Additionally Present a Laurel “Diplomat” to Zheng He

Since the biography of the great navigator Zheng He was published by Liang Qi-chao in 1904,it has been proved and assessed that Zheng He as a great navigator in Ming Dynasty is no doubt and apropos according to new discovery,historical remains and materials made by historians.But there are various statements among academic contend of the topic about the purpose of Zheng He to the west.These statements include that he traced Emperor Jian Wen,publicized might of a nation,showed military power to external regions,engaged in foreign trade,paid tribute of trade to an imperial court and so on. In author's opinion,the main mission of Zheng He to the west seven times was to carry out Ming Emperor Cheng Zu's diplomatic policies,i.e.to open the country for external world,to enjoy peaceful coexistence and good fortune of peace with all countries.The navigation trade was put on the secondary place.There are three arguments to state the seven diplomatic activities of Zheng He to the west.During the period of 28 years of Zheng He to the west,he frequently engaged in the diplomatic activities through his sailing and built a friendship bridge between China and Asia-African countries.He made a glorious page not only in Chinese navigation history but also in the world navigation and diplomatic history.So,when appraising Zheng He's position in history and his action as a great navigator,the laurel of an outstanding diplomat should be additionally presented to Zheng He.