Answer:
These are the right choices:
- They were too expensive
- China had little to gain from foreigners.
- The money they cost should be used to protect the country from invasion.
Step-by-step explanation:
The maritime expeditions of admiral Zheng He undoubtedly increased the prestige and the image of the Chinese emperor in Asia, but they were costly.
In the first place, the Chinese ships were very large and each fleet admiral Zheng He commanded was made of hundreds of vessels, with each vessel carrying goods, animals, troops and crews. At the same time, the empire faced the usual threats of military invasions or raids from the peoples of the north, a historical challenge for Chinese rulers of all times. When the generous sponsor of these voyages died, he was succeeded by a new ruler who, advised by his mandarins (top court officials), took the decision to stop the maritime voyages and focus efforts and resources on mainland defense.
Besides, China always saw itself as the center of civilization, so for many court officials, China did not have much to learn from foreigners.