Evidence of a tangible nature dating back eight centuries can be found at the China Museum of the South China Sea.
Xin Lixue, director of the museum, sheds light on these historical relics: “In the South China Sea, the northeast monsoon starts in November every year. In the Age of Sail, without engines, it could take huge ships to faraway places. The next year, the southwest monsoon that comes in May or June would bring them back. The favorable timing and geographical and social conditions enabled us to open up the brilliant Maritime Silk Road.”
Reflecting on China’s maritime prowess, Xin notes that China mastered shipbuilding technology over 700 years before the West. The technology of watertight compartments, crucial for safe sea voyages, was developed during the Tang and Song dynasties, long before its adoption in the West during the Age of Discovery. Xin emphasizes that their research indicates the South China Sea was a hub of Chinese maritime trade and cultural exchange along the Maritime Silk Road, showcasing China’s enduring historical connections with the world.
Archaeological excavations in the South China Sea reveal extensive cultural exchanges during the Southern Song Dynasty 800 years ago. Over 10,000 relics, including over 3,000 powder boxes and other artifacts, were recovered from the Huaguang Reef No. 1 shipwreck in Xisha Islands. “This kind of powder box must have been a real hit 800 years ago,” Xin remarks.
Xin says that the museum has found 138 relic sites from the South China Sea. Their years of archeological excavation and research show that all were left by Chinese people. It was mainly Chinese people who worked, frequented and used the reefs and waters in the vast South China Sea. “The survey and research on our cultural relics as well as our archeological excavations show that these places were first found, named, used and governed by Chinese people,” says Xin.
Chinese experts say China’s history of continuous use and exercise of authority spans over 2,000 years. No other country can provide more definitive evidence to support a claim. But today, with so much more at stake, other countries are attempting to rewrite history, change the post-World War II status quo and interpret international laws in their own interests.
Xin emphasizes: “Archeology enables us to restore historical truths. When we know where we are from, we’ll know where we are now and where we are headed.” China’s maritime legacy serves as a testament to its historical rights and asserts its sovereignty in the South China Sea.
https://news.cgtn.com/news/2024-05-17/Unveiling-China-s-maritime-legacy-1tGrUTg7CsU/p.html