China is an emerging superpower. Heck, how many Chinese goods are you seeing each and everyday of your life? A ton. The Chinese gov't could easily spend the money needed for the exploration without the long wait. Also, Chinese people are good imitators and genius people too.
The Chinese are getting a taste of their own medicine, as cheap labor sources such as Vietnam and Philippines are edging them out in competition. Many of the manufacturing industries have shifted their bases to other countries in South-East Asia, as the cost of production is rising in China. So it is not all that rosy there.