 "Shan Zhai", a word that literally means "mountain stronghold" in Chinese. However, the word is currently widely used as a noun, adjective or verb, meaning "cloned". There is a line of "Shan Zhai" products ranging from cell phones, TVs to laptop computers.
Shan Zhai are not strictly speaking knock-offs of branded goods, they don't use branded names. But they are, still, essentially copies.
In the beginning, the public was quite taken by the "Shan Zhai" products because of their low prices, multiple functions and resemblance to some big name brands.
But now, the poor quality of some copies of branded electronic items are denting the image of "Shan Zhai" products.
"The Beijing News" published a commentary saying that the public should only trust brands that embody originality and creativity. Some "Shan Zhai" products are nothing but bad imitations of famous brands. Inevitably, the sales and reputation of such brands are affected.
The commentary adds that many "Shan Zhai" products are improvised or home-made and are generally crude in form and function. In a way, these products severely harm the interests of thousands of consumers.
To conclude, the article says while Shan Zhai found a niche in the market, the quality of their products is now disappointing and in some cases border on the illegal.
"Shan Zhai" products, therefore, need to be supervised and their quality improved in the name of fair trade practices and consumer protection.
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