[lmz]

If the goal is to stay away from US or European influence then the Russians would be a better bet.

[stingraycharles]

Yes but that has the same downsides as China.

[QuarterReptile]

And that's pretty much the thread. You're either subject to a large power's jurisdiction or subject to a jurisdiction whose sovereignty is at the pleasure of large powers... Pick a threat model, plan appropriately, and keep things in perspective.