Ming Dynasty and Sea Trade

The Ming Dynasty’s relationship with sea trade was turbulent but also significant and can be broadly defined into political relations and the economy. Trade was opened and closed throughout Ming Chinese history like years before under Yuan control. Opening trade to China was like opening flood gates, maritime trade became ingrained culturally but more so economically for large areas of China. Trade routes were closed at points, however this was mainly to combat pirates who plundered the coast of China. Throughout this period trade never entirely stopped as smuggling was not uncommon. 

For emperors the role of sea trade was seen as largely political. The spread of Chinese tribute and receipt of international tribute demonstrated the reach and power of the Ming (and Hongwu). The exchange of tribute between countries such as the Polish shows the importance of trade as a political force, though the Polish were not able to buy their way into China, the method they used shows the influence of tribute on the Chinese. Historical evidence such as the traveller’s guide Dispatched on Favourable Winds show an impressive reach of Chinese merchants throughout India and the Pacific. Chinese sea trade was important, for the commercial routes fostered a new China, with exotic goods returning in exchange for Chinese silk. This sometime disrupted the domestic market (in the case of silver) but the economic benefit was significant. As the Ming Dynasty progressed, closing the borders to trade was no longer a political option. The economic turmoil it would have caused would have been more significant seen than any political move against Japan. Despite this tribute and trade were linked for the Chinese Ming throughout the Dynasty and the adherence to Chinese customs mattered deeply to Emperors such as Hongwu. There was one pattern that did not change, for the Chinese open borders was more than just trade, it was cultural exchange and a political demonstration.