China continues to leverage the 15th-century voyages of Admiral Zheng He as the strategic and symbolic foundation for its modern maritime identity.

Commanding a “treasure fleet” that once dwarfed European vessels and reached East Africa, Zheng He’s expeditions provide a historical precedent for the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road and the broader Belt and Road Initiative.

While the Ming Dynasty transitioned to land-based defense after 1433, today’s naval resurgence is driven by modern industrialization. China’s contemporary policies frequently reference these ancient routes—which align closely with current “nine-dash line” claims—to promote a narrative of “peaceful development” and “friendship and trade” over conquest. This meticulously curated history serves to legitimize assertive maritime policies and build international goodwill.

To honor this heritage, China celebrates National Maritime Day every July 11, marking the anniversary of Zheng He’s first voyage. By linking historical dominance with modern ambitions, China reinforces its presence in the South China Sea as a return to a peaceful, established order rather than a new expansion. Reported in National Geographic.