By the beginning of the 15th century, China possessed the most formidable navy that had ever existed. This fleet, known as the Treasure Fleet, was under the command of Admiral Zheng He and made journeys into the Indian Ocean, travelling to East Africa and even the Middle East. It was a clear indication of the dominance of the Chinese in technology, economy, and international relations before the emergence of the European empires. However, by the beginning of the 16th century, specifically around 1525, the treasure fleet was disbanded, and the Chinese started to look inwards. This shift marked a turning point in global history, as China’s withdrawal from maritime exploration opened the door for European powers to expand their influence across the seas.
