Modernity emerged in a bloody internicide conflict of the Reformation. Chinese dynasties changed twice with foreign rulers obliterating centuries of previous decisions. The New World was discovered to find a trade passage to India and spice islands. China had this trade next door. There was no real incentive to geographic curiosity. I also disagree that Europe was not making progress. Starting from the Crusades it was ceaseless upward motion. By the time of the scholastic revolution there was no question which part of the world is in the ascend and which is in a decline. Geography is no substitute for intellectual daring.