Ambition and Initial Scope of the Ming Treasure Voyages
The Ming treasure voyages were seven naval missions made by the treasure fleet of Ming China. The Yongle Emperor approved the fleet’s development, and Admiral Zheng He was given leadership of the navy for the travels (Zheng He Voyages, Ming Treasure Voyages, n.d.). The fleet’s mission was to display Chinese strength and wealth to the rest of the globe, and it traveled as far as the Arabian Peninsula and East Africa.
However, the civil government eventually acquired control of the state apparatus. The eunuchs, who had been in command of the trips, fell out of favor following the death of the Yongle Emperor (Zheng He, n.d.). This prevented Zheng He from investigating Africa and the Indian Ocean. China’s restraint of Zheng He’s voyages was beneficial for humanity in general due to the ensuing political and economic stability of the region.
Mitigating Military Threats and Preserving Political Sovereignty
Firstly, the Ming treasure voyages were heavily militarized, with a colossal array of ships and weaponry that could have been seen as a potential threat by other nations. The Chinese expeditionary fleet carried an immense wealth of treasures, which served to demonstrate the might and grandeur of Chinese power, both economically and militarily, to the known world (Zheng He, n.d.). The potential for the Chinese to establish a pervasive presence in Asia was clear, which could have easily provoked other nations to take defensive action in order to protect their interests.
The display of Chinese military strength and wealth could have been perceived as a challenge to other countries, leading to battles and even wars. Fortunately, due to the decisions of the Chinese government, which restrained Zheng He’s voyages, these tensions never escalated, allowing for peaceful diplomatic relations with the many countries and cultures encountered during the expeditions. The Chinese government’s careful consideration of these diplomatic relations was essential in ensuring the security of Chinese interests, as well as the preservation of amicable relations between the involved nations.
Economic Stability and the Importance of Existing Trade Networks
Furthermore, a vital component of the Chinese Empire’s foreign policy could have worsened the situation in the region. Namely, the ultimate purpose of Zheng He’s voyages was to bring many foreign countries into the nation’s tributary system (Zheng He, n.d.). This pursuit would have resulted in the incorporation of the states into the greater Chinese world order. This could have meant that these states would have been subject to Chinese rule, with the Chinese government having the power to impose laws and regulations on their people, potentially taking away their autonomy and freedom.
The Overall Benefit of Restraint for Regional Peace and Prosperity
Yet, China chose to exercise restraint over Zheng He’s voyages and prevent them from achieving their full potential, thereby preserving the sovereignty of foreign nations. This decision ensured that the states would remain independent and their people would be able to enjoy self-determination. In addition, the maritime enterprise could have had a disastrous impact on the Chinese economy. Namely, the Ming treasure voyages were key to counterbalancing much of the localized private trade. Without the stringent control of the central state, private business could have caused a significant drain of wealth from the nation. This would have been especially detrimental as it would have been done without any oversight or regulation.
Fortunately, China’s decision to restrain Zheng He’s voyages kept the nation’s wealth in check and allowed the economy to remain stable. This decision demonstrates the value of a centralized government and its ability to protect the nation’s economic interests. China’s decision to restrain Zheng He’s voyages was of paramount importance to the region, as the maritime network had connected countries economically and politically. The existing network was a vital source of trade, providing nations with access to new goods, ideas, and economic opportunities (Zheng He, n.d.).
Any disruption of the established network would have had a severe and long-lasting negative impact on the relationships between countries. Therefore, it was in the best interest of the region for China to exercise restraint and allow the maritime network to remain intact, allowing for the continuation of trading and cultural exchanges. This was beneficial for the region, as it not only provided access to new goods and ideas but also increased economic opportunities for all nations involved in the maritime network. This allowed for a more prosperous era, as merchants and traders from different countries were able to do business with one another, furthering trade, cultural understanding, and economic growth.
Conclusion
It can be said with certainty that China’s restraint of Zheng He’s voyages of the Ming treasure fleet was beneficial for humanity in general. By restraining the sails, wars were avoided, which allowed foreign nations to retain their autonomy and freedom. Moreover, it protected the Chinese economy and the overall maritime network. The impact of this restraint was felt worldwide, as it brought about a sense of peace and stability that was beneficial for all involved. To summarize, China’s restraint of Zheng He’s voyages was ultimately helpful for the world.
Reference
Zheng He voyages Ming treasure voyages (No. HIS141). (n.d.).