The Immigration of “Indios Chinos” (Orientals) to New Spain, 1565–1700

Spain accomplished the conquest and colonization of the Philippine Islands through New Spain; thus, there developed a continual communication between the political center of the viceroyalty and the Audiencia in the archipelago. The Manila Galleon connected both territories throughout the years 1565-1815, bringing about important interchanges between the two societies. One of them was the immigration of Orientals (known as “Indios Chinos”) to New Spain which I shall explore in this presentation, covering the period 1565-1700. My analysis will address different aspects of such phenomenon, including the magnitude of the influx, the geographic and ethnic origin of the immigrants (for they came not only from the Philippines, but from various regions of South and East Asia), the diverse categories of immigrants (slaves, merchants, etc.), and the pattern of their settlement in the territory of New Spain. Most importantly, I will explore the position of the Oriental immigrants within the legal, social, economic and ecclesiastical structure of New Spain.