What policies did the Ming and Qing governments adopt towards foreign trade in Chinese history?

What are the reasons for this policy?

During the Ming and Qing Dynasties, the Chinese government adopted a maritime ban policy to restrict foreign trade.

This is for a number of reasons: 1. Self-sufficiency: Since China has historically been an agricultural society, economic development mainly relies on internal resources and markets.

Therefore, the government believes that foreign trade is not important because China's market is already large enough.

2. Protect national security: Communication with the outside world may bring potential threats, especially when foreign forces try to penetrate and control China.

To avoid this, the government introduced measures to restrict trade.

3. Maintain social stability: Frequent contact with the outside world may bring new ideas and concepts, which may have an adverse impact on China's social stability.

4. Prevent piracy and foreign aggression: Part of the reason for the maritime ban policy is to prevent piracy and foreign aggression.

In short, the governments of the Ming and Qing dynasties adopted policies to restrict foreign trade for various reasons.

However, this does not mean that the government completely excludes contact with the outside world.

For example, during Zheng He's voyages to the West during the Ming Dynasty, the government briefly allowed trade with Southeast Asia.