"The Imperial Ming Dynasty, in unifying seas and continents, surpassing the three dynasties even unto Tang and Han, has proclaimed its mandate on all peoples who look to the throne. In the seventh year of Yongle, the Emperor, displeased with the extravagance and disorderliness of the tribute system, ordered the eunuch Zheng He to proceed to their countries to proclaim his mandate. From the third year of Yongle to the present Xuande period we have seven times received the commission of ambassadors to the countries of the Western Ocean. The barbarian countries which we have visited are more than thirty; the most distant ones being approximately one hundred thousand li from China."

Zheng He and Wang Jinghong, stone inscription at the Tianfei Temple, Changle, Fujian Province, 1431. The inscription was commissioned before the seventh and final voyage of the treasure fleet. It records the previous voyages and their purpose.