In order to monitor and limit trade with the Europeans, the Ming Dynasty expected them to make this payment to Ming rulers.

Tribute System

Explanation:

Over time the Chinese government developed a mechanism known as the “tribute system” to deal with the outside world. Under this system a tribute state accepted its vassal status to the Chinese and was required to exchange envoys and gifts, monitor foreign trade, and handle diplomatic relations.

nothing certain is known about what happened, but it seems that the country declined gradually, perhaps due to bad government, or, more likely, due to a series of bad harvests, which resulted in widespread and recurrent famine.

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