Many cultures drew maps filled with imaginary lands where monsters roam. They created something when they don’t know what’s going on.
But the Europeans on the other hand, drew world maps with a lot of empty spaces, showing their ignorance of the world.
The voyages of Admiral Zheng He
Zheng led several huge armadas from China to the far reaches of the Indian Ocean, making the European fleet seem small compared to it.
However, even though China might have been more technologically advanced, they did not try and conquer the territories they discover. They mainly went there to assist pro-china rulers. And when the ruling faction in Beijing changed, the armada was dismantled and so was the knowledge that came with it.