The Treasure Fleets were all about showing off the might of the Ming Empire. It wasn't to set up permanent colonies, but to reinforce existing tributaries and demand recognition of the Emperor's superiority. Once they felt that was accomplished, the cost-benefit just didn’t add up anymore. Internal politics and the shift to land-based threats made sea power a lower priority.

Cause they did the right thing and stayed home? Maybe they just didn't want to deal with the headache colonies bring. Can't say I blame them 😂

There are numerous reasons, but one of the most significant is the changing priorities of the Ming court. The dynasty viewed themselves as the civilizational peak and did not have an economic model that necessitated overseas colonies to acquire resources or markets for goods. The introspection and focus on internal stability, Confucian ideals, and an agricultural-based economy all contributed to their lack of interest in setting up overseas colonies like the European powers did later on.

A key factor is that after Zheng He's voyages, China began to enforce the Haijin, maritime prohibitions, which limited private maritime trade and naval exploration. This policy, intended to protect the country from piracy and secure its borders, also restricted naval advancements and overseas exploration that could have led to colonies. They had their reasons, but yeah, history might’ve been different if those policies hadn't happened.

You gotta consider that China's philosophy and worldview played a big part. They viewed themselves as the center of culture and civilization. There wasn’t the same drive or ideological backing for colonization like in Europe. Their navies were more about projecting power and influence than establishing colonies.

idk much, but i think china was really into being self-sufficient and saw themselves as the Middle Kingdom n all that, so they didnt really see the point in colonizing maybe?

Interesting question! The maritime expeditions led by Zheng He were more about displaying China's power and wealth and establishing tributary relationships than actual colonization. After Zheng He's death in 1433 and with the ascension of the Xuande Emperor, the voyages were stopped due to the high costs and limited tangible benefits. Moreover, civil officials in the Ming government saw them as unnecessary and wasteful. This inward turn was solidified by later emperors as China focused on continental threats and issues.

So fascinating right? It boils down to a few things. China had a history of tributary relationships rather than colonial rule. Plus, the Ming government pulled back on the naval expeditions for economic and political reasons. There was a lot of debate at court about the value of these voyages, and eventually, isolationist policies won out.