Experts in genetics have come to the conclusion through studying many genetic marks such as blood type and protein that the Han and the Tibetan race shared the same ancestors; archaeologists say the pre-historic boom in Tibet was strongly associated with Chinese culture; and historians who have studied Tibetan and Chinese historical records have found that the Tibet Plateau and the hinterland of China maintained long economic, cultural and political ties throughout history.

The 7th-12th Centuries

Early in the 7th century, the powerful Tang Dynasty (618-907) was founded in the Central Plains, ending the disintegration and chaotic situation that had prevailed in the region for more than 300 years. In the meantime, the Spurgyal tribe rose in the Yarlung area in today's Shannan. The tribe conquered others in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, and formed the Tubo Kingdom in the 7th century.

Tubo kings married two Tang Dynasty princesses, and political, economic and cultural relations between the two became increasingly friendly and extensive. The Tang-Tubo Peace Pledge Monument was erected in front of the Jokhang Monastery in Lhasa following the end of the eighth peace meeting. In the ensuing 300-400 years, the Tibetan race maintained close ties with the Northern Song, Southern Song, Western Xia, Liao and Jin regimes.