600 Years Ago In China

At the beginning of the 15th Century there were more than two Chinese individuals for every living European, and China was ruled by a stable and well educated government. Ming Emperor Zhu Di controlled the wealthiest and most technologically advanced country on Earth, and nearly a century before Columbus crossed the Atlantic, China's Empire of Exploration began.

SIX hundred years ago, in 1405, the Chinese imperial fleet set out on its first voyage to explore and trade with the world. The logistics of the enterprise remain unparalleled in maritime history - 27,000 men aboard 317 ships.

Unlike his father, Zhu Di believed in foreign trade as a swift way to enrich China, and his dynasty, without imposing a heavy tax burden on his subjects. He decreed: “Let there be mutual trade at the frontier barriers in order to supply the country’s needs and to encourage distant people to come”

The fact you are reading this in English rather than Mandarin is a direct result of the struggle of ideas and concepts of how society should be structured and ruled.

In 1424 Zhu Di died, and the conservative Confucian scholars gained ascendancy over the eunuchs, the executive branch of government, with their investment in trade. The Confucians thought merchants were parasites and wanted to curb increases in their power. Under the tribute system, the cost of return gifts often amounted to more than the benefits from tribute, and profits from trade went directly to the court; overseas trade did not lead to the hoped-for lessening of taxes. … An imperial decree banning ocean-going vessels was issued in 1436, and by the end of the 15th century it was a capital offence to construct a multi-masted vessel.

Revenue from trade flowed through the Empire, but spending is an enticing pastime for the powerful and they failed to use the wealth wisely. The three decade experiment of engaging the world through trade, backed by military power to keep theft and corruption in check, was ended by policy decisions turning the country inward and isolationist. China dismantled its Navy and the oceans of the world were left to the Spanish, Portuguese, Dutch and English.