Hong Kong Young Writers Anthologies Non-Fiction 2019 | Page 39

invasion fleets of WW1. Comparatively, Christopher Columbus’s Santa Maria - a ship that does not sail
until 80 years later - measured 85 feet. The gargantuan nature of the armada in both magnitude and size of
the ships per se serves as one exemplification of the exceptionalism of the Ming Dynasty and functioned to
‘awe’ foreign states and potential enemies, bringing immeasurable prestige for the Ming Empire - especially
as it traversed through the rims of the Indian Ocean. Indeed, the Ming Dynasty had been extending its naval
influence for the past 300 years, having been the preeminent maritime power for centuries. The armada was
equipped with the latest advancements in propulsion, navigation and naval architecture - amalgamations of
Chinese inventions and technologies adapted from the Indian Ocean and the South China Seas 6 .
To project the indomitable force of the Ming Dynasty, the Yongle Emperor, Zhu Di commissioned the
construction of the acclaimed Treasure Ships - ships that were larger than what was necessitated. The
concomitant goods of such ships included gifts of silk, tea and porcelain; such goods are the perfect
manifestation of soft power, enticing foreign civilisations through advancement and resplendency.
The impetus of ever-increasing naval superiority stemmed from the need to control the Maritime Silk Road
and to facilitate Sino-Arab and Asian trade relations by means of the tributary system, fulfilling increased
demand for spices and herbs amongst other commodities. Moreover, It is believed that the Yongle Emperor
used the voyages as a means to instantiate his right to the throne, the ‘Mandate of Heaven’ 7 - legitimizing
his usurpation of the throne from his nephew, the Jianwen Emperor.
Soft Power
As noted, the tributary system was of great importance to the Ming Empire and specifically, the Yongle
Emperor. As such, the voyages sought to revivify, consolidate and enforce the tributary system. To this end,
Short-term success was evident, greatly expanding tributary relations and thereby overall commercial
circulation amongst tribute countries 8 - permeated influence was achieved, albeit, not for long.
The sinocentric worldview of Imperial China saw that all rulers of the world pivoted around the Emperor
of China - from whom they derive their authority. Under such a system, Imperial China exercised
suzerainty 9 over the tribute states. Indeed, it was an inherently asymmetric power structure. However, one
must recognize the nature of China’s soft power appeal. Evidenced by the luxuriousness of the treasure
voyages, the tribute countries did have much to gain. The tributary system greatly facilitated Northeast and
Southeast Asia’s international trade network, allowing the affairs of the tribute country to be intertwined
with the hegemonic Imperial China - who controlled official trade routes. After the submission into a
suzerain-vassal relationship, and thereafter, an official ‘investiture’ of the foreign ruler, deputations were
allowed to traverse to China to pay tribute, and as a measure of quid pro quo, given return bestowals - it
was very much a symbiotic relationship, albeit an asymmetrical one. Moreover, east-west trade relations and
cultural exchange were also facilitated, with cosmopolitan discourse conducted on both the ships and in the
Ming Empire - a short path towards internationalism. Through such means, China’s position was
indubitably raised.
The narrative, as established, maintains that the Ming Treasure Voyages can be adduced to exemplify
China’s history of ‘peaceful rise’, a paradigm of symbiotic cooperation, benevolence and coexistence of
nations - or so it is claimed 10 . Indeed, the Chinese ability to form diplomatic relationships without resorting
to imperialism through ‘conquering’ and ‘subjugation’ as enacted by the West. July 11th, 2005 - now
known as China’s Maritime Day - marked the 600th anniversary of the voyages but only as of recent has
Zheng He’s legacy been venerated and applauded in acclamation, and conveniently so indeed. The voyages
perfectly exemplify China’s soft power appeal as President Xi Jinping seeks Chinese rejuvenation and the
6
An important advancement was the construction of double hulls that were divided into separate watertight
compartments, allowing ships to be saved from sinking if rammed and providing a method of water storage
for both passengers and animals.
7
Similar to the European Doctrine of the ‘Divine Right of Kings’ and the Korean formulation of the
‘Posterity from Heaven’ – heaven embodies natural order. Chinese formulation, however, only applies to a
‘just ruler’, hence justifying revolution against the unjust.
8
It is noted that tributary states rose to more than 60.
9
wherein states enjoyed internal autonomy whereas foreign policy fell under the hands of the stronger
power
10
Vice Foreign Minister Zhang noted that the voyages “promoted the peaceful coexistence of various
civilizations, demonstrating China's cultural tradition of friendship in international relations.”