How did the Chinese view the Europeans in the 1400s?

In the 1400s, the Chinese viewed Europeans, particularly the Portuguese and Spanish, with a mix of curiOSity and skepticism. While they recognized the Europeans as traders and navigators who brought new goods and knowledge, the Chinese also considered themselves culturally and technologically superior. The Ming Dynasty's focus on internal stability and self-sufficiency led to a general indifference towards European interests, as China prioritized its own imperial identity and worldview over foreign influence.