Could be...they have a track record of cash for peripheral governments sympathy for their south 'China' sea strategy....Probably wasted money....
My fervent hope is they get stupid and damage or shoot down an American or Japanese aircraft doing its duty in international airspace - north or south - whichever the lying Chinese claim.  In which case, China gets violent hell inflicted on it....and is ceased as a nation.  The Americans have the firepower to do it, the will, and the popular support. The Japanese won't shrink back either and attack with superior equipment and superior bravery.  Having lived there for years - I have no doubt of their resolve or ability.  Plus they can bolt nukes together faster than you can say 'okonomiyaki'....They're not stupid - and know the showdown with China is only a matter of time.
The world doesn't need China....even Australia doesn't.  We can make things again with our own resources...like other countries will. And life without their junk will be - an improvement