Referring to the map above of China with its modern day borders, ''a strong and expansive empire was necessary to keep trade routes open'', is the correct statement regarding the importance of the Silk Road to the Chinese Empire. Therefore, the option A holds true.
Silk Road can be referred to or considered as one of the most important trade routes of the ancient periods. It was used extensively until the modern trade practices started to develop throughout the world. It connected China and other parts of southeastern Asia with the world.
The Chinese empires were well aware of the fact that the revenue and trade through the Silk Road would require a high amount of efficiency in operations, and as a result, the emergence of a strong and expansive empire became necessary to keep the trade routes open.
Therefore, the option A holds true and states regarding the significance of the Silk Road.
Learn more about the Silk Road here:
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The missing map from the question has been attached as an image for better reference.
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