And they are successfully pillaging and plundering in Africa right now.
Not so much a pillaging and plundering...more of finessing, bribing and placating...after they get tired of dealing with the "middle man" they take him out, a la the W. African slave trade...
The Chinese, don't want to fight, because Africa is a damn qagmire, and for a fledgling superpower like China, who does poorly in war with other nations, and has no real Aircraft carriers---carrying personell over to various places in Africa for a "pillaging and plungering" would be too costly---so they bribe, and loan and finesse....
I think you read that 9 volume novel about China ruling the world and dividing it up into various kingdoms...