Zhu Di's ascension to the throne as the Yongle Emperor of China greatly benefited Zheng He, who was a eunuch and trusted advisor of Zhu Di. Yongle recognized Zheng He's talents and appointed him as the commander of a series of naval expeditions that aimed to establish Chinese dominance and expand trade in the Indian Ocean. Zheng He led seven expeditions during the early 15th century, which greatly enhanced China's reputation as a powerful and prosperous nation, and helped establish trade relations with many Southeast Asian and African nations. Yongle's support for Zheng He's expeditions provided him with the resources and authority to undertake these ambitious voyages, which brought back valuable goods, knowledge, and diplomatic alliances to China.