The Ming Dynasty did not continue its expansion into the Indian Ocean world because the ruling class decided that they were happy with the way things were. THey did not feel the need to expand into other countries. The emperors felt that they had all of the resources needed to thrive as a country without outside interference. Between the technology that was at their fingertips and the fact that their territory was so large China really did not need anyone else. Another reason would be that the Confucian belief system did not approve of mercantilism. In the end China shot themselves in the foot by not branching out. They ended up having outdated technology and missed out on the opportunity to expand their reign. Had their emperors had more of
