The cynical one-liner reminds me about the Japanese catching up in the early 80s with the West. One such classic example is when the Japanese auto mobile industry was producing cars that were supposedly below par and not suitable for the Western markets. The Japanese too were accused of copying the West. Everything made in Japan was scrutinised on a microscopic level in the West. Of course, we all know that the accusations and criticism stemmed from arrogance and bigotry. In reality, the West felt threatened by Japan even though when they were catching up. The West knew that sooner rather than later the Japanese would be transformed into a prosperous high tech hub. Just look at where Japan today stands, a tiny island that is the biggest car producer in the world and delivers top notch quality in almost every sector.
China is no exception. China is undergoing the same phase. In fact, China will surpass the Japanese and it doesn't take a rocket scientist to predict this. The major difference is that China has resources in abundance which the Japanese didn't have. China is the next superpower in the making and they are catching up lightning fast. The defence industry is just one sector. China will become a major factor on every front. We haven't even yet witnessed half of the potential. Only a matter of time before the dragon fully unleashes its potential.