We’ve discussed how the Sinocentric worldview of the Chinese was flipped during the long periods of non-Han rule. Instead of others bringing their tribute to China as the center of the world, they had to pay tribute to others. Zheng He’s voyages represent another adaptation of this worldview, in a sense. It still breaks with the original opinion that all others should be coming to China with tributary gifts, maintaining China as the superior center. However, despite Zheng He going into the “outer circles”, there are still tributary gifts being given, and the Ming are showing off their power and the place of superiority that they hold.
Writing and other content
