Ambitions: The primary objective of the treasure voyages was to further demonstrate Ming power, after the first emperors initiated campaigns to eradicate domestic and foreign foreign threats. The third emperor of the Ming Dynasty, Zhu Di or the Yongle Emperor, had not only led major campaigns against Mongolian tribes to the north and west, but also revived the traditional tribute system as he wanted those in other countries to perceive it as the strong country he believed it had been in earlier Chinese dynasties. These countries regularly gave gifts of tribute in exchange for certain benefits, like military posts and trade treaties. In this system, all benefited, with both peace and trade assured. Deciding that China should make use of its extremely advanced technology and all the riches …show more content…
After an attempted plundering, Zheng He 's forces attacked, killing more than 5,000 pirates, sinking ten of their ships and capturing seven more, with Chen Zuyi being taken back to China and beheaded in 1407, an example of the Chinese reaffirming power over maritime routes. Pleased with China’s increased prestige in the Indian Ocean basin and with the tributes brought by the many foreign emissaries, the Yongle emperor provided monetary rewards to Zheng He and his entire force of officers and sailors.
Zheng He’s Fourth Treasure Voyage (1413 - 1415): On 18 December 1412, the Yongle Emperor issued the order for the fourth voyage, again commanding Admiral Zheng He to lead it. The Yongle Emperor had two primary goals for the trip; to return “barbarian” envoys who had attended an archery contest for the Midsummer Festival of 1413 to their countries, and to return with the riches of the Persian Gulf. The fleet, composed of 63 vessels and 28,560 men, left Nanjing in the autumn of 1413, sailing along much the same route as the previous three