Hong Kong Young Writers Anthologies Non-Fiction 2019 | Page 49

Contributions of Zheng He
Marymount Secondary School, Ho, Yuka - 16
He was the first man in history to accomplish the groundbreaking mission of travelling around the world by
sea. He was born Muslim but would seek protection from Mazu and donate to Buddhist temples. He was
the eunuch courtier who spread the network of the prosperous Ming Dynasty over the eastern Pacific and
Indian Oceans. Who is he? He is Zheng He, the leader of the Ming Treasure Fleet.
How he manoeuvred his way through the endless sea has fascinated many, be it a historian or a diplomat.
What had he done to earn the admiration of people and become one of the legends of China?
In the past, without advanced technologies like satellites and telecommunications, navigating through the
vast and boundless seas was definitely a challenging job. Then what had enabled Zheng He to embark on
such an unprecedented journey? That’s Zheng He’s knowledge in astronomy and intellectual technologies
such as water clocks and compasses that were founded in the Ming Dynasty. Natural phenomena, such as
the circulation of the sun and moon and tidal flows, were taken into account to determine the sailing routes.
Apparatus found at that time, including the water clock and compass helped Zheng He to locate his ships
and explore new realms. Besides, the sternpost-mounted rudder was a large ship which had a high carrying
capacity and contained weapons and helped Zhang He to defeat intruders. This allowed Zheng He to
voyage safely to different countries, ranging from the South East Asia to East Africa, and make good ties
with them through exchanging their local goods. Amongst all of the exchanged products, the most
significant one was a giraffe he received from Malindi, Kenya, which was later considered to be a holy
animal that only existed in the tales of China — Qilin. Not only did the exchanged goods allowed the Ming
Dynasty to make the best out of them to boost their economy, but also planted the seed of Chinese culture
in different countries.
Apart from Zheng He’s contribution in the diplomacy of the Ming Dynasty, his voyages also gained him
respect from many people who had been living under the terrors of Chen Zuyi, the infamous pirate leader,
and his henchmen. At that time, many local and foreign merchants were attacked and had their valuables
robbed when they sailed across the South China Sea to trade. Chen Zuyi was let loose in the sea until he
met Zheng He in Palembang. When Chen Zuyi saw the massive fleet of ships led by Zheng He, he planned
to ambush them. He pretended to surrender to Zheng He, attempting to trick him into thinking that he was
not a threat. However, Zheng He had seen through his nasty schemes. When Chen Zuyi later tried to
mount a sneak raid, he and his allies were completely wiped out by Zheng He’s army, which comprised
more than 5,000 soldiers. In the end, Chen Zuyi was captured and executed. After the fiasco of the
notorious pirates, the evil acts of pirates were effectively suppressed, allowing safer trades in China. Most
importantly, it gained respect and recognition from the ruler in Palembang. The acknowledgment even
extended to the allies of Palembang in Ming’s supremacy. In return, these countries received benefits from
Ming such as military and trading. More than 30 ambassadors even brought gifts to Yongle Emperor to
express their appreciation and gratitude towards his reign of China.
Although the ancient wisdom found in the Ming Dynasty had long outshone by the modern technologies,
Zheng He’s venturesome expeditions across the oceans, punitive raids on the pirates, and considerable
contributions to the China’s trade and diplomatic force shall never be forgotten. His journey — the seven
voyages of the Ming Chinese Treasure Fleet shall forever stand tall in the Chinese and world history