![]() Thus, access to trade commodities remains historically and contemporarily the main driver in the setting of maritime networks. Most maritime shipping activities focused around the Mediterranean, the northern Indian Ocean, Pacific Asia, and the North Atlantic, including the Caribbean. European colonial powers, mainly Spain, Portugal, England, the Netherlands, and France, were the first to establish a dependable global maritime trade network in the 16th century. However, for other nations, the projection of maritime power became of strategic interest of vital economic importance. Such expeditions were not permitted to continue mainly because China perceived itself as a continental power with maritime trade of limited interest. However, China’s attempt to assert regional maritime dominance was short-lived. In the early 15th century, Admiral Zheng He led a large Chinese fleet of more than 300 vessels manned by a crew of 28,000 to conduct seven major expeditions, one of which reached the East African coast. During the same period, maritime trade routes between the Middle East and Asia were established, mainly under the control of Arab merchants. By the 10th century, Chinese merchants frequented the South China Sea and the Indian Ocean, establishing regional trade networks. By 1,200 BCE, Egyptian ships traded as far as Sumatra, representing one of the longest maritime routes of that time. Maritime Geography and Routesįrom its modest origins as Egyptian coastal and river sailships around 3,200 BCE, maritime transportation has always been the dominant support of global trade. ![]() Maritime transportation concerns the movement of passengers and freight over water masses, from oceans to rivers. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |