When it comes to dealing with interests outside China, ones that don't impact directly on issues of state security and social unrest within China, I believe the PRC operates on a pretty well straight-line basis. They will do whatever is necessary to get from point A to point B - no particular maliciousness; no forebearance; just taking the road that is the most straightforward and cost efficient. Long-term planning will have been paramount, in large part to prevent those little surprises that might make them look like a bull in a china shop (pardon the unintended pun, haha). That's one reason that they've operated mainly in the 3rd world for many years now. There may be flashlights aimed at the dark corners in the poorer countries, but they are generally out of batteries for one reason or another.

No different to the average individual, I suppose, if left to his own devices. Except with the added comfort of being the largest individual on the block, with a ton of siblings on constant call.