Final answer:
In Chinese history, the concept of turning away from global trade is known as isolationism. This move was characterized by banning foreign travel and destroying ocean-going ships to prioritize internal stability and tradition over foreign interactions.
Step-by-step explanation:
The concept of turning away from global trade in Chinese history is referred to as isolationism. After the voyages of Zheng He, China experienced an inward turn significantly influenced by the Confucian court, claiming that extensive foreign contact disrupted the traditional Chinese way of life. This move towards isolationism included the banning of foreign travel, the destruction of ocean-going ships, and an increased focus on building defensive structures, such as the Great Wall of China.
Historic interpretations for China's shift to isolationism during the Ming dynasty include concerns about natural disasters seen as bad omens, extravagant expenses under the rule of Emperor Yung Lo, and Neo-Confucian ideals that opposed expansion. Despite the exact reasons being a matter of debate among historians, the underlying theme remains that China adopted an isolationist policy, which significantly affected its foreign policy and trade for a period, causing it to withdraw from the globalization trends that were beginning to shape the world at the time.