Emperor Guangwu has to deal with periodic minor battles against the Xiongnu to the north.

There are however no major wars with Xiongnu throughout his reign, but because of raids by Xiongnu, Wuhuan, and Xianbei, the northern prefectures nevertheless become largely depopulated, as the people suffer great casualties and also flee to more southerly lands.

Many Xiyu (modern Xinjiang and former Soviet Central Asia) kingdoms, suffering in 46 under the hegemony of one of the kingdoms, Shache (Yarkand), petition Emperor Guangwu to again reestablish the Western Han post of Governor of Xiyu.

Emperor Guangwu declines, stating that his empire is so lacking in strength at this time that he cannot expend efforts to protect Xiyu kingdoms.

The Xiyu kingdoms in response submit to the Xiongnu.

...Yarkand at the end of 1758.

Uyghur Muslims from Turfan and Hami, including Emin Khoja and Khoja Si Bek, remain loyal to the Qing Empire and help the Qing regime fight the Altishahri Uyghurs under Burhān al-Dīn and Khwāja-i Jahān.

Zhaohui unsuccessfully besieges Yarkand and fights an indecisive battle outside the city; this engagement is historically known as the Battle of Tonguzluq.

Zhaohui instead takes other towns east of Yarkand but is forced to retreat; the Dzungar and Uyghur rebels lay siege to him at the Siege of Black River (Kara Usu).