The
Chinese navy was on the decline after 1450, and the last bit ordered destroyed in 1526. By 1500, the naval technology of Europe and China were at parity. So says the linked piece. Isn't the internet wonderful?
Read the entire post.
Wardaddy brought up Columbus and the Spanish Armada. Columbus sailed in 1492. That was BEFORE the date of 1500 when the Chinese and Euro navies got on par.