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Starting in 1405, the Ming Emperor Yongle dispatched Zheng He to lead a series of voyages throughout the Indian Ocean basin.  These fleets were to be a show of Chinese power as well as demand tribute from the many foreign states within the region.  In this episode, I discuss the economic and political reasons for the expeditions, what they accomplished, and why the Ming Dynasty suddenly ended them.

Here's a link to Gavin Menzie's book:  1421: The Year China Discovered America
Here are two links summarizing some of the criticisms against Menzie's claims:
Review by historian Louise Levathes in the Washington Post: Global Crossing
1421 Exposed (Internet Archive) 

Map of Zheng He's voyages

Other Books
When China Ruled the Seas: The Treasure Fleet of the Dragon Throne 1405-1433 by Louise Levathes
Zheng He: China And the Oceans in the Early Ming Dynasty, 1405-1433 by Edward Dreyer

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Intro Music: Hayden Symphony #39
Outro Music: Vivaldi Concerto for Mandolin and Strings in D