As far as chinese audio equipment goes, I have to agree with those that have observed that it is a mixed bag. Some components, such a the Antique Sound Labs pieces I've handled have been very cheaply manufactured and poor values in my opinion. On the other hand, the Cayin stuff that I've played with is very well made and an excellent value.
As far as "worrying" about China's future in world commerce, etc., I have to agree with Danlib1. China has shown a greater historical propensity for self immolation than any other nation in human history. The Chinese developed technology and social structure that predated similar western developments by hundreds, to over a thousand years, and yet turned inward and regressed. The nation has done this more than once, and could easily do it again. The fomula is in place for just such an occurrence as it is run by a small authoritarian group that will tolerate the newly "liberalized" economy as long as it doesn't substantially threaten its hegemony. As money buys power everywhere, I don't think it will take long before some neuvoriche industrialist oversteps the tolerance of the regime. Recent events in the Russian energy industry may be particularly instructive. We'll see, I guess.
As far as "worrying" about China's future in world commerce, etc., I have to agree with Danlib1. China has shown a greater historical propensity for self immolation than any other nation in human history. The Chinese developed technology and social structure that predated similar western developments by hundreds, to over a thousand years, and yet turned inward and regressed. The nation has done this more than once, and could easily do it again. The fomula is in place for just such an occurrence as it is run by a small authoritarian group that will tolerate the newly "liberalized" economy as long as it doesn't substantially threaten its hegemony. As money buys power everywhere, I don't think it will take long before some neuvoriche industrialist oversteps the tolerance of the regime. Recent events in the Russian energy industry may be particularly instructive. We'll see, I guess.