Relations with China

IT IS ESSENTIAL to note that here we are not concerned with the relation between “China” and “Mongolia,” but with that between the Manchu Emperors and the Mongol chiefs. The Manchu conquerors and some of the Mongols were for a time allies. In the course of the seventeenth century, the Manchus subjugated first the Inner Mongols and—at the end of the century—the Outer Mongols. The first document dealing with relations between the Manchu Emperor and the Inner Mongolian tribes seems to be one dated 1636, and in it the suzerainty of the Manchu Emperor is recognized. It was stipulated, however, that should the Dynasty fall, all the laws previously existing should come into force again. 1 In 1688, an assembly of Mongol princes at Dolon Nor decided to submit to the Manchu Emperor. The Chinese later considered this event as marking the formal annexation of Mongolia, but the Mongols claimed that the assembly only paid homage to the Emperor personally. In 1691 this “annexation” was solemnly “ratified.” 2 The Emperor K‘ang Hsi accompanied by all his guard and many followers came to Dolon Nor, where 24 regional princes of Khalkha swore an oath of allegiance. 3