While true, that doesn't make China any less of a threat. When someone invades your territory, and they accuse "But you invaded others in the past!", you should

While true, that doesn't make China any less of a threat. When someone invades your territory, and they accuse "But you invaded others in the past!", you should not dismantle your defense and let their tanks roll through your streets. But that is the purpose of that accusation - to inhibit self-defense through demoralization. Arguing that no, you're virtuous enough to deserve safety, is already falling into that trap. They're not coming to exact a just punishment.