I agree with kinnem.
I don't think the China issue is going to be an issue, it actually maybe an asset. They are probably just going to investigate you deeper for a security clearance.
One of the areas that they always look for is foreign language. In the 80's it was Russian, than Arabaic, now it is Chinese. Hence, it can be an asset
I also agree with Kinnem, your problem is more likely age. If you need a waiver for age that is going to be the uphill battle. They have more applicants than slots.
However, again not many applicants will be fluent in Chinese, and if the Navy is undermanned they may give you a waiver.
Waivers are case by case. I would def. go for it because you never know unless you try. I think because you have that background and your MOS's that you have chosen work well with your asset of being fluent in Chinese. Oceanography probably not, but I could see Intel and Language, especially from a cyber world perspective.
Go for it. You don't want to be in your 40's and living with the what ifs. If they say no, than, oh well, they said no, and you will not have a what if I applied at 30 and maybe they would have given me an age waiver.
It is only a few hrs out of your life to apply.
Finally, you have said you are returning stateside in the next 60 days. I would contact NOW the closest recruiting office to where you will be returning. You can at least get a feel from them if this path is an option.
If it is not, and you still want to serve the country in some form or manner. I bet the govt, be it State Dept., DOD, or defense contractors would gobble you up with your educational background and language experience. You would just have to be prepared that most of those jobs will be in DC.
My cousin works for the Army as a GS, he was hired because of his foreign language. The Army DQ'd him and was not given a waiver. He was assigned to Peru for 3 yrs., and came back to DC this past spring. He will do 3 yrs here, and than go to another Spanish speaking country. Since he came in because of his language experience, while he is in DC, he is going to Georgetown and getting a Masters in another language with the hopes that he can expand his options; be it staying stateside or not being sent only to Spanish speaking countries. I think he is doing German. Remember he is with the Army, so the more languages he can speak fluently, the more career options are available.
You may want to look at
www.usajobs.gov
Here are two:
https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/346906600
This Supervisory Language Training Specialist position...for the GS/GG-14 position. LANGUAGE PREFERRED : Please note that...Speaking-3/Reading-3) in a language of the EAP Division, but it...Burmese, Cantonese, Mandarin Chinese, Indonesian, Japanese, Khmer...
Department:
Department Of State
Agency: Department of State - Agency Wide
Open Period: 7/8/2013 to 7/29/2013
Who May Apply: Open to all U.S. citizens "You are encouraged to read the entire announcement be...
Location(s):
Multiple Locations (2)
Salary:
$105,211.00 - $136,771.00 / Per Year
Series & Grade: GG-1701-14/14
Position Info: Full-Time - Excepted Service Temporary Appointment NTE 2 years. Renewable at the...
Control Number: 346906600
JOA Number: FSI-2013-0061
The Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center (DLIFLC) offers foreign language instruction in more than two dozen languages on a schedule that extends throughout...
Department:
Department of the Army
Agency: U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command
Open Period: 10/22/2012 to 9/27/2013
Who May Apply: US Citizens and Non Citizens
Location(s): Monterey, California
Salary:
$38,153.00 - $85,483.00 / Per Year
Series & Grade: AD-1701-02/04
Position Info: Multiple Schedules - Temporary NTE Various
Control Number: 329455200
JOA Number: WTEY12FPS771814CHIN
Sometimes if you want to serve you have to think outside the box.
Good luck, and thank you for wanting to serve this great nation.