Hong Kong Young Writers Anthologies Non-Fiction 2019 | Page 26

How did The Ming Treasure Voyages Open Opportunities for
The Ming Dynasty? What Would have been The Effects and
Influences if Those Opportunities Were Seized, for China and
Other Countries?
Sha Tin College, Wong, Ivan – 14
‘It was a tough challenge with multiple obstacles, meeting pirates and Emperors around the world, an
experience people would never imagine’ spoke a soldier from the third voyage in 1409. The Ming Treasure
Voyages, a lesser known part of Chinese history, was one of the longest distance travelled voyages ever
known during the Ming dynasty. Taking place during the time period of 1405-1433 and led by famous
explorer Zheng He, fleets were commanded to sail across the seas, bestowing other countries with gifts from
the Chinese Emperor, Zhu YuanZhang. Bringing over 27,000 men on the first voyage, they set off to the
Western Ocean, bringing along commodities such as silk and brocade. However, they were misled by the
map and were instead headed towards the Indian Ocean, taking them to a completely new destination. The
Chinese were eventually able to create connections and become allies with other Emperors of other nations.
After the first successful voyage, Emperor Zhu decided to continue these ventures across the world under
Zheng He’s guidance. The voyage proceeded with similar progress, but of other nations. Unfortunately,
China ceased the voyages in 1433 when Zheng He passed away in India. By then, the furthest destination
reached was East Africa. With Zheng He’s abrupt death, one can only wonder what was planned ahead for
the voyages? If China had continued with the offerings and affiliations with other countries, what benefits
would they have gained in terms of economic and power? This discussion aims to deliberate this question.
Ultimately, how the Ming Treasure Voyages would have been a great start for the Ming Dynasty and
China’s future prospects.
The trades China made with other countries would have boosted the economy and helped China regain
their market in the international community. During the Ming Dynasty, China had been travelling across
the seas, selling their national products to other countries. These products likely included silk, tea bags, jade,
ivory, cloisonne etc. Making trades also meant China gain valuable goods in return too, rare and
unattainable commodities, possibly even new discoveries. The number of trade deals China gained in short-
term was vastly more than what they had expected. If China had continued these trades, the money gained
would have been a substantial boost to the economy of China. This is to say, due to the number of treasures
they had received. For instance, they had received horses from the Indonesian army, it became a great asset
to the Chinese army. Even though these horses were common in Indonesia, it was a new species to the
Chinese and it’s acquisition indefinitely strengthened the army. On another voyage to Africa, Admiral
Zheng He was presented with another foreign creature; the camel. Resilient in hot and rough conditions,
camels were perfect for areas such the Henan province’s humid subtropical climate, assisting farmers and
citizens on long journeys such as ones on the infamous Silk Road. If China had continued to create alliances
and trades with Africa, the amount of money generated from the camels sold and their aid in additional
trades via the Silk Road would have been substantial. Even after the Ming Dynasty ended, the trades could
have continued, becoming a stable income generator. As a result, China would have gained greater success
in excelling the economy, short term and long term.
Financial benefits gained from The Ming Treasure Voyages would have been momentous for China’s
Emperor and citizens. The financial benefits China had gained helped the people and economy of the
country. When Zheng He brought back gifts from other countries, he showed the Emperor and fellow
citizens of their achievements, telling them about the journey. When people saw the opportunity buying the
product for their own good, they asked Zheng He for the price. But, Zheng He had limited stock and had
to raise the price of the object in order to earn more money for himself. People started bidding on goods
and it soon became an effective way for the emperor and the crew to reap in on the financial benefits the
voyage offered. In addition, it was a prime opportunity to interest people to participate in the Ming
Treasure Voyages. Upon witnessing the riches of people who came back from the voyage, how they sold
precious commodities and trinkets from other countries, they would want to earn a name for themselves,
helping their families as well as getting to travel around the world and start a new adventure, exploring and
meeting different people in different cultures. The Emperor can earn more money, which leads to building
and making the nation stronger. It could be spent on weapons, training and development in the army, or
used to build more infrastructures for the citizens. Also, this could develop the voyage itself. After gaining