Super Short Summary

When China Ruled the Seas by Louise Levathes explores a three-decade period in the early 15th century under the Ming dynasty when China, under the Yongle Emperor Zhu Di and Admiral Zheng He, launched seven major voyages with its immense treasure fleet. These expeditions aimed to establish trade networks, show China’s grandeur, and conduct diplomatic missions. The book details the vast fleet's journeys to various regions, including Vietnam, Thailand, India, the Strait of Hormuz, Aden, and the east coast of Africa. The voyages ceased after Zhu Di's death, leading China to turn inward and lose its maritime dominance.