[flukus]

No, they don't remotely have the military might to invade the middle east, not that this is a bad thing, but to argue they do is just silly, they can't even invade Taiwan like they've wanted to do for 60 years.

As for peaceful, from Tienanmen square to how they deal with the Uyghurs to what is likely to be the case for Hong Kong they are anything but peaceful, even with their own citizens. If they were truly peaceful they wouldn't have to censor their own actions from their own citizens. If they wanted a peaceful solution they'd be happy keeping Hong Kongs current autonomy. Externally, they invaded Tibet, they would invade Taiwan if they could, most of their peacefulness comes from inability and not lack of desire.