While I agree that raw materials in china are fairly consistent from the big manufacturers, I can't say China is comparable to 1st world manufacturers of AS. A lot of people who haven't been to china do a lot of assuming in terms of conditions and mind set in china. Chinese will skimp on the smallest things just to save a penny, even if they shave 10% from the product and save a few thousand US, they will be happy. It is VERY odd for western business ideals to skimp and save a $100 on a $100,000 project - possibly lose future business, but the Chinese think differently. Especially when they have the upper hand, they will take advantage of almost any situation.
I prefer not to do this, but here is an example. I had jackets produced in china, the manufacturer did a great sample run, but when the final jackets were released, they skimped on the threads – I know it sounds crazy – so the jackets would fall apart within a month or two. Turns out they saved 4 yuan (RMB) per jacket by doing this, that’s about 50cents US. So, don’t overestimate China, at least not yet.