Nothing new about shoddy anything in China. When Sears contracted Chinese to make Craftsman tools (which Sears guarantee for life) it was discovered the alloys used were very sub par and the tools were breaking right away. No more Craftsman tools are made in China. When the largest silk screener of tee shirts switched to Chinese cotton shirts it was discovered that half the bulk of the shirts were lost with the first wash due to wood pulp being added just to make it look heavier. The silk screener went back to Hanes for their shirts - never to use Chinese shirts again. Numerous incidents of lead contaminants in all manner of products from edibles to toys have been discovered when made in China. The Chinese culture is rife with dishonesty, lack of cleanliness, and standards. Yet we keep buying their junk because they keep offering the lowest bids. When you have a choice you should NEVER buy anything made in China. You cannot trust them.
Based on my own corporate experience while sourcing components in China - there is a lot of truth in your statement..
During my 20 experience - ending 10 years ago, the ONLY Chinese factories producing high quality and reliable critical components or assemblies - were those managed by Japanese, European or American firms.
During my involvement - the fewer Chinese National managers in the management or decision making matrix --- the more reliable the firm.
Sending ethnic Chinese - raised and educated in America was the same as sending in Americans. Indicating the widespread corruption it's NOT genetic but cultural. The Chinese from Taiwan - were a totally different animal - very competent and professional business people in the style of the Japanese.
Without question - the Japanese managed Chinese factories were the best managed, most productive and reliable suppliers.
I was always heavily biased toward my long term Japanese suppliers.