
I learned while working for a company that did manufacturing in China that they are very good at knocking off products, but typically do so with inferior materials and processes. Still, along with a huge labor force there is a lot of talent, and they are not stupid. They could do all the engineering required if given the time, but its easier to skip that step, "misappropriate" IP, and rush a product to market just to start making money. It really comes down to a matter of business ethics, and not all people in all places share the same standards.every product out there is copied. there is a company making chainsaws that parts directly interchange with Stihl.
And one of the components to blame is the US consumer who wants everything NOW and CHEAP.