 These peoples included the Tocharian-speaking city-states, such as "Ārśi" (Arshi; later Agni/Karasahr), "Kuča" (Kucha), "Gumo" (later Aksu), "Turfan" (Turpan), Loulan (Krorän/Korla).By controlling the Western Regions, the Chinese would also keep the Xiongnu away from Inner China.The peoples of oasis city-states of Khotan and Kashgar spoke the Saka language, one of the Eastern Iranian languages.