Zheng He''s Voyages to Africa in the 15th Century: The Maritime Silk and Porcelain Road

Though it has been some six centuries since explorer Zheng He visited Africa, scholar Li Xinfeng finds connections between Zheng's voyages and China-Africa relations today.

Li discusses Zheng's travels at length, ranging from details of his ships and crews to the nature of the relationships that he forged. As he considers the explorer's legacy in the current global environment, he adds to our understanding of both China's Africa policy and its maritime strategy.

CONTENTS: 

• The Background to Zheng He's Four Voyages to Africa.
• An Analysis of the Voyages.
• The Far-Reaching Significance of Zheng He's Voyages.
• Advanced Shipbuilding Technology Employed in the Building of China's Treasure Ships.
• The Makeup of Zheng He's Divisions and Features of His Ships.
• Building a Replica of Zheng He's Ship and Traveling Zheng He's Path.
• Visiting the Chinese Village on Pate Island in Kenya.
• Double Dragon Jar Affirms China Connections.
• Influences of Zheng He's Fleet in Africa.
• The First Arrival of the Chinese Migrants to Africa in the Early Ming Dynasty.
• Zheng He's Voyages and China's Africa Policy Today.

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