Before you put boots on the ground, you have to think about how to support them, through logistics and power projection platforms. Otherwise, dudes on some far flung outpost are just MEAT.
The best case scenario for PRC is to outcompete the Americans and pull the rug out from their high margins business. Devoid of tax revenue and foreign infusions, there might be a day the locals actually cast out the fat and happy useless tenant and open to new lease.
I for one, am against foreign military bases. I was station in Area 1 in ROK years ago. The shit-fest outside the gates with Filipina and Russians had a distinct stink of occupation. Back then, 2LTs had to stand at the gates and made sure dudes don't go out looks like jackasses. There will invariably Texans heading out looking like some extras from gunfight movie, infused with an air of superiority.
Like this:
The point being, that once you base people there, 20 year dudes will be 20 year old dude, and there will be incidents.
BTW, did you know that Itaewon's moniker came from abortions?
"The name Itaewon was originally derived from the name of an inn located there during the . Today it's called Itaewon alluding to its abundance of pear trees (梨泰院).() According to a historical record, the name was also written using different characters that alluded to foreign babies (異胎院)."
Sure, it was due to rape by Japanese troops during the Joseon Dynasty, but it remain where the red light district is, just beyond Dragon Hill.
What would work (better) for China is to capitalize on its cultural advantage over the Americans (in physical traits and culture), as well as the entrepreneurial nature of Asians to foster more business relations, more expats/immigration and marriages.
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Some would bring up prior race riots and toxic history, but those incident can also be attributed to the legacy of the USD system, the so call "middle income trap". As you raise the living standards in the neighborhood, the level of hate will likely abate.
The problem here is that the Anglos are actively encouraging friction between the locals and the China (both expats and PRC).
The question is what come first? The fall the the empire and their ability to stir shit up leading to SE Asian crisis, or the economic ligaments of trust fostered by decades of relationships. I don't have an answer.
Fundamentally, I want to stress that PRC need not play the Anglos game of foreign basing. The Anglos had to play that because of their military technological advantage and lack of affinity in culture and heritage.
It might be better for multi week/month exchange exercises where the Thai troops work with PLA in China, and then PLA returning the favor the next year.
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