 Modern scholars debate whether the Ming dynasty had sovereignty over Tibet . Some believe it was a relationship of loose suzerainty that was largely cut off when the Jiajing Emperor ( r . 1521 – 67 ) persecuted Buddhism in favor of Daoism at court . Others argue that the significant religious nature of the relationship with Tibetan lamas is underrepresented in modern scholarship . Others note the Ming need for Central Asian horses and the need to maintain the tea @-@ horse trade . 
