Chinese traders and pilgrims
Before the 10th century CE, the only known Chinese who came to what is now Malaysia were either officials or religious pilgrims en route to or from India. The burden of early Chinese–Malay communication was almost certainly borne by Malay diplomatic representatives to China who were also involved in commercial exchange. Some Southeast Asian sailors and traders, possibly including Malays, also began to visit China by the 5th century CE.
- Information in the full article includes
- The Chinese tributary system
- In search of southeast Asian exotica
- Early Chinese visitors
