Most likely trying not to get horribly raped over the next fifty years.

I wouldn't mind a military junta coming to power when the Qing Empire is inevitably overthrown. It'd probably be the easiest way for Qing to modernize and survive war with Japan, assuming that the Japanese player is more or less interested in expanding into China.

I might PM Mag or somebody and seek some advice. I'm familiar enough with Chinese history that I feel comfortable playing Qing, but I'm certainly not knowledgeable enough to say that I wouldn't like some opinions on the matter.