cheap and low cost consumer products! advantage or disadvantage?

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I was in a discussion with my co-workers one day and the topic discussed made me think. One argued that in WWar2, the Japanese (I say this very gently)invaded many countries using military might and were successful for a time. Now the Chinese are doing it and they use not military but economic powers. They have invaded many markets in the world. Made in china products are seen all over the world and are highly successful. Can this be viewed as invasion and conquer? or just plainly thinking stupid? reactions please.