How China Could Have Conquered The World | When China Ruled The Waves | Timeline

This paragraph introduces the historical context of China's naval power during the 15th century, highlighting the ambitious and secretive past that shaped international trade. It discusses the construction of a massive fleet under Emperor Zhu Di, following a rebellion that placed him on the throne. The fleet, built on a grand scale, included the largest vessels known as treasure ships, which were technologically advanced for their time with features like watertight compartments and were used to project China's power and prestige.

The second paragraph focuses on Admiral Zheng He, the leader of the treasure fleet, and his historical significance. It also introduces Rex Warner, a modern-day explorer who is fascinated by the fleet's story and aims to retrace Zheng He's voyages using a traditional Chinese junk. The narrative describes the challenges faced by Warner and his crew as they prepare their vessel, the Precious Dragon, for the journey, including dealing with bureaucratic hurdles and performing rituals for good luck.

This section delves into the unique position of eunuchs in the Chinese imperial court, particularly focusing on Zheng He's role and the reasons behind his castration. It explains the loyalty and trust that eunuchs garnered from the emperor and how this translated into powerful positions, including military leadership. The paragraph also touches on the fleet's first voyage, its mission, and the strategic use of the fleet to assert dominance and establish trade without resorting to warfare.

The fourth paragraph details the bureaucratic challenges faced by Rex Warner and his crew as they attempt to explore the historical sites associated with Zheng He's voyages. It describes their efforts to gain visas and access to ports, as well as their search for tangible evidence of the treasure fleet's visits, such as stone tablets and monuments. The narrative also highlights the difficulties of tracing the fleet's steps due to the passage of time and the scarcity of physical remains.

This section discusses the fleet's journey through the South China Sea, a region known for its valuable commodities and the presence of pirates. It recounts an encounter with a boat full of men that initially caused panic but ended peacefully. The paragraph also describes the fleet's defensive measures against pirates, including its well-armed warships and the capture of a notorious Chinese pirate. The narrative follows the modern crew's passage through the same waters, highlighting the enduring risks and challenges of the route.

The sixth paragraph explores the unintended consequences of Zheng He's voyages, particularly the spread of Chinese populations throughout Southeast Asia. It discusses the legend of a Chinese princess marrying into the local population and the establishment of a Chinese community in Malacca. The narrative also follows the modern crew's journey as they navigate the challenging Malacca Strait and deal with technical issues aboard their ship.

This section highlights the advanced navigational skills of the Chinese fleet, which included the use of the magnetic compass and celestial navigation. It describes how the fleet managed to sail accurately without modern instruments like the sextant or chronometer. The paragraph also touches on the cultural exchange that occurred during the voyages, as the Chinese brought goods like porcelain and silk for trade and received exotic animals and tributes in return.

The seventh paragraph addresses the historical speculation that the Chinese may have reached far-off lands like Australia and North America before European explorers. It discusses the lack of concrete evidence to support these claims and the general skepticism among historians. The narrative also explores the reasons behind the Chinese decision not to pursue further exploration and conquest, focusing on their focus on neighboring regions that had direct trade and tribute relationships with China.

This section details the political and economic factors that led to the end of the treasure fleet voyages. It discusses the death of Emperor Zhu Di and the subsequent shift in foreign policy under his successors, who favored a more conservative and inward-looking approach. The paragraph also describes the deliberate destruction of the fleet's records and the legal restrictions placed on maritime trade, which marked the beginning of a period of isolation for China.

The final paragraph reflects on the resurgence of China's maritime power in the 21st century, drawing parallels with the historical treasure fleet. It discusses China's role as a major exporter and the growth of its international trade and influence. The narrative also highlights the modern 'treasure fleet,' which refers to the spread of Chinese economic and cultural influence around the world, and the legacy of Zheng He as an inspiration for future generations.