China’s Maritime Commerce and Naval Activities in Northeast Asia During the “Yuan-Ming Rupture” (late 14th century)

The Penglai port (north China) has been used as a strategic commercial and military base for maritime enterprises since ancient times. A comparative analysis of written and archaeological sources will shed new light on China’s maritime policy and the interaction of official (naval) authorities and private commerce in a much understudied geographical space during a period of a fundamental dynastic shift.