The Effects of Isolation Policies in China and JapanBoth China and Japan practiced a policy of isolation for a long period of time, leading to economic and cultural growth. However, practicing a policy of strict isolation that eliminates both Western ideas and technology ultimately results in a loss of independence to foreign powers. When discussing isolation policies in China and Japan, it is important to first define the extent to which these policies were adopted. Although these two nations had severed ties with much of the world, there was still much interaction between other East Asian nations and, to a lesser extent, highly regulated trade with some European nations (Kazui and Videen 236). So, when considering the significance of these periods of isolation, it is essential to remember that international trade in goods and ideas was still occurring, albeit at a much slower rate than in the rest of the modern world. In the 15th century CE, a massive fleet of Chinese ships undertook a series of seven voyages under the leadership of Admiral Zheng He (The Ming Dynasty: From Exploration to Isolation). For about 30 years, China sailed its ships to Southeast Asia, India, and even East Africa, trading exotic goods and apparently establishing political alliances (Viviano). Furthermore, many estimate that the Chinese flagship is approximately 4.5 times larger than a European ship of the time (Hadingham). These accounts of Zheng He's voyages can be used to argue that early 15th-century China was equal to, or even superior to, the Europeans in technology, navigation, trade, and political reach. Despite these tremendously successful voyages, a faction of Confou......middle of paper......to reside in the nation (Watts). This lack of international migration over 200 years has made Japan a historically very homogenous society, and as a result, non-Japanese foreigners often face discrimination (Itoh). Overall, the isolation policies that were implemented in China and Japan were successful in preserving much of their countries' traditional values. Furthermore, they both succeeded in bringing about internal economic and cultural growth. As foreign powers attempted to take control of these independent nations, Japan was able to compete militarily, as its looser policy of isolation allowed Western technology to be introduced to Japan. On the other hand, China had isolated itself from Western ideas and technology and was easily crushed during the Opium Wars. As a result, they became the economic puppets of European nations..