The Chinese way of politicking can be quite roundabout

Well put. You won't even know whose "face" it is you have lost, until there is an opportune moment for them to use the perceived or real loss of "face" against you vindictively.

It is better not to put too much faith in your chinese work colleagues/fellow teachers. You may be sorely disappointed when push comes to shove, they will always gang up on the foreigner. Always.