Zheng He: China Embraces Legacy of ‘Legendary’ 15th Century Explorer
Travel Blog • Michael Yessis • 02.18.08 | 5:07 PM ET
The city of Nanjing plans to reproduce one of the boats in the fleet of Zheng He, who led explorations to Vietnam, Siam, Malacca, Java, India, Sri Lanka, Arabia and other lands in the early 15th century, well before European explorers made their marks on history. From Archaeology magazine:
China’s leaders are seizing on history as a tool to influence the perception of the nation abroad. Through a careful, calculated celebration of Zheng He and his travels, the government hopes to project an image of itself as open and benevolent—a powerful but peaceful nation interested in trade, not domination.
The recreation of one of China’s “Treasure Ships” is the centerpiece of the effort. It’s based on archaeological evidence of a Zheng He boat, and is being built with many 15th century methods. Ten million dollars and three years have been budgeted for the project. Once it’s completed, a crew will climb aboard and trace Zheng He’s travels.
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Michael Yessis is the cofounder and coeditor-in-chief of World Hum.
John M. Edwards 02.18.08 | 7:58 PM ET
Hi Michael:
Astounding.
This reminds me a little bit of the notorious Central Asian Mohammedan leader, General Ma.
When Sir Fitzroy Maclean, Scottish adventurer and sexual athlete, met a diplomat in the Chinese embassy during the “Great Game” occuring during the 1920s and 30s, the Chinaman translated Maclean’s name, with evident mirth:
“Ma-ke-ling!” (translation: the horse that corrupts the morals).
When asked if he had anything to do with the powerful rebel leader General Ma, Mclean deadpanned the equivalent of “assuredly not.”
Reminds us of our own run-ins with officialdom, n’est-ce pas?