Britannica Sources used in this answer

How did Tang dynasty border policies affect trade and raids in Inner Mongolia?

Created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

Wide autumn valley with golden grass in the foreground and low, tree-covered mountains of the Greater Khingan Range in the distance under a clear sky. — Inner Mongolia Da Hinggan (Greater Khingan) Range, southeast of Hailar, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, China.

During the Tang dynasty (618–907), the imperial government asserted control over China’s northern border, a policy that had the effect of constricting trade and prompting frequent border raids.1

The Tang military strategy evolved to address the challenges posed by highly mobile nomadic groups on the northern frontier. Initially, the dynasty relied on a militia system, but this proved inadequate and was replaced by permanent armies and garrison forces stationed in strategic areas. To manage these threats, the government eventually organized the frontiers into military provinces governed by powerful commanders.23

While these policies were intended to secure the border, they often led to instability. The presence of these large, localized military forces created a reliance on non-Chinese troops and commanders, such as An Lushan, whose eventual rebellion significantly weakened the dynasty. Furthermore, while the Tang maintained a policy of alliance with groups like the Uighurs, these relationships were often transactional, requiring the Tang to provide significant trade-tribute payments in exchange for military aid.234