[Talk] Anchored in History: Unveiling Singapore’s Early Maritime Links with China in the 7th Century

Readers may be interested in this talk by Dr. Tai Yew Seng in Singapore on 25 July 2024.

In the 7th century, Chinese diplomats and pilgrims visited Chi Tu 赤土 and Mo Luo Yü 末罗瑜 by crossing the South Sea, now known as South China Sea. Among them are Chang Jun 常骏 and Yi Jing 义净 (635 – 713). Chang Jun visited Chi Tu in 607 CE as a diplomate of Sui Dynasty (581 – 618). He wrote the Record of the Red Earth Kingdom 赤土国记. Although this book is lost, detailed descriptions of the capital are preserved in historical texts. On the other hand, Yi Jing visited Mo Luo Yü twice in 672 CE and 685 CE. He used it as a transit point, staying for about five months. The actual location of the Chi Tu and Mo Luo Yü has been debated. This talk will analyse the different theories and connect the evidence with a new perspective, and unveil the once-obscure aspect of Singapore’s history in the 7th century.

Source: Anchored in History: Unveiling Singapore’s Early Maritime Links with China in the 7th Century