Ming Dynasty maritime prohibition and overseas trade

Author: Chao Zhongchen
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-04-01
Features: The term "sea ban" refers to the prohibition of overseas trade, primarily targeting private overseas trade, while maritime trade with foreign regions was also strictly restricted. Before the Ming Dynasty, either official ships were sent overseas, or private ships were permitted to trade after obtaining official approval, with no concept of a "sea ban." After Zhu Yuanzhang established the Ming Dynasty, he implemented a sea ban, prohibiting private ships from going to sea and refusing to send official ships for trade. Foreign merchant ships were also forbidden from coming to China, and the exchange of goods between China and foreign countries was strictly limited to a very small-scale tributary trade. This was essentially a reaction against the development of overseas trade since the Song and Yuan dynasties. During the Yongle era, the sea ban policy was somewhat relaxed, and Zheng He's voyages to the West were launched, with private overseas trade gradually developing in secret. The collection system was introduced during the Zhengde era, giving the Ming court true taxation authority in overseas trade. This was a remarkable and significant transformation. Additionally, after the Zhengde era, Western colonizers gradually arrived in the East, further promoting the rapid development of private overseas trade.