In 1974, archeologists discovered a junk, or a Chinese ship, that was abandoned sometime around 1270 in the port of Quanzhou.  Onboard was cargo that conclusively proved the ship had been up and down the east coast of Africa.   Subsequent investigations showed extensive contact between Africa and China from as early as 800.  Chinese coins and pottery have been found in archeological digs in East Africa from present-day Somalia to Tanzania, and even a few artifacts in present-day Zimbabwe. 

In 1414, during the Ming Dynasty,  the Chinese admiral Cheng Ho sailed into the Indian Ocean with a fleet that dwarfed Columbus’s meager ships 78 years later.  This voyage marked the third time the Admiral had sailed the Pacific and Indian oceans, exploring the world.  He brought back information, trade goods, and a Giraffe, a gift for the emperor of China.

Read MF Thomas' novels

Like Clockwork https://amzn.to/417lOzy
Arcade https://amzn.to/4aTpisx
A Sickness in Time https://amzn.to/41apSPK
Seeing by Moonlight ...