One thing I've wondered is whether the report is not fair to South Asia in general. Warmer climate means that less calories are consumed compared with nations in the north, and I wonder if that is taken into account by the report.
What works in East Asia doesn’t necessarily work in a culturally different environment like South Asia. One must find his own path by exploring, not rote emulation.
I think the Chinese guy is a part of the ground crew. Given that the pilot essentially entrusts his life to how well the aircraft is maintained, no surprise that they are close.