Perhaps some, but not all.
The initial search area was dictated by common sense, which was about the last known estimated geographical point and of communication. What the Malaysian government should have been and done was more efficient in communication and coordination between its military and outside experts, which would have reduced the duration of search time in that initial area.
The criticisms for China was how quickly the PLAN called out any kind of 'contact' without devoting more time in verifying those contacts. Think about it for a moment. The moment you call out that you found 'something', others will be obligated to assume they may be in the wrong grids/areas. Were there any coordination between the countries on who should take the lead in the event a true contact was established ? We do not know. Were there any communication between the countries on what actions and how rapid those actions should be done when someone claimed established contact ? We do not know. So if China, one day, called out a contact, and others rushed over to help, then the contacts turned out to be nothing, how much time and fuel have been wasted ? How much experience and expertise does China have in open water search and rescue, especially of sunken vessels, and yes, an airliner is a vessel ? We do not know.
China tries to become “Asia’s policeman” in missing plane saga; sends team uninvited to Malaysia to “advise” on search and rescue mission | China Daily Mail