One similarity between China and Europe is that both civilizations shared a similar problem which was growing populations and land shortage. However, they both had different reasons that made them decide whether or not to explore or conquer lands around the Indian Ocean. The Chinese didn't have as many pressing needs by having the world's largest and most fertile agricultural lands. So they pretty much had all they needed resource-wise in the country, so trade was not a prerogative. They had little need for the outside world and practically considered themselves to be the world. On the other hand, due to the population growth not many workers in Europe could find work or even food for themselves. This pushed Europeans into exploration and
