Against this dismal background, he found a natural ally in Tong Yabghu.[1] Earlier in 568, the Turks under Istämi had turned to Byzantium when their relations with Persia soured over commerce issues.[2] Istämi sent an embassy led by the Sogdian diplomat Maniah directly to Constantinople, which arrived in 568 and offered not only silk as a gift to Justin II, but also proposed an alliance against Sassanid Persia. Justin II agreed and sent an embassy to the Turkic Khaganate, ensuring the direct Chinese silk trade desired by the Sogdians.[3][4]