Chapter 4, The Treasure Fleet Summary and Analysis

In 1403, the Emperor ordered the Fujian province to produce 137 oceangoing ships. A short while later, other provinces were charged with producing another 200 ships. Many already existing ships were refurbished for the high seas. Since vast amounts of lumber had to be processed from the interior regions, the majority of the empire was taking part in this ambitious shipbuilding mission. Artisans and craftsmen were recruited to design and build the vessels which were built with great care and dedication. The Chinese were the first to establish dry-docks which they had developed in the tenth century.

During this period, a new kind of junk designed for travel in the south seas was developed. It had sharply pointed hulls which could withstand travel through rough waters. To show the world the strength of his empire, the Emperor commissioned...