The Ch'ing weren't exactly Chinese, though.

What happens in Chinese history is essentially this: the Chinese keep getting conquered by "barbarians" because they are so docile and unwarlike. Their "barbarian" masters then settle Chinese all over the place to profit from their labour.

Then when the Chinese take back their empire, they keep the gains made under "barbarian" domination.

Repeat ad nauseum, and you have an enormous empire and diaspora.