I don't think a military first approach will be likely.... War destroys toooo much today.
But ECONOMIC warfare is absolutely going on, and definitely there are leaders who will absolutely try to achieve worldwide economic dominion, with the threat of military behind it.
MANY probably argue that was the US during the 50s and 60s.
I think you could make an argument for Saudi Arabia trying for that for decades.
And that kind of world dominion is absolutely the goal of China.