What development, which began before the passage above was written, allowed Europeans to obtain the products of East Asia? (A) Chinese dynasties, such as the Tang and the Song, grew stronger, so long-distance trade could be conducted with less risk. (B) New maritime technology allowed for ocean-going ships to establish trade routes from Asia to Europe via Southern Africa. (C) The Tang Dynasty expanded into the Middle East, so the trade routes between Europe and Africa were under one ruler. (D) With the defeat of the Islamic caliphates, Europeans were able to establish direct contact with the Tang and the Song dynasties.\

The correct answer is B) New maritime technology allowed for ocean-going ships to establish trade routes from Asia to Europe via Southern Africa.

The development that allowed Europeans to obtain the products of East Asia was the following: "New maritime technology allowed for ocean-going ships to establish trade routes from Asia to Europe via Southern Africa."

The question refers to a "development", not to a specific moment in history. That development was new maritime technology that helped merchants and navigators to discover and sail trade routes that establish formal commerce between Asian nations and European nations. That is how precious goods such as porcelain, silk, and tea were exported to Europe and India.