In China history during the Song, Yuan until Ming dynasties period, they (the historian) believes that China and Sulu have a diplomatic and trade relations long time ago. This statement are supported since the period of southern Song Dynasty where they defending their land and coast for maritime mission abroad. Moreover, Song Dynasty also have a diplomatic relations with Europeans, Indians, Arabs and other countries which give a positive impact for their domestic and foreign policy.
However, the most influence foreign country that brought the power of Song dynasty is Sulu. Although Sulu at the first stage having internal crisis with China and yet they were unite again under Yuan Dynasty and followed by Ming Dynasty. Interestingly, historian claimed that Ming emperor; Zhu Yuanzhang or Hongwu Emperor was a Muslim of Semitic origin but several disagree with this discovery.
In 1405, Emperor Yong Lo sent their trust man Chinese Muslim named Zheng Ho (Laksamana Cheng Ho) for international tributary missions to Sulu. Sulu was ruled by Sayyid Abubakar as Paduka Batara Maulana Al-Sultan Shariful Hashim in Buansa City known as the first Sultan of Sulu. Previously, Sulu was in the kingdom of Raja Baginda under Rajaship system of Banua or villages fragmented governance.
As a return, the Sulu missions to China then not only to give gifts for Chinese Emperor but also bringing goods to be sold on the markets. The Chinese court fixed the price for these good without paying taxes. They traded according to the spirit of mutual trust and that is so called Islamic in business. In the rural areas of Sulu market, they still practices mutual exchange of goods in good faith known as Silver and Gold coins. It is called Pilak (Perak) as a currency of Sulu. Besides, Sulu pearls also one of precious material besides gold that has been brought to Ming Emperor in 1421. It was believed that the Sulu kingdom gave around 350kg of pearl to the Emperor.
All the historical facts shows that Sulu and China had a great international relations. This will remind people of Sulu and China for ther great relationship in the past. The silver and gold coins shall rise again. Sulu will become the first country that introduce to the world about the use of dinar and dirham in the market. History shall be repeat again.
source: www.theislandsofpearls.blogspot.com
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