Who did control trade in east in 16th century?

In the 16th century, control of trade in the East was primarily dominated by European powers, particularly the Portuguese and the Spanish. The Portuguese established a significant maritime empire, controlling key trade routes and ports in the Indian ocean, while the Spanish focused on the Philippines and its trade with Asia. The Dutch and the English also emerged later in the century, challenging Portuguese dominance and seeking to establish their own trade networks in the region. This competition set the stage for the eventual rise of the Dutch East India Company and British East India Company in the following centuries.