Fair points and i have wondered about how to rationalise Chinese actions. I feel that they realize that they have become big enough, economically and militarily to bully countries on a bilateral basis, whether its India or Australia. Guess they also feel that it is difficult for countries to come together in a multilateral forum to gang up against China, given differing strategic objectives of each country and the lack of a unifying global leadership. As long as the world finds it difficult to come together on China, i feel they will persist with their thuggish actions and continue to colour outside the lines.