Question

Describe the interaction between the Ming Dynasty and the Portuguese between 1513 and 1537.

Answer 1

Portugal established trading activities in China in 1513 when Jorge Alvares arrived.

In 1517 the King sent a mission and created a trade center at Nei Lingding.

Portugal and Ming Dynasty relationship gradually expanded but was deteriorated when Simão de Andrade arrived at Guangzhou in 1519. He violated their customs and laws, so Chinese people reacted by killing several Portuguese in the streets.

In 1521 the Emperor Zhengde died and the Ming Court lost interest in having relations with foreign countries.

There were two battles:

In 1521, every Portuguese vessel was confiscated and Chinese defeated a Portuguese fleet at The First Battle of Tamao

In 1522, Martim Alfonso de Merlo Coutinho was sent to establish diplomatic relations but the Chinese defeated them at The Second Battle of Tamao.

The Chinese resisted any Portuguese attempt to return. But in 1535 Portuguese Port Traders were allowed to anchor ships in Macau´s harbors and they could trade. Finally, in 1537 the Portuguese establish a little Colony at Macau to be administered by Chinese authorities.