China in the middle east

So I was recently reading a wiki article about the crusades and an interesting tidbit that I noticed was that apparently Michael VII approached song dynasty china in hopes of recieving military assistance against the seljuks. Obviously that did not pan out and the crusades eventually resulted. However I do wonder, what if the Chinese were more receptive at the time and had decided that getting involved in the middle east could be of benefit?

My knowledge if chinese history is hardly what I would call detailed, and I am not entirely sure that such a thing is possible, but it is something that peaked my interest.
 
I think the Song were too far away from that region even if they'd wanted to help. Look at maps of Northern Song compared to the Tang.
 
Far too far away.
Besides, the Song were having big problems of their own about now what with the Jin moving in from the north etc.
 
Even if it suddenly becomes alot easier logistically for the Song emperor to send an army to fight the Seljuks, what reason is there for the Chinese to help this distant empire? What could the Chinese gain from this?
 
Pretty ASB for the Song dynasty to help against the Seljuks. One its logistically impossible. Two, there isnt a reason for them to help. Three, even if they could and did, they'd likely be defeated; Song China is remembered far more for its cultural and technological advances rather than its military prowess...

I also has the impression that Song's emperors (the capable ones of course) are better as "peace time" country administrators as compared to "chaotic time" conquerors...
 
I also might imagine that a chinese emperor may insist that the Byzantine emperor would have to submit, and can't imagine the latter do that.

But another idea: Might it help the Byzantines if the Chinese helped them with gold only? They could hire mercenaries, couldn't they?
 
One thing for sure; the Song emperor at that time will ask them to be vassal to the Song empire.

Being a vassal in this term is different than being a vassal of other country's though; since Song is not likely to meddle in internal affairs of its vassals.

They might meddle in their vassals' external affairs but only if it is needed.

Actually if the Byzantines willing to shallow their pride by becoming a vassal, it will be much more positive than negative.

I don't see any apparent negative effects except than losing a portion of their pride...

The problem is, what incentive that they will give to the Song empire and how to quickly and effectively transport the much needed army and navy from China to Middle East...

Yes, it is also possible to export military technologies instead of army...

And how about sending those military advisors too ?
 
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