I would agree with many points here. China in recent history suffered years of colonizations and war here and there by at least 8 western countries, which made them miserable and resentful towards those who exploited others. It was eager to gain more power after WW2 because it realized that some countries can take advantage of the less powerful ones very easily. AFAIK gaining more power is intended to protect/defend the country itself and maintain stability, not offense. Even throughout the education system, taking advantage of the weak is never celebrated and always condemned. This is why I think by values China is not a very offense driven country, nor aims to spread its own ideologies, AFAIK. (Commenting only in relation to expansion perspective.) This is not saying countries should not be cautious/defend themselves.
I would agree with many points here. China in recent history suffered years of colonizations and war here and there by at least 8 western countries, which made them miserable and resentful towards those who exploited others. It was eager to gain more power after WW2 because it realized that some countries can take advantage of the less powerful ones very easily. AFAIK gaining more power is intended to protect/defend the country itself and maintain stability, not offense. Even throughout the education system, taking advantage of the weak is never celebrated and always condemned. This is why I think by values China is not a very offense driven country, nor aims to spread its own ideologies, AFAIK. (Commenting only in relation to expansion perspective.) This is not saying countries should not be cautious/defend themselves.