Answer:
China was at the time the largest manufacturer in the World, pratically without the need of importing any goods.
Step-by-step explanation:
China during the initial phases of the Age of Discovery was the largest manufacturer in the World. Essentially,the Chinese produced everything from basic to luxury goods and did not hold any regard for trading activities if these activities were not also part of the tributary system. For almost 250 years, China hold a favorable balance, until the British used the opium to pay for goods, instead of silver.