Also posted this in /r/history
I've always been very fascinated by relations between Asian nations/kingdom and the western powers. Can anyone provide me with important stories, exchanges, events, etc (or sources where I can read about them). I'd really like to know more about specific interactions between them from ancient times until around 1700. I've always seen it as interaction between 2 totally different worlds and it just amazes me how they interacted and know of each other. It must have been so odd knowing there were huge powers so far away going about their business just like you were. I'd really like more info about their trade, diplomatic relations, cultural exchanges, and knowledge of each others customs and ways of life.
Some examples of things I already know about and would like to know more about include:
-Roman/Asian relations
-Marco Polo and his discoveries
-The Silk Road
-Alliances, visits, etc between the two worlds
*Embassies and illusions * by J.E. Wills might be an interesting book for you. It covers several Dutch and Portuguese diplomatic missions to Beijing in the 17th century.
This book (link gives you full text and images) is an English translation of a contemporary account of one of those missions. It also contains a lot of information on China from other sources. Plus, some wonderful etchings.
Oh, Andrade's Lost colony is also interesting, it mostly covers the last years of Dutch presence on Taiwan. And their interactions with the local pirates and Ming loyalists.
EDIT: this book covers another embassy, but it's in 17th century Dutch , so it may not do you much good. Still, the etchings are nice :)