The Ming Dynasty’s Maritime Ambitions

In the early 15th century, the Ming Dynasty under Emperor Yongle launched one of history’s most extraordinary naval expeditions. At the heart of this maritime expansion stood Zheng He, the Muslim eunuch admiral who would lead seven epic voyages across the Indian Ocean. These expeditions represented China’s unprecedented projection of soft power through diplomacy, trade, and cultural exchange rather than military conquest.

The second voyage (1407-1409) proved particularly significant, establishing patterns that would characterize all subsequent missions. Unlike European colonial ventures that followed centuries later, Zheng He’s fleet carried scholars and diplomats alongside soldiers, seeking to extend China’s tributary system through peaceful means. The voyages served multiple purposes: demonstrating Ming power, facilitating trade, and collecting tribute from distant lands.

The Bruneian King’s Historic Visit

One of the most remarkable events during Zheng He’s second voyage was the reciprocal visit by King Ma-na-jia-jia-na of Brunei (known as Boni in Ming records). This small but prosperous kingdom on Borneo’s northern coast had maintained friendly relations with China since the Song Dynasty. When Zheng He’s fleet arrived in 1407, it wasn’t their first contact – during the initial voyage, co-commander Wang Jinghong had already visited Brunei to formally recognize the new king.

In 1408, King Ma-na-jia-jia-na embarked on an unprecedented journey to China with a 150-member entourage including his queen, brothers, and other nobles. The Ming court rolled out the red carpet for this first visiting monarch from overseas. After being welcomed in Fujian with lavish banquets, the Bruneian delegation proceeded to Nanjing where they presented precious gifts: dragon’s brain incense, tortoiseshell, rhinoceros horn, and gold-embroidered textiles.

Tragically, the 28-year-old king fell ill and died in Nanjing. His dying wish to be buried in China deeply moved Emperor Yongle, who ordered three days of mourning and interred him with royal honors near Nanjing. The rediscovered tomb in 1958 stands as testament to this extraordinary cultural encounter. The king’s final words – “Though born in a remote land, I am fortunate to witness the prosperity of this heavenly kingdom” – capture the awe many visitors felt toward Ming China’s splendor.

Buddhist Diplomacy in Sri Lanka

Zheng He’s second voyage also left enduring marks on Sri Lanka (then called Ceylon or Serendib). As a devout Buddhist himself, Zheng He understood the importance of respecting local religious traditions. During his first visit, he had already presented copies of the Lotus Sutra to local temples. The second visit saw even grander gestures – donations of gold, silver, silk banners, bronze incense burners, and other treasures to major Buddhist sites.

Most remarkably, Zheng He erected a trilingual stone tablet in Chinese, Tamil, and Persian at Galle. This remarkable artifact, discovered in 1911, lists lavish donations including:
– 1,000 gold coins
– 5,000 silver coins
– 50 rolls of colored silk
– Gilded silk banners
– Exquisite incense burners
– 2,500 measures of oil for lamps

This strategic display of piety and generosity strengthened China’s reputation as a benevolent power while showcasing Ming wealth and craftsmanship. The multi-language inscription demonstrated Zheng He’s inclusive approach to the diverse cultures he encountered.

Architectural Wonders of Angkor

While returning from the Indian subcontinent in 1409, Zheng He’s fleet stopped at Cambodia’s Khmer Empire. The magnificent ruins of Angkor Wat, then still an active religious center, left the Chinese visitors awestruck. Crew member Fei Xin recorded detailed observations about the sprawling temple complex with its five lotus-shaped towers, intricate bas-reliefs, and massive stone construction.

The Chinese particularly admired two architectural marvels:
1. The “Sky Palace” – A 12-meter high pyramid structure with a golden central tower that appeared to float above the jungle canopy
2. The “Queen’s Palace” (Banteay Srei) – A pink sandstone complex covered in exquisite carvings depicting Hindu epics and daily Khmer life

These Khmer architectural achievements later influenced Ming religious architecture, particularly in Nanjing’s Great Bao’en Temple and its famous porcelain pagoda. The cultural exchange flowed both ways – Chinese ceramics from this period have been excavated at Angkor archaeological sites.

The Ceylon Campaign

Beneath the veneer of cultural diplomacy, Zheng He’s second voyage also revealed the fleet’s military capabilities. Tensions had been brewing with Ceylon’s King Alakeshvara (Yaliekunaier in Chinese records), who had previously mistreated Chinese Buddhist pilgrims and harassed neighboring states.

When Zheng He returned to Ceylon in 1409, the king attempted to ambush the fleet and seize its treasures. In a brilliant tactical maneuver, Zheng He divided his forces – while one contingent defended the ships, he led 2,000 troops on a nighttime raid that captured the Ceylonese royal family. This decisive victory demonstrated several key points:
– The Ming fleet’s military readiness despite its peaceful mission
– Zheng He’s strategic brilliance in foreign terrain
– Early use of firearms (“signal cannons”) in naval operations

Rather than imposing harsh punishment, Emperor Yongle showed remarkable leniency – releasing the captive king while installing a more cooperative ruler. This measured response enhanced China’s reputation for both strength and magnanimity.

Legacy of the Second Voyage

Zheng He’s second expedition established crucial precedents for all subsequent voyages:
1. Cultural Diplomacy: The respectful engagement with Brunei’s Islam, Ceylon’s Buddhism, and Cambodia’s Hinduism set the tone for cross-cultural exchange
2. Tributary Relations: The Bruneian king’s visit became the model for future foreign dignitaries paying homage to the Ming court
3. Naval Power: The Ceylon campaign proved China’s ability to protect its interests abroad
4. Knowledge Exchange: Detailed records of foreign lands, cultures, and technologies enriched Chinese understanding of the world

The material evidence of these encounters – from Brunei’s “Wang Zongbing Road” (named for Zheng He’s lieutenant) to the Galle trilingual stele – continues to remind us of this extraordinary chapter in global history. In an era before European expansion, Zheng He’s fleet created a network of peaceful exchange that stretched from Southeast Asia to East Africa, leaving cultural imprints that endure to this day.

The second voyage’s blend of diplomacy, cultural exchange, and selective military action established the template that would make the Treasure Fleet missions among history’s most successful exercises in soft power projection – a model that still resonates in our interconnected world.