Final answer:
The Ming emperors' decision to stop foreign exploration and limit trade led to China's isolation from the evolving global economy, reinforcing self-sufficiency and minimizing foreign influence, but potentially hindering its long-term technological and economic advancement.
Step-by-step explanation:
Upon the death of Ming Emperor Yung Lo, the policy towards foreign exploration and trade shifted dramatically. The Ming emperors following Yung Lo discontinued the naval expeditions and exploration that had characterized the earlier part of the dynasty. Instead, they implemented a policy whereby foreign powers were only allowed to bring their goods to China, initially in their own ships. Over time, this policy became even more restrictive with trade limited exclusively to the port of Canton. This inward turn had profound effects on China and its position in the world.
The cessation of Chinese naval exploration and the restriction of foreign trade had several key effects. These actions reinforced China's self-sufficiency and its view of itself as a center of civilization. Foreign influence was minimized, preventing external ideas from potentially challenging the authority and social structure within China. However, this isolationism also meant that China was less involved in the burgeoning global trade networks being established by European powers, which would have significant impacts on its technological and economic development in the long term. This policy of isolation would continue until the Qing dynasty, which similarly attempted to uphold traditional Confucian values while engaging in limited trade with Europeans.