Zheng He's Seventh Voyage Planned

1425

The Xuande Emperor, son of Yongle, hesitantly authorized one more treasure voyage against the wishes of his Confucian court. It would sail in 1431 and be the last. The Chinese state was withdrawing from oceanic engagement just as Portuguese caravels were beginning their systematic southward push. The interval reflected fierce bureaucratic resistance from Confucian officials who regarded the voyages as ruinous extravagance.