Six centuries ago, Chinese Admiral Zheng He embarked on the first voyage of a career that encompassed destinations as far as India, Persia, Arabia, and Africa. Though his achievements were forgotten for centuries, a re-emergence of interest in his story coincides with China’s dramatic rise. As historian Wang Gungwu notes, it also coincides with the publication of a controversial theory: Scholar Gavin Menzies has claimed that Zheng He reached North America and the Atlantic a century before Columbus sailed. While nationalistic Chinese citizens are celebrating the naval expeditions and embracing Menzies’ theory, the response of the Chinese government has been more muted. Beijing is cautiously joining in the anniversary celebrations, but emphasizes the peaceful nature of his journeys. China’s neighbors and other major world powers, who have not forgotten her imperial years, are watching closely.
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