The Battle of Tamão is the first recorded military conflict between China and Western Europe in history. It began about a month after the Emperor died, around May 1521. This chapter argues that it was not driven by the Ming court, but rather by the Guangdong administration. At first the administration tried to indirectly maintain relations with the Portuguese. Then, when conflict became inevitable, it tried to completely exterminate them. Finally, when the court ordered a diplomatic resolution, it allowed them to depart.