[Centurion2000]

This shows that China "is determined to become a maritime power," the report said

They had their change in the 15th century with Chengo-Ho; and they pissed it away. They wont get it back.

Chinese naval tech vs Spanish naval tech at the time.

[lentulusgracchus]

Santa Maria was a smallish carrack. A bigger one was the Mary Rose (built 1510) which was about 105' long, 1500 tons, and was crewed by 500 men.

Galleons began to be built about the same time and to similar or larger dimensions. The Scots built the Great Michael in 1511; she was 250' long.

Still, that big Chinaman would have made quite a stir if she'd dropped anchor in Cadiz harbor.