Yeah, they are the ones with hundreds military bases all over the world, constantly invading/bombing other nations, staging coups, sponsoring terr^H^H^H freedom fighters...
China and the US both understand how to acquire power by carrying a big stick. The difference is that the US also knows how to speak softly to retain it. That's why the US projects power with cooperation and diplomacy, while China relies on coercion and deceit.
Everyone has heard of Guantanamo Bay. The Cuban government isn't happy about the presence of a US military base on their territory.
First comes military parity.
Then come politicians who think it'd be a grand idea to use that to drive more favorable bargains.
Then come politicians who figure it'd be better off if they just controlled the whole thing.
The core problem in this case is China. Not someone willing to help because there is a clear problem with China.