Question

which step did chinas rulers take to limit contact with the outside world during the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries? they ended the sale of silk and porcelain. they banned all foreigners. they rebuilt the grand canal. they allowed foreign traders only in select ports

Explanation:

During the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, China's rulers did not end the sale of silk and porcelain (a major export), nor did they ban all foreigners (some were still allowed in limited capacities). Rebuilding the Grand Canal was more about internal infrastructure. However, they did implement a policy of allowing foreign traders only in select ports (like Canton under the later Qing, which was a form of controlled contact).

Answer:

They allowed foreign traders only in select ports.