Things can change, but historically, China has never been an invader or empire builder . Those are traits of the west . China at one time had the worlds mightiest naval force by far -- it was used to trade, not invade. The anti china rhetoric is pure politics which unfortunately has a way of influencing the thinking of the more emotional and outright idiotic like mighty marcus . Mind you, china has been busy responding to the threat of the US . It could find itself backed into a corner and come out fighting in which case we would hope that the mighty marcuses will all be to the fore in our defense, but you wouldnt hold your breath .