Zheng had diplomatic, scientific, and commercial goals while traveling farther than any other admiral in history. He visited more than 35 countries, utilizing more than 100 ships and nearly 28,000 men in his Grand Fleet. The largest vessels were 444-foot treasure ships. Could you imagine seeing a ship that was over a football field long?!
Today, China is back to their old ways as their ships are larger and faster than any other countries including our own (we are catching up). It wasn't military reasons as to why China got back in the game as they needed the largest and fastest ships possible to get their products to places like the U.S. They are scary smart.