The Ming Shilu (明實錄), or the Veritable Records of the Ming Dynasty, is arguably the most important primary source for understanding the early relationship between China and the Malacca Sultanate. Unlike later historical summaries, the Ming Shilu contains contemporary, daily records of court activities, diplomatic missions, and imperial decrees.
Here is a breakdown of its significance and what it reveals about the China-Malacca relationship:
1. The Foundation of Diplomatic Ties
The Ming Shilu provides the specific dates and details for the "opening" of Malacca to the world.
1403 Mission: It records the arrival of the Chinese eunuch Yin Qing (尹慶) in Malacca. This was the first official contact between the Ming court and the founder of Malacca, Parameswara (referred to as Bai-li-mi-su-la in the text).
1405 Recognition: It documents the official enfeoffment of Malacca as a "kingdom" (rather than just a fishing village or chiefdom), granting Parameswara a silk robe, a yellow umbrella, and a silver seal.
2. Strategic Protection and the "Yellow Umbrella"
One of the most critical aspects documented in the Ming Shilu is Malacca's use of China as a security guarantor.
Protection from Siam (Ayutthaya): The records detail multiple instances where Malacca complained of Siamese aggression. The Ming Shilu contains the text of imperial warnings sent to the King of Siam, ordering him not to invade Malacca because it was a "minister of the court" (tributary state).
Vassal Status: It describes the "Tributary System" in action, where Malacca’s security was exchanged for symbolic submission and trade rights.
3. Record of Royal Visits
The Ming Shilu is unique because it meticulously logs the personal travels of Malaccan royalty to China—a rare occurrence for any foreign ruler at the time.
1411 Visit: It records Parameswara’s personal visit to the Ming capital (Nanjing) with a retinue of 540 people. It describes the banquets, the gifts (gold, silver, and silk), and the fact that his wife and son accompanied him.
Succession Records: It logs subsequent visits by Sultan Megat Iskandar Shah and Sultan Muzaffar Shah, which helps historians cross-reference and correct the often-contradictory dates found in the Sejarah Melayu (Malay Annals).
4. Comparison with Other Sources
To get a full picture of the China-Malacca relationship, historians often use the Ming Shilu alongside these other primary sources:
| Source | Nature of Information |
| Ming Shilu | Official/Political: Focused on dates, names, tribute items, and imperial decrees. |
| Yingyai Shenglan | Cultural/Social: Written by Ma Huan (Zheng He’s translator); describes Malaccan people, food, and the environment. |
| Sejarah Melayu | Literary/Traditional: The Malay perspective, focusing on genealogy and legends (like the story of Princess Hang Li Po). |
| Suma Oriental | European: Portuguese account by Tomé Pires, providing an outsider's view of the trade and the city's layout. |
Why this matters to historians
The Ming Shilu is valued for its chronological precision. While the Sejarah Melayu is rich in cultural narrative, its dates are often fluid or legendary. The Ming Shilu provides the "hard" timeline that proves Malacca was not just a regional power but a central node in the Ming Dynasty’s maritime strategy.
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10 January 2026: 12.29 p.m
