The picture shows the first barter trade between Malay and Chinese. In 15th Century, the fleet of Chinese Ming Dynasty visited Melaka. The fleet was leaded by Zheng He, a Chinese Muslim, eunuch, mariner, and explorer.
The size of his fleet was included over 300 ships and 28 000 crews. The purpose of Zheng He's visit was not for setting up new settlements, searching new resources, trading or any physical benefits.
He leaded seven times of voyage to South East Asia and Middle East. The main purpose was to find the former emperor, Jianwen Emperor. He was the nephew of Yongle Emperor.
Yougle Emperor usurped the royal seat of Jianwen Emperor in 1402. According to the rumors, Jianwen Emperor escaped to South East Asia or Middle East after his lost his empire. However, nobody know the exact place of he escaped.