Chinese foreign policy is not always following rational paths in regard to Western standards. And this constellation is exactly why I wonder if they make their threat true or not.
As a Westerner intimately familiar with China (live and work here, Master's in Chinese), I find Chinese foreign policy exceptionally rational, if Machiavellian (for examples, I would point to their behavior towards North Korea and their currency policy).
What do you find irrational about Chinese foreign policy?
Ah, we're working on two different levels of rationality. Irrational threats ("If you walk on my lawn I will rape your dog") are nonetheless a rational policy (your lawn won't get walked upon).
What do you find irrational about Chinese foreign policy?