FWIW, I'm in NZ and I worked in China on and off for two years. Generally enjoyed it there and its given me a lifetime of adventures and memories.
All I'm gonna say is the country definitely has issues with people trying to pull a fast one but lets not forget the USA has its own issues. Enron, anyone? Madoff? Sub prime mortgages?
So I'm going to put that to one side and lets just take up the issue of craftsmanship. China is capable of putting out some exquisite craftsmanship that is breathtaking beautiful in its sensitivity to materials and attention to detail.
http://www.chinaculture.org/library/att/att/20041123/xinsrc_1711012320458162173941.jpg Unfortunately that's not where the market is for China so long as there's a bigger Yuan and a competitive advantage to be made from mass manufacturing, then thats where their main interest is going to lie. In fact some US companies DON'T begrudge the Chinese making a buck at all, which is great. All those US manufacturers (like Ampeg for example) importing Chinese components, assembling them in the US and call it US made. Gotta be good for both economies, right? Everyone makes a buck!
Having said that, even then the Chinese are capable of putting out some excellent mass manufactured workmanship if the Quality Control procedures are properly implemented. Warwick Rockbasses may not be made from the best materials but the workmanship, the accuracy of the neck joints and the machining is superb.
I could go on, but I think I've made my point.
Don't believe the hype people, I encourage you to get over to China sometime and experience it first hand.
(Message edited by Crazykiwi on July 09, 2009)
(Message edited by Crazykiwi on July 09, 2009)