Which Chinese navy admiral presented gifts to foreign leaders and shaped positive ideas about China

Zheng He was a diplomat and navy admiral who served the Chinese Empire during the Ming Dynasty. He commanded expeditions to Southeast Asia and Eastern Africa during the first decades of the 15th century.

Zheng's fleet followed well known commercial trade routes throughout East Asia. He delivered gifts to the places he stopped along the way, such as Brunei, Java, and Thailand. He received goods such as ostriches, zebras, and ivory along the way.