The documents labeled Zheng He and Anonymous Journal, relate to visits to the western coast of India by the Chinese and the Portuguese, respectively. Compare and contrast these two encounters (i.e....

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Table of contents
Discussion    3
References    6
Discussion
    In the history of maritime exploration and commerce, the contacts between the Chinese and Portuguese throughout the 15th and 16th centuries with the western coast of India were significant (França, Gaspar & Mathias, 2024). The Zheng He record and the Anonymous Journal both detail these interactions, which provide insight into the reasons behind these missions and the divergent reactions they encountered from the Indian population.
    The Ming dynasty commissioned Zheng He to go on a broader diplomatic and commerce expedition, which included trips from 1405 to 1433. The Zheng He paper shows that the Chinese had a variety of goals in mind, including commerce network development, imperial showmanship, and diplomatic overtures. This diplomatic element is best illustrated by the following passage from the document: "We have been sent as envoys to all nations, to ensure the cultivation of good relations and the extension of our nation's authority." Zheng He's missions sought to strengthen foreign connections and position China as a powerful worldwide force in addition to promoting trade.
    In contrast, the Portuguese had a more commercial orientation when they set out on their expeditions to India in the late 15th century, led by explorers such as...