Continuing Interest. In the Late Middle Ages (1300- 1500) there was a decided Western European interest in the Far East, in particular in China. Trade, although frequently dangerous and sometimes hindered by wars and local political struggles, continued along the Silk Road without abatement. Also continuing were Christian missionary efforts. While not significant, there was a European Catholic presence in Asia throughout the period as well.

John of Monte Corvino. This presence began in earnest in 1289 when Pope Boniface VIII sent Franciscan John of Monte Corvino on a mission to China. Monte Corvino traveled overland, following the Silk Road and preaching along the way, and reached Peking in late 1293 or early 1294. Once in China, and perhaps because of the recent death of Kublai Khan, he surmised that his efforts would be better spent in the Chinese region of Ongut (or Tenduc), which had...