**Ancient Chinese Map Claims to Rewrite History of World Discovery**

A scholar argues that a Chinese world map, not European voyages, began the true Age of Discovery. This challenge to history could reshape modern views of global power. Author Sheng-Wei Wang studies an ancient Chinese map known as the "Selden Map." Her research concludes that Chinese explorers charted the world long before Europeans. She says this fact was erased by colonialism and a Eurocentric—or Europe-centered—historical record. In an exclusive interview, Wang explains her findings. She details how the map's technical details and accuracy point to advanced Chinese maritime knowledge in the early 1400s. Wang also discusses the map's modern implications. She argues that recognizing such history changes how we see today's global dynamics and China's historical role. The full interview with Sheng-Wei Wang is available first to SCMP Plus subscribers as part of the "Open Questions" series.