Challenge: Globalized World by 1600s?

China had them (altogether with almost everything else) and it didn't help . Also, Romans never actually need anything better than galleys as they were ok for Mediterranean and other closed seas.



We need something to prevent stagnation, inciting innovation and competitiveness- like otl Europe.

Expect the pre-Ming Chinese were very innovative, blame the Mandarins if you like but that seems to be more a matter of luck than anything; and often a bit of luck is all you need. Some of the problems with China was simply a matter of attitude, while their merchants were aggressive they never backed them with military force to secure proper colonies.
 
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