Germany could handle both France and Russia in WWI.
Germany could even handle France Russia and GB in WWI.
They could not handle the US included.
Austria kept busy with Italy and Balkans.
Ottomans kept busy with British and Arabs.
China today, to keep their export economy going must stay out of wars with the West.
If they do get involved in any war with the West, they better win.
Losing means a potential Treaty of Versailles against China.
The same punishment the British sought for Germany after WWI.
Top concern is to have the best economy, technology and military in the world. And secondary concern is to have the best military than the combined 2-5.