The Ming dynasty stopped sending Zheng He on voyages due to a spirit of isolationism, financial reasons, and concerns over external influences. Zheng He's death and the lack of an equally capable successor also played a role. The resulting policy limited external contacts and focused on the preservation of traditional Chinese ways of life.
Reasons for the End of Zheng He's Voyages:
The Ming dynasty, under the rule of Zhu Zhanji, known as the Xuande Emperor, put an end to the grand voyages of Zheng He for several reasons.
- One prevailing theory suggests an emergent spirit of isolationism that characterized the court under Zhu Zanji. This policy shift was accompanied by a desire to save money and a determination to avoid the considerable expenses incurred by such maritime expeditions. Some historians also attribute the end of Zheng He's voyages to a lack of a capable successor who could match Zheng He's stature as an admiral.
- Additionally, Confucian scholars at court were concerned that extensive foreign contact was disruptive to Chinese society. Such concerns ultimately led the Ming government to restrict foreign travel, destroy ocean-going ships, and increasingly close China off from the rest of the world. This period also saw significant construction on the Great Wall of China, which further reinforces the character of Ming isolationism.
The decision to end the overseas expeditions was thus part of a broader strategy aimed at preserving traditional Chinese lifestyles and insulating the empire from external influences. Although the Chinese conducted significant oceanic voyages before their European counterparts and possessed superior naval technology, broader political and cultural considerations led to their maritime retrenchment.