When China Ruled The Seas Analysis Essay Example

the China Seas and Indian Ocean. GHz Dell's purpose behind creating this fleet was to convince foreign rulers harboring GHz Yemen that he was the rightful ruler, as well as replenish the Imperial treasury through foreign trade.

When it comes to dealing with leaders of countries they encountered during their voyages, the leaders of China followed the Chinese tribute system discussed in class. These leaders treated the other rulers based on the tribute gifts they received.Under Confucian collocation, China often received tribute from foreign states and in return, gave them Chinese products and recognition of their authority and sovereignty. Tribute states to China included Japan, Korea, Vietnam, Cambodia, Borneo, Indonesia, South Asia, and Central Asia. However, when countries stopped paying tribute, tensions arose. The Ghent expeditions facilitated the building of tribute relationships between the Ming Dynasty and newly discovered kingdoms. During these expeditions, one noteworthy gift given to Ghz Did was an eyeglass provided by Parameters of Mammal. According to the author's assertion, the later expeditions of the treasure fleet were a unique expression in Chinese history as they became a personal manifestation of ambition and megalomania for the third Ming emperor.The text reveals that Elevates is referring to Ghent He's ambitious desire to travel to the Persian Gulf in search of immense wealth. On page 138, it states that after ruling for twelve years, the emperor decided to relocate the entire capital from Nanjing to his former territory, Beeping (138). This move was driven by Ghent's desire for control and centralization of power around himself. His primary focus was on attaining complete domination. Although he portrayed his goals as benefiting the empire or others, he

was actually intoxicated by his own achievements and objectives. The construction of the new northern capital became an obsession for him, similar to the treasure fleet voyages being intertwined with how Ghent perceived himself. The grandeur and perfection pursued in the building of the Forbidden City demonstrated his insatiable need to prove his legitimacy. Like the treasure fleet journeys that showcased the immense wealth and power of the third Ming emperor, the objective behind the Forbidden City was to humble foreigners in its presence and evoke their overall respect towards Ghent D. The final voyages of the treasure fleet stood out from previous ones due to their emphasis on curiosity.

In the past, the treasure fleets' voyages focused on wealth and maximizing profit. However, in the final voyages, especially the brief sixth voyage, the goal shifted to exploration and curiosity about the land and peoples of Africa, rather than solely pursuing success and acquiring wealth. Africa was seen as China's El Dorado - a land of rare and precious things (151). Transcripts from these voyages describe the fascination that Chinese travelers had towards the African people.

They were captivated by their limited agriculture and explored out of sheer curiosity, instead of seeking to gather resources or trade for personal gain. It is believed that this last voyage, prior to Ghz Id's death, was cut short so they could return to the capital upon the completion of Ghz Id's Forbidden City. Additionally, they received little monetary compensation at that time.

According to Elevates, during the decades after the voyages were discontinued, leaders reacted by rejecting the idea of ongoing voyages. Ghent He's seventh voyage marked the

final great expedition of the treasure fleet, and there were scarcely any noticeable changes until 1436.

During this period, Shania's successor in GHz halted construction in shipyards to adopt more frugal economic practices. As stated by Elevenths, when Nanjing officials repeatedly requested more craftsmen from the court, their pleas were denied. It was believed that GHz Khan]xi's successor reacted this way due to concerns about the burden on the people. As a result, the tribute system gradually disintegrated as the seas were deemed "dangerous and difficult." This caused increased threats and military tension, leading the civilian population to shy away from adventurous thinking. In the mid-effluents century, Hamlin advisors presented a new perspective. Yang Shish was one of these advisors who believed that "China should not stoop to fight with wolves and pigs." Similarly, Fan J advised the emperor to abandon expeditions to foreign countries and allow the people of the Middle Kingdom to focus on agriculture and education. Additionally, Confucianism emphasized the memorization of classics for civil service exams and discouraged interest in foreign elements. This new outlook aimed to showcase China's superiority through its civilization by avoiding foreign commerce and wars.

The Chinese held the belief that they should abandon their seafaring and trading activities with other nations, and instead concentrate on their own lands. This viewpoint was so influential that when Wang Chi attempted to revive these practices, he discovered that all relevant documents had been eradicated. These actions were justified by the belief that seeking contact with foreign countries indicated a dependency on them, suggesting that China lacked strength and self-sufficiency. Foreign trade was viewed as a sign of neediness and

considered unsuitable for China's ruling status.