The Manila Galleon trade route connected Asia, America, and Europe for the first time in a single commercial route with Spanish ships. This was made possible thanks to the discovery of a sea current that enabled ships to quickly cross the pacific ocean from west to east.

Today, few people know that China and Spain contributed to the beginning of globalization. 500 years later, they continue this journey together.

500 years ago, friar Andres Urdaneta discovered a sea current making it possible to cross the Pacific Ocean from west to east for the first time in history.

That's how the Manila-Galeon trade route was born.

Spanish ships from Acapulco and Mexico arriving in Manila connected Asia, America, and Europe for the first time in a single commercial route.

The majority of goods coming from the Philippines headed to Mexico and Europe came from China.

They included silk, porcelain, furniture, fans, screens, landscape paintings, and much more.

Chinese silk and porcelain became luxury goods in the houses of the richest Spanish, Mexican, and European families.

In return, Spaniards brought silver to China, which was very scarce there, to mint the coins of the Ming Empire.

They also brought spices from the Americas, which even today continue to be a part of many Chinese dishes.

110 ships crossed the Pacific Ocean during 250 years, resisting long voyages, storms, and pirate attacks.

Thanks to China, the Spanish dollar became the first global currency.

And for the first time in history, not only were goods transported in a completely peaceful manner, but so were ideas, technology, science, and art.

Today, few people know that China and Spain contributed to the beginning of globalization.

500 years later, they can continue this journey together.


Speaker 0: 500 years ago, friar Andres Urdaneta discovered a sea current making it possible to cross the Pacific Ocean from west to east for the first time in history. That's how the Manila-Galeon trade route was born. Spanish ships from Acapulco and Mexico arriving in Manila connected Asia, America, and Europe for the first time in a single commercial route. The majority of goods coming from the Philippines headed to Mexico and Europe came from China. They included silk, porcelain, furniture, fans, screens, landscape paintings, and much more.

Chinese silk and porcelain became luxury goods in the houses of the richest Spanish, Mexican, and European families. In return, Spaniards brought silver to China, which was very scarce there, to mint the coins of the Ming Empire. They also brought spices from the Americas, which even today continue to be a part of many Chinese dishes. 110 ships crossed the Pacific Ocean during 250 years, resisting long voyages, storms, and pirate attacks. Thanks to China, the Spanish dollar became the first global currency.

And for the first time in history, not only were goods transported in a completely peaceful manner, but so were ideas, technology, science, and art. Today, few people know that China and Spain contributed to the beginning of globalization. 500 years later, they can continue this journey together.

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The Manila Galleon