The Seven Voyages of Zheng He

One of the enduring symbols of the Ming dynasty's eagerness to extend international relations under its third emperor, Yongle, is the seven sea voyages of Zheng He. Yongle's predecessors had been cautious to the point of isolationism when it came to foreign affairs, largely out of fear of military conquest by neighbouring peoples, especially the Mongols. More secure on his imperial throne, and having grabbed it in the first place after a three-year civil war, Yongle perhaps sought some international legitimacy for his position as emperor.