Maybe they are preparing for this?
Banks prepare for ‘economic nuclear winter’ Senior banking analyst warns of EU APOCALYPSE
http://www.express.co.uk/news/world/704996/Banks-preparing-for-economic-nuclear-winter-Senior-banking-analyst-warns-of-EU-APOCALYP
No idea.
The Chinese are spending a great deal on these artificial islands and on a large modern fleet. They have intentions but what these are isnt clear. I dont think anyone has a source inside their decision making circles good enough to understand their motivations.