Table of contentsIntroductionThe reasons to celebrate the voyages of Zheng HeConclusionIntroductionThe voyages of Zheng He, a Chinese fleet commander, were recently revealed, revealing his remarkable journeys along Chinese coasts. and across the Indian Ocean. These expeditions had multiple purposes, including establishing new trade relationships, exploring uncharted territories, and demonstrating China's great power. So should we celebrate Zheng He's travels? This essay delves deeper into the issue, considering the aspects of peace, diplomatic relations, and the exceptional leadership they brought to the forefront. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”?Get the original essayAt the zenith of the Ming dynasty, on July 11, 1405, Zheng He set out on his maiden voyage, marking the beginning of his famous series of seven expeditions. While it may be tempting to draw parallels between Zheng He and notorious figures like Columbus, it is crucial to recognize the complexity of his voyages. These trips were not only characterized by peaceful interactions. Incidents such as the Sumatran port attacks and outbreaks of violence in Java in 1407, as well as the capture of Su-gan-la of Samudera in 1415, suggest that the missions given to Zheng He by the Ming emperor were extended beyond peaceful exploration. to establish Ming dominance in the Asian maritime world.Reasons to Celebrate Zheng He's VoyagesA compelling reason to celebrate Zheng He's voyages is their role in promoting peace and diplomatic exchanges throughout South Asia and the South-East. Historical records provide insight into the benevolent aspects of these journeys. For example, one document mentions “Brava (East Africa), 1417, camels, ostriches,” meaning the exchange of gifts. These offerings illustrate gestures of peace and goodwill, reflecting the intention of establishing harmonious relationships. Another document, titled Document E, highlights the emperor's satisfaction with the loyalty and sincerity of the envoys, emphasizing their mission of giving gifts and displaying China's power while treating distant peoples with kindness . These accounts indicate that Zheng He's travels were intended to promote peace and foster positive relations in the regions he visited. Additionally, the voyages led by Zheng He contributed to the development of business networks and demonstrated exceptional leadership. Managing more than 27,500 crew members over seven expeditions required remarkable leadership skills. Document A provides an overview of these voyages, highlighting the distances traveled and important ports of call, such as Calicut in India. These trips were instrumental in seeking trade relations with various regions, demonstrating China's willingness to engage in trade. The Changle inscription mentioned in the essay highlights their efforts to establish trade, even with those requiring linguistic translation. Zheng He's leadership played a pivotal role in these successful efforts. You may also like The Legacy of Alexander the Great: Conqueror and Cultural Icon It is important to address the opposing viewpoints that criticize Zheng He's travels , particularly the argument that excessive resources were allocated to the fleet, primarily for militaristic purposes. However, a comparative analysis with Columbus reveals a different perspective. Zheng He's fleet consisted of 25 ships and 27,500 crew members, ensuring readiness for the challenges ahead. On the other hand,.