Chinese ships equipped with watertight bulkheads, stern-post rudders, compasses, and bamboo fenders dominated Asian seas east of the Malayan peninsula. What were these ships called?

• A. Junks
• B. Galleys
• C. Dhow
• D. Caravels

Answer: (A)

These ships are junks, a type of Chinese sailing vessel known for design features that supported long-distance, coastal and regional trade across East Asia. The watertight bulkheads divided the hull into compartments, so a breach wouldn’t sink the whole ship—an important safety feature for oceangoing vessels. A stern-post rudder provided reliable steering as ships grew larger, giving better handling in crowded seas and during long voyages. Compasses show the advanced navigation used by Chinese mariners, enabling them to chart courses far from home. Bamboo fenders offered practical hull protection in busy ports and along coastlines. Together, these characteristics point to junks, the ships that dominated the waters east of the Malayan peninsula.