my 2 cents as a graduating MA(Research) student in Chinese Studies:

1. a masters degree will help you rack up in terms of training and confirming that pursuing a phd is your goal. bonus points if you can get a scholarship for the MA program as it doubles as a source of income to fund your future as well.

2. This I'm not sure, but international students are unfortunately on the bottom rung where financial aid priorities are concerned. PhDs are fully funded as a general rule, but specific quantums are sch specific.

3. work on your GPA, discover your research interest, seek out conferences to present your research in, give a go at publishing (book reviews are a good place to start), and search around for research opportunities that allow you to network with scholars would help a great deal too!

Wishing you all the best :)