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In this ground-breaking, posthumous study, the late Lo Jung-pang discusses the geographic, political, and commercial factors that led to the emergence of seapower and a navy under the Ming. While Zheng He and his seven expeditions have received some scholarly attention, few understand the long history of maritime engagement which provided the nautical and technical background for these voyages. The evolution of this maritime engagement and its extension into the Indian Ocean is the focus of Lo’s still-timely and highly significant work.
Empire in the Western Ocean represents the most comprehensive and insightful English-language treatment to date of the evolution and activities of the early Ming navy. Moreover, it encourages further inquiry into contemporary questions of China’s maritime aspirations.
Lo Jung-pang (1912–1981) was the premier Western-language historian of China’s maritime history. He was professor of Chinese history at the University of California, Davis since 1969.
Bruce A. Elleman is William V. Pratt Professor of International History, U.S. Naval War College. His specialization includes East Asian international relations and Chinese military history.
Exordium
The Upsurge of the Red Turbans
The Battle of Poyang Lake and the Expulsion of the Mongols
Geographical Lore and Navigational Arts
Maritime Transportation and Coastal Defense
Ships and Armaments
Imperialism, the Chinese Variety
Steps to Pax Sinica
The Uneasy Peace with Japan and the War with Annam
A Spirit of Military and Economic Enterprise
Conclusion: The Decline of the Early Ming Navy