portugal
The Netherlands, altthough Portugal used the route before, The Dutch secured the Cape by establishing a refreshment station there on the 6th April 1652.
The country france was the first country to seek a water route to asia
Portugal
PORTUGAL was the country interested in discovering new trade route (sea route) to Asia when Turkish king or some other king blocked land route.
Portugal was the first country to send explorers searching for a water trade route to Asia. In the late 15th century, Portuguese explorers such as Vasco da Gama successfully sailed around Africa to reach India, opening up a direct sea route for trade with Asia.
No single country controlled it but the Portuguese were the first to make it around the Africa. So they had "control" for a while but the Dutch, British, and Spanish all Tried to get into it with the Dutch being the most successful.
Portugal developed a route to Asia while still exploring Africa. Portuguese-sponsored explorer Vasco de Gama was the first person to sail around the southern tip of Africa, proving that it was possible to sail from Europe to Asia around the African land mass.
Northwest Passage
the pacific ocean
Spain?? But Portugal beat them to it . . .
Who followed the path of dias around southern tip of Africa but continued to India opening trade route for Portugal