Towelie
Banned
Just curious, but what type of diseases would the Chinese bring? I'm not sure about the distribution of global diseases at the time. Likely, the Chinese bring back syphilis with them in such a scenario. Its also worth exploring the effect of the potato and tomato on Chinese agriculture, or if it wouldn't make much of a difference.Honestly, if Spain could win against the Inca and conquer them, then the Chinese easily could. China was just as strong as the Europeans in the 15th century and in the 16th century too. The main issue with conquering Mesoamerica/Andes that neither empire had formed in 1421, so you'd be conquering a bunch of smaller states instead. And then you also have to ask "why send an expedition that far when they could just trade with the place instead", since the locals will have tons of interest in Chinese goods and will most gladly spend lots of their gold and silver on them. In fact, it would be a very good place for an overseas Chinese community to spring up at some point.
And yes, their diseases would be just as deadly.
As for military issues, keep in mind that Pizarro's victory was almost completely ASB in OTL. That may not be the best metric to use. Cortes's slightly less ASB victory might be a better one. The Spanish had better firearms that the Chinese would not have in 1421 (even though they did develop a really cool gun that fired three shots at once and could be used as a mace), but more importantly, they had lance armed cavalry, rodeleros, and pikemen. These troops caused the Natives massive problems in the disparity of equipment used and the fact that a Spanish pike block supported by steel swordsmen in plate was basically an unfair fight against obsidian weapons. Chinese troops in 1421 had a quality in and of their quantity. The Ming famously kept a huge army staffed by a hereditary warrior class. Tactically, the army was mostly used on the Northern frontier and had a horse archer focus. Armies recruited in Southern China I believe had more of the levy spearwielding infantry formation focus of their ancestors, however. I'm not totally sure of how the Ming fought in wars at home or abroad outside of their campaigns against the Mongols. As for the troops on the large fleets sent abroad, I really have no idea how they fought. I'm not totally convinced that the Chinese could replicate the Spanish success, however.