We have a couple of large speedshops in Australia, one if more on the wholesale side of things, the other predominantly retail. Both carry their own brand of products, all parts are made in China. Most are copies of other companies parts. One brand went as far as copying the part number as well on some parts. Prices aren't much cheaper. It's corperate greed and nothing more, capitolism/consumerism at it's finest. I won't buy from either company.

In regards to the defense side of things, I work in additive manufacturing research, we work with Defense based contractors and government agencies etc. The theft of defense systems by the Chinese is of great concern at the moment. We see it also in many areas of research as well, it's gone as far as academic and research staff working for a local university, but also working for the Chinese government and then sending secrets back.