Excellent @Junhaus11.unfortunately, I still have not travelled...

Excellent @Junhaus11.
unfortunately, I still have not travelled to Cambodia.
But you make an excellent point.
They are investing heavily in their neighbours, the Pacific, Africa and even Australia with their belt and roads initiative. Invested so heavily in the Victorian infrastructure expansion, that when the federal government squashed it under the guise of national security, it left a massive debt for the state to try and recover from.
Remember, these investments aren't for free, and Zhong Guo will want his pound of flesh eventually.
So, knowing the Chinese 50 year plan, maybe they did foresee that being the world's manufacturer can't last forever, and the strategy to diversify internationally, as well as win favour with many around the world is all part of their plan....
Winning without conflict....