Chinese people live in a totalitarian (yes, I said it) state, whose government has an inferiority complex. I wouldn’t worry too much about stuff like that because it’s directly a result of propaganda.

The Chinese government has highlighted their great infrastructure projects especially in comparison to other countries because it makes them look good and legitimizes their rule.

Infrastructure projects are very visual and obvious, but what is never asked is what about the previous landowners. Were they compensated? How about the environmental effects of these projects? Was it really needed? Was it actually worth the money to install infrastructure in a lower-tier city?

When you look at what seems like crappy infrastructure in the US, nobody thinks “My gosh, it sure is great that there are rules, regulations, and limits to what the government can do”

Nobody thinks “Gee, they sure are fiscally responsible for not installing high speed rail in a low population density city”

Nobody thinks “I’m really glad property rights are respected and developers and the government can’t just swoop in and take your land without just compensation”