What is the comparison between Zheng and Christopher Columbus?

Zheng He and Christopher Columbus were both prominent explorers of the 15th century, but their journeys served different purposes and contexts. Zheng He, a Chinese admiral, led large fleets to establish trade networks and assert China's power across the Indian ocean, promoting diplomatic relations with various countries. In contrast, Columbus, sailing under the Spanish flag, aimed to find a westward route to Asia and inadvertently "discovered" the Americas, leading to European colonization. While Zheng He's expeditions emphasized trade and diplomacy, Columbus's voyages initiated significant cultural exchanges and conflicts between Europe and the New World.