PERANAN LAKSAMANA CHENG HO DALAM HUBUNGAN DIPLOMATIK CHINA DENGAN KERAJAAN SRIWIJAYA

Abstract

This study aims to describe the history of Admiral Zheng He's arrival in the Sriwijaya Kingdom, describe the Sriwijaya Kingdom's diplomatic relations with China, and describe the role of Cheng Ho in the Sriwijaya Kingdom. This research is a type of qualitative research with historical research methods. The research method used is heuristic, verification, interpretation, and historiography steps. The results of the research obtained were the arrival of Zheng He to Sriwijaya to capture the rebels from China who were pirate kingpins and succeeded in controlling trade routes in Sumatra. Then, it continued with the diplomatic relations between Srivijaya and China which had existed since the Tang Dynasty. The establishment of cooperative relations between the kingdoms of Sriwijaya and China had an impact on the field of culture, especially through Buddhism. And the role of Admiral Zheng He in the Srivijaya kingdom was to secure trade routes in the waters of Sumatra and conduct four expeditions. The first expedition was to establish friendly relations and peace between China and Sriwijaya. Second, to show the tribute-paying kingdoms the emergence of a new ruler in China. Third, to make trades. And the fourth is to conduct international relations.