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Problem with copycats is that they remain copycats forever.

Everything people say about China today, including your post, is familiar from my childhood... except my old man was talking about Japan.

and from my childhood too.. except people were talking about South Korea. I am pretty sure most people/countries started off mimicking and copying, before innovating.

Also the Chinese might catch up faster than people think. Two small examples:- Xiaomi's MIUI has really been one of the most innovative android ROMS out there balancing usability and functionality. Another one, we use multitouch IR-based components. Right now the top 2 most innovative and competitive providers are both founded by Chinese, although one is headquartered in the US.

Basically, the whole "Chinese know only how to copy" argument is an excuse to be complacent, made by people thinking their culture or genes or whatever will protect them.

it's ok to remain a copycat - generic pharmacuticals are cheap and make a drug plentiful and available. It's a balancing force in the competition, and is needed for innovation.

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