shu, a new regime that emerged as a breakaway state from the Later Tang dynasty. Situated in Chengdu, this event marked the establishment of a distinct political entity during a time of fragmentation in China known as the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms period. The Later Tang dynasty had been a dominant force but faced challenges in governing its vast territories and dealing with the discontent of local military governors. Meng, seizing the opportunity presented by the weakening central authority, rallied support from local military and political factions in Sichuan.

The establishment of the Later Shu was characterized by Meng's efforts to consolidate power and enhance local governance while also maintaining a semblance of loyalty to the broader Tang imperial legacy. He aimed to provide stability and security in a region often beset by violence and instability. By assuming the title of Emperor and claiming legitimacy through the Tang lineage, Meng sought to create a legitimate succession that could be recognized by neighboring states, facilitating trade and political alliances.

Meng Zhixiang’s move was not merely about personal ambition; it reflected the larger patterns of power dynamics across China. Regional warlords and officials frequently pursued their own agendas in the face of ineffective central governance, leading to the rise of multiple states and the division of influence. His reign marked a significant phase in the evolution of the political landscape in southern China and would contribute to further developments in the region's governance and identity in the following decades.