Which statement BEST described the change in long-distance trade routes between China and the Mediterranean world in the 1200s and early-1300s?

A) The Mongols introduced paper currency to the region, making gold less important.

B) The Hellenistic Greeks secured the region, largely because of Alexander’s vast empire

C) The Chinese expanded their empire across Eurasia, becoming the wealthiest Asian empire

D) The Mongols made the routes safer for the merchants to travel, resulting in increased trade