Cause & Context
Strict early Ming maritime prohibitions paralyzed coastal commerce and fueled smuggling and piracy; upon accession, the Longqing Emperor resolved to liberalize maritime policy.
Epochal Overview
In 1567 CE, Emperor Longqing legalized private maritime commerce at Yuegang (Moon Harbor) in Fujian, allowing merchant junks to trade across Southeast Asia under state customs licensing.
Key Figures
The Longqing Emperor and Fujian Governor Tu Zemin led the policy reversal, enabling Fujianese maritime traders to connect directly with the Pacific trade.
Civilizational Impact
The reform integrated Ming China into the Age of Discovery, anchoring the Manila Galleon trade and drawing over one-third of the world's silver from the Americas directly into Chinese markets.