Not really, it's about the general understanding that while China produces a lot of stuff for other countries, its own products are very often obvious knock-offs or subpar versions.
Nothing to do with any myth, it's just how it is for a huge variety of reasons.
And if you ever went to a university, you'd instantly lose that notion, since you'd be probably be interacting with both rich (or at least very well off) and intelligent Chinese people.
> China's own products are very often obvious knock-offs or subpar versions
This view is increasingly outdated. Chinese EVs are well ahead of the rest. Solar power systems too.
I am anticipating more "surprises" like DeepSeek where something ground-breaking comes from China as well as from Silicon Valley, Japan or elsewhere. Or like EVs where the Chinese firms are leaders in an advanced engineering industry.
You've got to see the whole production, not just a few selected cases. As they say, the exceptions confirms the rule.
While there are good examples, many people might not be currently familiar with them.
Btw, I'm just explaining why the impression of Chinese products is there and why it doesn't have to be rooted in preconceptions Chinese people as a whole.
Nothing to do with any myth, it's just how it is for a huge variety of reasons.
And if you ever went to a university, you'd instantly lose that notion, since you'd be probably be interacting with both rich (or at least very well off) and intelligent Chinese people.