How was Macao gradually occupied by Portugal?

(A) "Pathfinder" from Iberian Peninsula

The two maritime peoples of Iberian Peninsula have assumed the role of "pathfinders" in history. 1492, Columbus crossed the Atlantic Ocean and discovered America. 1497, da gama bypassed the storm angle and reached the Indian Ocean. It was only in 10 that the Portuguese "discovered" China.

During Zheng De's reign in Ming Dynasty, a Portuguese fleet sailed to Tuen Mun at the mouth of the Pearl River in Guangdong in 15 14. According to the Portuguese occupation of the Atlantic Ocean and Indian Ocean coastal areas, the Portuguese also erected a stone tablet engraved with the Portuguese national emblem on Tuen Mun Island for "occupation".

The Ming Empire did not welcome businessmen from any country outside the tributary system, let alone to "occupy" China and ordered the army to expel the Portuguese there. From 152 1 to 1522, the Ming army exchanged fire with the Portuguese twice. As a result, the Portuguese failed and were expelled from the coast of Guangdong.

The Portuguese sailed north, visited Wuyu in Quanzhou and Shuangyu Port in Ningbo, and established a stronghold in Shuangyu. After more than 20 years of operation, the Portuguese built churches, town halls and hospitals in this port, and also set up autonomous institutions, forming a large-scale Portuguese residence. However, the Portuguese plundered property and oppressed the people. The people of China were outraged and demanded that the government expel the Portuguese. 1548, the Portuguese stronghold in Shuangyu was destroyed by the Ming army. Since then, "coastal defense has been heard, thousands of miles have disappeared, and those who go have fled far away."

The Portuguese did not go far, but they still stubbornly "guerrilla" along the coast of Guangdong. Moreover, they "began to have a more comprehensive and correct understanding of the real society in China", knowing that "officials of all sizes will turn a blind eye to illegal maritime trade as long as they can profit from it". At that time, they could trade in places like Shangchuan Island at the mouth of the Pearl River.

However, it is difficult to stay in Shangchuan and other places because of the harsh environment. Moreover, local officials only allow the Portuguese to build temporary tents, and once the transaction is completed, they will leave the local area.

In this way, after 40 years' efforts ―― opening tuen mun, moving to Shuangyu and retiring from Shanghai ―― the Portuguese still can't get a foothold in China. At this time, it was 155 3, and suddenly a message came: "China people are willing to make peace with Portuguese"!

At that time, the Portuguese landed in Macao.

(2) How did the Portuguese land in Macau?

There are many historical records about the origin of Portuguese "permission" to land in Macao, which form the following statement: 1553 Portuguese merchant ships sailed into Macao waters; The Portuguese lied that their ship was caught in a storm, cracks appeared and the goods were soaked-these goods were a tribute to Emperor China-so they asked to dock and dry the goods. Wang Bai, China's undersecretary, accepted a bribe from the Portuguese and allowed him to land in Macau. It is said that Portuguese businessmen have a "secret agreement" with Wang Bai, who pays 1000 taels of silver every year and is allowed to stay in Macao.

This accusation is very serious. If established, Wang Bai will be nailed to the shame of history. After careful textual research, historian Mr. Jin thinks that things are not so simple.

It turned out that after 40 years of guerrilla warfare in the South China Sea, Portuguese merchant ships colluded with pirates in China, saying that "pirates want Portugal's elite firearms to be brave, and Portugal needs to roar and steal Kou Qiang", and the two were in cahoots. As a result of this collusion, with the "help" of Portuguese elite firearms, pirates killed and set fire to coastal villages in Guangdong, killing and looting, and fighting against officers and men, which was very tragic. Therefore, the Ming court decided to adopt the strategy of "divide and rule" through the Guangdong government: to distinguish Portuguese from pirates, to caress the former and to suppress the latter. This is the source of "China people are willing to get back together with the Portuguese".

As a sea route, Wang Bai's rank is only Grade 4, but he combines coastal defense, urban shipping and foreign affairs. He is needed to achieve the political and military goals set by the central government. In this case, he held "peace talks" with Portuguese businessman leader Sosa.

So far, a letter left by Souza is the only on-site historical data of this "negotiation". The letter said, "I didn't reach any tax rate or agreement with him in this negotiation ... As a result of the negotiation, we must pay 20% tax according to the custom and pay taxes in China according to the permission of the king. As for the above 20% tariff, I only agree to pay 10%. Haidao replied that the tax rate could not be lowered because it was stipulated by the emperor. He needs to report this problem to the court. "

In view of this, Mr. Jin pointed out: "Regarding the tax payment ratio, it is still necessary to consult the Beijing court. How dare he put forward the idea of allowing Portuguese to live in Macao on such a major issue related to the country and society? "

It seems that Wang Bai contacted Portuguese businessmen, but allowed them to conduct peaceful trade along the coast of Guangzhou in exchange for Portugal's neutrality. From a political point of view, this was "only an expedient measure to suppress bandits in Guangdong at that time, but the result was far beyond this category. It was really unexpected for Wang Bai, and it became the origin of Portuguese people's smooth trade in China and even settled in Macau after many setbacks."