[Retric]

Sure, China had plenty of reasons for falling behind. But, objectively trade is not a state level activity. If they where capable of building long range craft then individuals would have used long range sea trade to make money. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comparative_advantage If nothing else, gold was clearly valuable in China.

Fortifications where generally less useful as you could just send your Army around them. Or as was often the case give up and join the 'winner'. But, again this attitude significantly harmed advancement.

Eastern armor also lagged behind. 'Proofing' armor in the west and tameshi gusoku in the east allows for direct comparison.

Something as 'simple' as Algebra was clearly useful, but again imported.

Photography demonstrated China's lagging in terms of chemistry.

That said, China did have an clear advantage in luxury goods. But calling it superior is objectively false, at best it was different.

PS: Not to mention the Industrial revolution started in ~1760.

[douche]

Ok