At first Lithang was ruled by the Khoshut Khanate. Lamas of Lithang Monastery were appointed the "desi" (governor) to govern the region. In 1719, a Chinese army under Yue Zhongqi marched to conquer Tibet, and the Lithang lama surrendered to the Chinese. The 7th Dalai Lama's stepfather was appointed chieftain by China; Lithang lama was appointed the vice chieftain. In 1725, Lithang was separated from Tibet. From then on, it was under the jurisdiction of Sichuan.