Li Jiqian (Chinese: 李繼遷) (963–1004) resisted the Song empire and organized a rebellion in 984. He created a successful alliance with the Liao empire for military support. Li Jiqian arranged a peace agreement with the Song emperor, but violated the treaty himself. To avoid costly military campaigns, Emperor Zhenzong of the Song dynasty granted Li Jiqian the jiedushi position over Dingnan, and recognized Li Jiqian's new empire of Xia. He supported the construction of irrigation canals that were crucial for the development of agriculture in the arid areas of Xia, especially around the capital Xingqing 興慶 (modern Yinchuan 銀川).