In China, starting from 1500, laws were enacted that imposed severe penalties on shipbuilding, specifically prohibiting ships with more than two masts, with the death penalty for violators. By 1551, the restrictions tightened further, making it illegal to sail on such vessels. These actions reflect a shift towards isolationism, impacting maritime exploration and trade.

Additionally, the historical records of the voyages led by the famous admiral Zheng He were systematically destroyed, suggesting an effort to erase the memory of China's seafaring past. Zheng He himself died under mysterious circumstances, likely being buried at sea, marking the end of an era of Chinese maritime leadership.