When Lusung sailed into the story of Ming China

Sea crossings, imperial gifts, and a museum title that raises an eyebrow. The Kingdom of Lusung helped shape Philippine–Chinese ties long before modern diplomacy had a name card.

By tsammailer | September 29, 2026 | Jinjiang, Fujian, China
AI visual representation of members of Lusung’s royal family meeting Xu Chailao
AI visual representation of members of Lusung’s royal family meeting Xu Chailao

Centuries before modern diplomacy, envoys from the Kingdom of Lusung sailed to Ming China, shaping early Philippine–Chinese maritime ties, diplomacy, and shared heritage.