the turkic tribes 471closer trade connections. This was rejected by the T’ang court (Tzu-
chih t’ung-chien p.8107).
In the 12th month (Jan./Feb., 867) of the Chinese year 866, a
Kirghiz envoy offered gifts and begged for the T’ang calendar (Tzu-
chih t’ung-chien p.8117). This obviously was not a sign of surrender as
traditionally interpreted by the Chinese.
The T’ang Office of History had no record of later missions (Wen-
hsien t’ung-k’ao 348:32b).
In the 1st month (Jan./Feb.) of 931, Kirghiz were received at the
Khitan court (Liao shih 70:3b).
In the 10th month (Oct./Nov.) of 953, Kirghiz offered gifts to the
Liao court of the Khitan (Liao shih 70:6a).
In the 12th month (Dec./Jan., 977) of the Liao year 976, Kirghiz
envoys to the Liao court offered gifts (Liao shih 70:6b).