The origins of the epic probably fall between the 8th and 9th centuries BC.
Sant Ved Vyasa
China is mentioned as one among the northerm kingdoms: Mahabharata, Book 6, chapter 9 (MBh.6.9) mentions like this: - Among the tribes of the north are the Mlecchas , and the Kruras, the Yavanas , the Chinas , the Kamvojas, the Darunas, and many Mleccha tribes; the Sukritvahas, the Kulatthas, the Hunas, and the Parasikas; the Ramanas, and the Dasamalikas. Chinas were mentioned along with Chivukas and Pulindas and Khasas , Hunas, Pahlavas, Sakas , Yavanas, Savaras, Paundras , Kiratas , Kanchis , Dravidas, Sinhalas and Keralas .
All these tribes were described as Mlechha tribes. Here they were described as the protectors of sage Vasistha and his cow against the attack of king Viswamitra .