[bert]

What makes you think that this is friendly rivalry......

I have no evidence that it would be otherwise.

Chinese actions are defensive, not agressive outside their hegemonic area.

Nixon agreed to Chineese hegemony and there has been peace in the area since. Taiwan may be at risk but I think the problems will be resolved peacefully. It remains to be seen if the Chineese will reign in North Korea. My guess is that the deal has been made and at some point arms will be twisted in Ponyang and all will simmer down.

Regarding fortifying the moon, perhaps. I have no reason to believe that is in the cards. China has so many internal problems that I place low probability on agression outside their turf.

[spoiler2]

Traditional, Earth-based hegemony is one thing, but allow the Chinese to get to the Moon and establish a base of operations, when we have none......

well as they say, "this changes everything"

If there was ever a need to establish a Moon base, it looks like we are looking at one. Their establishing a military base on the Moon would be more a "point of control" than outright aggression.