When the history of 2014 is written, it will take note of a large fact that has received little attention: 2014 was the last year in which the United States could claim to be the world’s largest economic power. China enters 2015 in the top position, where it will likely remain for a very long time, if not forever. In doing so, it returns to the position it held through most of human history.
“Apple is not the exception to the rule. Almost every major global corporation is in China. They have built the factories, which have the latest technology, including robotics.”
I’m not and haven’t been disputing that they are *there*. I constantly work with tools and equipment and the stuff that comes from China is still inferior. Perhaps this is changing, but for now, it’s the truth. Take for one single example Husqvarna. The pieces for the carbs (and other parts) on their chainsaws are made in China now. When they started doing that the quality that their saws were known for plummeted. I used to brag how they were the very best. Some ‘bright’ executive at Husqvarna decided that they could manufacture their saws cheaper using Chinese parts and then sell them for less to compete with lower end brands. He was right, but now the quality suffers and I no longer see their product as much better than any other brand since they are ALL (as you stated) made either fully or in part in China. I abhor that truth and the new reality our world has entered into with China now being the leader in manufacturing.