What happened
Seven expeditions sailed between 1405 and 1433, ordered first by the Yongle Emperor and finally by the Xuande Emperor, under the Muslim eunuch admiral Zheng He. The fleets were among the largest wooden fleets ever assembled — the biggest counting well over two hundred ships and over 27,000 personnel — and sailed as far as Malindi on the East African coast.
Background
The purpose was tribute diplomacy and the display of Ming power, not colonization.
Consequences
Dozens of states entered tribute relations with the Ming. After 1433 the voyages ended amid cost concerns and shifting priorities, and China turned away from state-backed ocean expeditions.