Seems like a fair point, will do more research on it. Just like everything else, conflicting stories everywhere.
You want the truth? Save up some money, take a flight and go to the poorest area in China and the richer costal areas yourself.
The poorest area in China might probably be the same level as Detriot or Gary.
The world have changed significantly for the past 20 to 25 years.
Africans are no longer surviving via a Hunter Gatherer lifestyle.
Ethopia have high rise modern buildings .