Don’t assume that the “Chinese” apples grew there. Lots of things that come from China start out right here.
The melamine contaminated wheat gluten that was killing dogs a few years ago is an example. The wheat was grown here and shipped to China for processing before being shipped to Canada and put into dog food.
I can’t imagine shipping apples from Washington or New York State to China. They’d need refrigeration, the apples would get bruised, and it would cost a lot. But you’re right. The apples could have been grown anywhere.