郑和下西洋与亚洲国际贸易网的建构

西方殖民势力东来以前,15世纪初形成的亚洲国际贸易网,是当时世界上最稳定、也最为繁盛的国际贸易网之一。它的形成,与郑和下西洋密不可分。郑和使团是史无前例的大规模贸易使团,远航持续近30年,开通了海道,完成了中国对外交往从陆路向海路的重大转折,将"和番"与"取宝"结合在一起,在给区域带来和平与秩序的同时,所到之地进行互惠互利贸易,也促使国际市场繁荣,推动商业贸易兴盛,导向区域经济发展。由此东西方商路大开。郑和下西洋后,民间私人海外贸易以及移民海外热潮兴起。一种以东方的航海模式、贸易模式和国际交往模式建构起来的亚洲国际贸易网,繁盛地存在了一个世纪,直至西方殖民势力东来才有所改变。

Zheng He's Expedition to the West Sea and the Construction of International Trade Network in Asia

Prior to the Westerners'visits to the East, the international trade network in Asia emerged in the early 15th century, which was one of the most stable and prosperous trade centers in the world. The formation of this trade network is closely related to Zheng He's expeditions to the West Sea. This unprecedented largest trade voyage had lasted for almost 30 years and opened the sea routes which made a turning point for China to start its contact with other countries by sea instead of previous routes by land only. And Zheng's voyage combined "keeping good-neighborly relations" with "seeking treasures". The voyage brought peace and order in the areas, conducted mutual-benefit and mutual-interest trades and promoted the prosperity of international market by further flourishing business which in turn caused the regional economic development. Such an international trade network based on an oriental marine navigation, trade and international exchanges and communication had be prospered for a whole century until the Westerners came to the East.