Final answer:
China ended overseas exploration after Zheng He's death due to emerging isolationism, economic concerns, and a shift towards trade-based acquisition of goods. The Ming Dynasty thereafter concentrated on internal affairs and minimized foreign influences.
Step-by-step explanation:
The voyages of Zheng He were a significant part of China's maritime history, showcasing the nation's naval prowess during the early 15th century. However, after Zheng He's last voyage in 1433 and his subsequent death, the Chinese government under Zhu Zhanji, the successor to the Yongle Emperor, decided to end these expensive overseas explorations and focus on internal matters. There were several reasons for this shift in policy, including a sense of isolationism that took root in the Chinese court, a desire to save money by eliminating the costs associated with maintaining a large fleet, and an emerging preference for obtaining goods through trade rather than direct exploration.
Following the end of the expeditions, China's naval ships were left in disrepair, and eventually, the navigational charts were destroyed, marking a significant change in the country's approach to maritime activities. The Ming Dynasty's focus shifted towards consolidating control internally and minimizing foreign influences, reflecting a broader inward-turning trend that began to characterize Chinese policies during the 15th century.