Slap:

I think the geography is stacked against China if it wants to be hostile. It does not have unfettered access to the world by sea. There are lots of islands and straits out there. Landward it has the snowlands to the north, empty grasslands to the west, monster mountains to the south and only one seacoast. Peaceful has worked out great for them. Hostile may not work so good in the long run because their geographic position isn't that great. That is why I say their is nothing rational in their actions. It is emotional and dangerous.

We have the best geographic position on the planet. Fronting 2 oceans, multiple ports and all our hemispheric neighbors are either friendly or of little consequence.