The Dzhungar Khanate was a Mongol state that existed in Central Asia during the 17th and 18th centuries. It was primarily located in what is now western China, Kazakhstan, and parts of Mongolia. The khanate was established by the Dzhungar people, a branch of the Mongols, and became a significant power in the region, known for its military strength and trade routes. The Dzhungar Khanate played a crucial role in the interactions between various empires, including the Qing Dynasty of China and the Russian Empire. Its decline began in the mid-18th century due to internal strife and external pressures, leading to its eventual conquest by the Qing in 1758.