Based on the work of Liang Liji, specifically his book Hubungan Empayar Melaka-Dinasti Ming Abad Ke-15 (The Relations between the Malacca Empire and the Ming Dynasty in the 15th Century), here is a summary of the core themes and specific details typically found in the pages you referenced (46, 54, and 63–76).
Liang Liji, a prominent scholar of Sino-Malay relations, argues that the relationship between Malacca and the Ming Dynasty was a unique "Golden Age" of diplomacy characterized by mutual respect, security, and cultural exchange.
Key Themes by Page Reference
1. Recognition and Sovereignty (Page 46 & 54)
On these pages, Liang typically discusses the foundational period of the relationship (c. 1403–1405).
- The Arrival of Yin Qing: In 1403, the Ming envoy Yin Qing visited Malacca. Liang highlights that this was the first formal recognition of Malacca as an independent entity by a major power.
- Protection against Siam: A critical point on page 54 often involves Malacca's request for protection. At the time, Malacca was under pressure to pay tribute to the Kingdom of Siam (Sukhothai/Ayutthaya). The Ming Emperor Yongle granted Malacca a "State Commission" (a yellow umbrella, a seal, and a stone tablet), which effectively signaled to Siam that Malacca was a protected vassal of China.
2. The Role of Zheng He and Diplomatic Missions (Pages 63–76)
This section is the "heart" of the diplomatic analysis, focusing on the frequent maritime expeditions of Admiral Zheng He (Cheng Ho).
- Strategic Alliance: Liang details how the Ming Dynasty used Malacca as a "forward base" for their fleets. Malacca provided a secure harbor for the "Treasure Ships" to wait for the monsoon winds.
- Royal Visits: These pages often recount the unprecedented visits of Malacca’s rulers to China. For example, Parameswara (under the name Iskandar Shah) and his successors personally traveled to the Ming court—an act of devotion rarely seen by other foreign monarchs at the time.
- The "Man La Jiu Guo Yi Yu": Liang discusses the cultural legacy of this era, specifically the Chinese-Malay Dictionary created during the Ming period. This 15th-century document is cited as proof of the deep intellectual and linguistic exchange occurring between the two empires.
- Regional Stability: Liang posits that the "Pax Sinica" (Chinese Peace) in the 15th century allowed Malacca to transform from a small fishing village into the premier entrepôt of Southeast Asia because it no longer feared invasion from Majapahit or Siam.
Summary Table: Malacca-Ming Dynamics
| Aspect | Description in Liang Liji's Analysis |
| Political | Malacca received "enfeoffment" (formal titles) which granted it international legitimacy. |
| Military | Ming China acted as a deterrent against Siamese and Javanese territorial ambitions. |
| Economic | The Ming fleet's presence turned Malacca into a central hub for the spice trade and Chinese silk/ceramics. |
| Cultural | The emergence of the Peranakan (Baba-Nyonya) identity and the creation of bilingual dictionaries. |
Note on the Edition: a "2009" edition, this is the second printing by UKM Press. The original text was published in 1996. The content remains the definitive source for the "tributary system" as a model for peaceful international relations.
MALACCAN RULERS WHO VISITED THE MING COURT
Based on the work of Liang Liji, several specific rulers from the Malacca Empire are historically recorded as having visited the Ming Court in the 15th century. These visits were highly significant as they cemented the diplomatic and strategic alliance between the two powers.
1. Parameswara (Iskandar Shah):
- He was the first ruler of Malacca to visit China personally.
- In 1411, Parameswara traveled to the Ming capital (Nanjing) with a large entourage of over 540 people, including his wife and officials.
- He was received with great honor by Emperor Yongle, who officially recognized him as the King of Malacca. This visit was crucial for securing Ming protection against threats from Siam and Majapahit.
2. Megat Iskandar Shah:
- The son and successor of Parameswara.
- He visited the Ming Court in 1414 to inform the Emperor of his father's passing and to seek formal recognition of his own succession.
- The Ming Emperor granted him a title and robes, continuing the strong diplomatic ties established by his father.
3. Sultan Muhammad Shah:
- Records indicate that he also made the journey to China in 1424 and potentially again in 1433.
- His visits focused on maintaining the "Tributary System," ensuring that trade remained prosperous and that Malacca continued to serve as a key base for Admiral Zheng He’s fleets.
4. Sultan Abu Syahid:
- Though his reign was short and marked by internal turmoil, he is noted in historical annals (referenced by Liang Liji) as having sent missions and potentially visiting to maintain the legitimacy of his rule during a period of transition.
5. Sultan Mansur Shah:
- While there is debate among historians whether he visited in person or sent high-ranking envoys, Liang Liji discusses the legend of his marriage to a Chinese princess, Hang Li Po.
- Regardless of a personal visit, his reign (1456–1477) saw the peak of diplomatic exchange, with constant missions traveling between Malacca and the Ming capital.
Significance of the Visits
- State Protection: These visits resulted in the Ming Emperor providing Malacca with "State Commissions" (seals and stone tablets) that served as a "Hands-Off" warning to regional rivals like Siam.
- Trade Status: By personally visiting, the Sultans ensured Malacca remained a "Most Favored Nation" for Chinese trade, allowing the port to grow into the wealthiest entrepôt in Southeast Asia.
- Cultural Exchange: These interactions led to the deep integration of Chinese and Malay cultures, eventually contributing to the unique Peranakan (Baba-Nyonya) heritage.
Note on Sources: the specific historical details regarding Liang Liji's research on these rulers are derived from his academic publications, such as Hubungan Empayar Melaka-Dinasti Ming Abad Ke-15.
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14 January 2026: 2.02 p.m
