Cool. Will they be sending any landers?Concerning the flyby mission, the IEF government is primarily wanting to do it for prestige purposes. American had the first satellite and was first to the moon. Germany had the first man in space and the first space station. The IEF wants to say they were the first to "visit" another planet. Concerning the other goals I'm sure there will be photography and atmospheric readings etc.
China's economy; it is an interesting beast. Without OTL's Maoist influences, China's economy is more decentralized to start with. Krulikist-Hengism continues to allow for private property but the state has a larger role in economic planning. Yes, China still produces cheap goods. And yes, China is always looking for more sources of raw materials to further its economic growth. China would love to spread some Technocratic movements to Africa but haven't found any willing candidates...yet.
I'm sure these civil wars won't have any Chinese-made weapons making guest appearances...