What was the Ming dynasty's maritime policy and its effect on global trade?

• A. Zheng He voyages expanded Chinese influence and maritime trade; later Ming policy shifted to isolation, curbing long-distance trade.
• B. Ming Dynasty policies promoted large-scale seafaring and global trade.
• C. Ming banned all sea travel and restricted coastal trade.
• D. Ming dynasties only engaged in inland trade.

Answer: (A)

In the early Ming era, the state funded wide-reaching sea expeditions under Zheng He that reached across the Indian Ocean to Southeast Asia, the Arabian Peninsula, and East Africa. These voyages expanded Chinese influence and opened maritime trade routes, bringing back exotic goods and showcasing China’s prestige while fostering tribute connections and markets for Chinese products like silk and porcelain. After a few decades, the policy shifted toward restricting seafaring and prioritizing internal development and defense. The treasure voyages ended, and strict bans on private maritime travel plus tighter control of coastal trade reduced long-distance sea trade. This move away from open engagement in global maritime networks meant China’s direct role in maritime trade diminished for centuries, while other powers filled the space China had briefly helped create in the Indian Ocean and beyond.