Zheng He and Africa

    Li Xinfeng

Introduction

    This book is an academic monograph on the West Seas navigations of Zheng He and on the relationship between China and Africa,accurate,new and profound in every detail.The author gives a full analytical description to Zheng He’s westward navigations,to the relation between the navigations and Africa,to the influence of the navigations on Africa and,on the basis of these,traces the Chinese African immigration history back by 200-300 years.The author’s analysis and description are presented in integration of social sciences and natural sciences,in integration of laboratory studies and field surveys and in integration of historical significance and current influence,in such a three-in-one research method,which rests on detailed,full-range,multi-dimension,multi-perspective and in-depth insight,supported by abundant,new and first-hand information.

    What was the reason for Zheng He’s four arrivals in Africa in his Westward navigation?Did Zheng He himself ever visit Africa?Were the fleet science and technology strong enough to ensure the success of such oceangoing navigations?What kept such a huge fleet well organized and communicated?What were the relics and influences the Zheng He fleet left over in Africa?This book analyzes the strict organization/discipline and the scientific communication system of the fleet and gives a positive answer to the question about Zheng He’s personal visit to Africa.This book,after careful studies in the Ming Dynasty advanced shipbuilding science and technology,puts forward the new idea “Maritime Silk-Porcelain Route”,expounds the necessity and feasibility of following Zheng He’s route,provides new interpretations to the naming of "China Village"on the Kenyan Pate Island.convinces people of a much longer history of Chinese immigration to Africa.extends and expands its studies to New China’s African policies,manifests the realistic significance of Zheng He studies,rebuts the so-called "China Threat" and the “Neocolonialism” fallacies,supplies theoretical and practicable support to the"Eastward Orientation"of Africa and to the development of trade between China and Africa.This book,abundant in new ideas,fresh information and eye-opening findings,is an academic work that integrates intelligence,innovation and readability as a filler of vacancy in Africa studies and Zheng He studies.