How to compete with China? Counterfeiting might be the sincerest form of flattery

This might explain their monster growth. That, or the groundwork/models were already laid by previous nations. That, or they overwork the populace and its children in horrid conditions. That, or they can pollute to their hearts content when making knockoffs.

It's like scofflaw capitalism. The race for cheap production/labor/prices is also cheapening branding. That's cheaping.

http://www.radaronline.com/features/2007/08/counterfeit_shopping_handbags_vera_wang_ipod_rolex_ferrari_1.php

http://arstechnica.com/news.ars/post/20070814-us-hauls-china-before-the-wto-wants-less-counterfeiting.html