Re China, I have no personal experience, I was simply repeating what I had read from pilots in these forums on some other turbulence related thread. Don't shoot the messenger!
As for my own past experiences, they were what they were. We were often surprised that when all western carriers would request to deviate,
certain Eastern European and Asian carriers went on through. Just relating what I frequently observed. I guess they must have had vastly superior weather radar to the West then!
Your objection is noted, but the fact remains that the cultural aspect I mentioned is still (granted to a lesser degree now than before) prevalent in many Asian countries. It's their way of life as you must well know.
Oh, and I'm not ex London ATC
