//The likes of Japan and South Korea being at least 30 years ahead of China can actually make such claims about no longer requiring Western technical assistance for the best part, but China themselves? //

Japan is not longer a western sample in Asia. JP population is rapidly decreasing probaby depressed with the high cost of living, their economic growth almost stop, the Nikkie is becoming a joke. JP tourist are not longer a big deal and they don't spend much any more. JP still depend of the west for defense, otherwise with a big military budget they will be in recession.

S. Korea, not a big economy , industrialized yed, but less than 50 million ppl and they also have the same problem for defense..depending of the west. Again, a moderated military budget which give them some money for industry research.

India, not an option, the are not in need of the west much and their culture is way too different and very misunderstood at time in the west. Sample, some Indian chef in the west as part of their culture..religion do not use tissue paper when they go to the washroom, instead they use their bare hands and a bottle of water. That is considered unacceptable in western socities. This is not a critique of Indians, just pointing out how far the cultures are. No chance India will replace CH. Of course CH toilets are nothing to be proud of, but it is not part of a ritual or belief and CH adapt fast.

Thanks for your reply, good points.