Kenyan girl's blood ties with China
(Xinhua)
Updated: 2005-07-01 09:09

Nineteen-year-old Mwamaka Sharifu Lali of Kenya is all smiles June 30, 2005 after getting a visa to visit China from the Chinese Embassy in Nairobi. The girl is believed to be a descendent of one of Zheng He's sailors, who settled in Kenya after a shipwreck in the 15th century.

"My grandmother has told me I am a descendent of a Chinese sailor since I was young," Sharifu said.

On royal orders, Zheng, a eunuch of the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), commanded seven expeditions to the "Western Oceans" between 1405 and 1433. Navigating by compass and astronomical readings, Zheng's fleet visited more than 30 countries and regions in Asia and Africa including Kenya. The expeditions spread Chinese cultural and technological influence as well as fostering trade and goodwill.

Zheng He's impressive fleet comprised more than 200 ships and a crew of more than 20,000. The 100-metre-long flagships, known as "treasure ships," sailed in convoy with a fleet of battleships, combat billets, supply ships, water tankers and horse ships. The size of the fleet, the equipment used and the distance covered were all unrivalled at that time.

Sharifu will visit Taicang, in East China's Jiangsu Province, where Zheng's fleet started its expeditions. Activities are being held there to mark the 600th anniversary of Zheng He's voyages.

The girl has also won a Chinese Government scholarship to study at a Chinese university later this year.

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