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So I'm working through an East Asian update for my TL, and - in the absence of research material as well as the time to do actual research - I figured I'd ask about a few blind spots I have:
How much would easier access to a larger supply of silver than IOTL affect the chances of Portuguese success in opening up diplomatic and trade relations with Ming China? Similarly, how would things be different in Portuguese interactions with the Japanese daimyos?
Would an earlier capture of Malacca and the following capture of Mahmud Shah change the outcome of the Portuguese embassy to the Zhengde Emperor?
In your opinion, would the Portuguese have better fortunes throwing in their lot with the Wokou, or in assisting the Ming navy in wiping them out?
Would an earlier colonization of the Moluccas and Philippines (albeit with mixed results in the latter's case) prevent any hiccups that occurred IOTL, or create new ones? Also, if the Portuguese are unable to subjugate Luzon for the time being, which group is most likely to become ascendant in the region?
Sorry if these are too vague, I'd be happy to provide additional information and conditions if anyone's interested.