Why did cheng ho visit Malacca?

Cheng Ho, also known as Zheng He, visited Malacca in the early 15th century primarily to establish trade relationships and strengthen diplomatic ties with local rulers. Malacca was a crucial trading hub in Southeast Asia, facilitating commerce between China, India, and the Arabian Peninsula. His voyages aimed to promote Chinese interests, enhance maritime trade, and spread the influence of the Ming Dynasty. Additionally, his visits helped to foster cultural exchanges and spread Islam in the region.