[phist_mcgee]

Given the size and diversity of their industrial consumer output, I doubt they will achieve an average of 'marker of quality' for quite a while. Phones are probably these highest quality consumer goods produced in china at the moment.

[bserge]

Try most electronics.

Their problem is that "made in China" has a negative connotation and they produce a lot of cheap stuff, which inevitably breaks or doesn't work properly so people just go "damn Chinese shit".

It seems they're getting to the point where the cheapest stuff is made in other countries.

Have to wonder what happens when the world runs out of cheaper countries to outsource to.

[plmu]

I can only assume that, just like "made in germany" in the 19th century, after a while the "made in china" will transform from a sign of inferior, into a sign of superior quality. I think we're already seeing that.

Also, the increased assertiveness also led to military agression (2 world wars). China seems to be copying that too, alas.

[bserge]

Likely, "made in Japan" had the same journey (also I'll always remember that scene in Back to the Future).