Sherman,
I’m with you. First, most Chinese gave up on Communism long ago. In fact, many of their medium to large businesses have embraced capitalism to a greater degree than American companies like Starbuck’s.
Secondly, whether the forum members here like it or not, 70% of all bathroom fixtures (even those with American names) are made in China. I found that out while visiting the recent NKBA (National Kitchen and Bath Association) show in Chicago. Other industries have a ways to go but the office and luxury condo buildings I saw five years ago were all to modern standards, right down to the CADD drawings and flow charts.
From a quality point of view, the Chinese are making great strides. Their textile industry is going head-to-head with Italian cashmere and some of the results my retail friends saw in Shanghai were quite impressive. I think if you look at Asian countries, like Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, and Singapore, you see similar evolution. It all depends on an educated middle-class and the priority of educating the children in those nations.
I think many of the nationalists in China would like to see a resurgence in their military strength as you point out but most Chinese would like the country to follow a more democratic path because they understand that reforms are more likely to proceed under such conditions.
A lot depends on the quality-control measures imposed by the American company whose name will ultimately be on the product. I recently had to buy a more “play in the bars”-type guitar so as to keep my vintage guitar home and safe. I was surprised at the quality of the Epiphone which was made there. I don’t like having to buy stuff made in China, but not having $1200-1500 to buy a comparable Gibson, there was little choice.