When China Ruled the Seas

A central theme of the book is the fact that, during the expeditions of its treasure fleet, China was poised to be the dominant nation in seagoing exploration—or even colonization—and instead turned inward. In China’s absence, Europe eventually played the role of explorer and colonizer. What factors allowed European nations to succeed where China did not?

In his book Guns, Germs, and Steel, Jared Diamond describes China’s downfall as a seafaring nation as a local political decision that had outsized effects on its own future development and even that of other countries. What is another example in history when a seemingly local political decision in one area had such a large ripple effect? Where and when was it, what happened and why, and what were the consequences?

In the last chapter, Levathes discusses the legacy of Zheng He and the treasure fleet voyages. One large aspect of this legacy is the Chinese diaspora and cultural influence in many countries of the Asia-Pacific region. Choose a city or island mentioned in the text as a regular stopover during the seven voyages described and outline the Chinese influence there from the 15th century to the present. Is there a significant Chinese population living there? If so, what is its origin? What folktales, music, literature, food, dress, handicrafts, or other aspects of culture have a Chinese influence?