A smart Chinese reaction would be if the central government cracks down on companies / managers who don't behave well.

The first crisis with an African investment should be (in their interest) the long-awaited opportunity to show that you're a good partner in times of crisis.
It's in China's best interest to resolve the issue in a win-win fashion or at least make sure there's not much the African government in question can complain about in regard to PRC government behaviour in the crisis.

Playing dumb and take the big stick from the drawer means to lose further investment opportunities, and that's not compatible with their intents.