Question

The following excerpt is from a secondary source about Zheng He, who sailed from China to Southwestern Asia and East Africa with a large fleet to impress China’s neighbors and expand trade.

The first expedition of this mighty armada (1405-07) was composed of 317 ships, including perhaps as many as sixty huge Treasure Ships, and nearly 28,000 men. In addition to thousands of sailors, builders and repairmen for the trip, there were soldiers, diplomatic specialists, medical personnel, astronomers, and scholars … The fleet stopped in Champa (central Vietnam) and Siam (today's Thailand) and then on to island Java, to points along the Straits of Malacca, and then proceeded to its main destination of Cochin and the kingdom of Calicut on the southwestern coast of India.

Which detail suggests that Zheng He’s expeditions were intended to expand the exchange of knowledge in addition to trade?

The inclusion of astronomers and scholars in the expedition
The inclusion of builders and repairmen in the expedition
The inclusion of soldiers and sailors in the expedition
The inclusion of diplomats and medical personnel in the expedition

Answer 1

The inclusion of astronomers and scholars in the expedition

Explanation: astronomers and scholars indicate a purpose beyond commerce—carrying and exchanging scientific, technical, and cultural knowledge—whereas builders, repairmen, soldiers, sailors, diplomats, and medical staff primarily served practical, military, or diplomatic roles.