T ang Dynasty --Foreign policies and Relationship Between Ethnic Groups The Ethnic Groups The Tang played an important role in this respect and accelerated the process that had been commenced under the Jin (265 - 420) and continued under the Northern and Southern Dynasties . The Tang adopted a policy of extending friendship and cooperation with the ethnic group states along its borders but at the same time developed a strong defence system in order to prevent an attack. During the sixth and seventh centuries, the Tubo (Tibet), Tujue (Turk) and Huihe emerged as the most powerful of the neighboring tribes and special efforts were made to consolidate relations with them. Tang and Tubo Early in 634, Songtsan Gambo twice dispatched envoys to the Tang court in Chang'an seeking the hand of one of the emperor's daughters in marriage. In 641, the Princess accompanied by the Shangshu of the Ministry of Rites set out for the Tubo kingdom. The marriage sealed an amicable link between the Tubo and Tang and engendered economic development in the country. Later, in the eighth century, Emperor Zhongzong's daughter, Princess Jincheng, was betrothed to yet another Tubo king, Chidaizhudan. Thus it was said, 'the Tubo and Tang had been combined into one family'. Tang and Tujue In the early years of the Tang Dynasty, the eastern Tujue continually raided the Chinese border. Gathering up his military might, Emperor Taizong finally defeated the Eastern Tujue and made it a tributary of the Tang. Later, during the reign of Emperor Gaozong, a series of campaigns against the Western Tujue resulted in the collapse of that kingdom. Tang and Huihe The Huihe maintained good relations with the Tang. By way of recognition, Emperor Xuanzong named Gulipeiluo Khan Huairen which meant a Benevolent Khan. Following this, no less than three Tang Princesses were to be married to Khans of the Huihe. Such was the strength of the alliance between the two countries that the Huihe provided troops on two occasions to help quell the Rebellion of An and Shi Foreign Relations The Tang Dynasty also marked a golden age of relations with foreign powers. The excellence of its advanced civilization rendered the Chinese Empire the envy of countries throughout Asia, Europe and Africa. Each in their turn sent envoys and merchants to trade with the Tang, whose empire was to become a world center for trade and cultural exchange. The Tang was trading with more than seventy countries. To foster this trade, the government allowed tax concessions to foreigners, who were permitted to settle in China and to marry Chinese citizens. Some even went on to secure positions within the government . Tang and Japan During the Tang Dynasty Japan sent envoys to China on nineteen separate occasions. Students and monks swarmed into the empire to study . It was thanks to these cultural exchanges that benefits were derived by both nations. Chinese culture and technology spread to Japan. The Japanese political system, legislation, economic policy, life style and culture were all deeply influenced by that of the Tang. In return, Japanese culture was introduced into China, in particular this was true of music and dance, which became very popular. Tang and Xinluo Xinluo maintained its relations with China and its students formed the greatest number studying in China. Meanwhile, on the basis of the volume of imports from the empire, Xinluo became China's greatest trading partner. The Tang culture began to have an enormous influence on the Xinluo. In 675 they adopted the tang calendar. In mid eighth century, they reformed their administration on the lines of that of the Tang and then in 788 adopted the civil service examination system for the appointment of officials. Tea cultivation, engraving and printing skills were also introduced from China. In return, Gaoli music was introduced to China and imported goods from Xinluo further enriched the lifestyle of the people of the Tang Empire. Friendship with Persia and Dashi Friendly relations were established and maintained with both Persia (today's Iran) and Dashi (Arab nations).