Chinese pride. God forbid the Chinese government accepting an American creation that's better than theirs. Chinese way or no way.

I also live in China, in Beijing. I would generally echo the sentiments, but not to the extreme as you put it. I think older people (like 40+) might be as you say, I've definitely had those comments from some, but the younger people are definitely a lot more internationally aware. I don't know of anyone Chinese in their 20s or 30s, my age, who doesn't know that covid these days is just a 4 day cough and a headache. They're fed up and pissed, as the countless articles and videos of rioting and police push backs would say. I've lived here four years and Chinese people are quick to vocalize their discontent with the government these days . That NEVER happened 3 years ago. People are so fed up they aren't scared anymore.