When the Portuguese go from Macao, the most southern port city in China, to Japan, they carry much white silk, gold, perfume, and porcelain and they bring from Japan nothing but silver. They have a great ship that goes to Japan every year, and brings back more than 600,000 coins' worth of Japanese silver. The Portuguese bring from China gold, perfume, silk, copper, porcelain, and many other luxury goods."Which statement best explains why Portugal established a trading post empire?
a. Portugal wanted to increase its wealth and dominance in global trade by establishing a network of trading posts in strategic locations.
b. Portugal sought to expand its influence and control over valuable resources and trade routes in Asia.
c. Portugal aimed to gain access to luxury goods and valuable commodities from Asia, such as silk, porcelain, and silver.
d. Portugal aimed to establish a strong and profitable trading relationship with Asian countries, while maintaining dominance over the sea routes.
