The guy is a PhD graduate of a military academy, of course he would be an officer. Graduates of military academies all over the world hold officer ranks.

China has been remarkably successful in developing domestic industries. 25 years ago you didn't see decent Chinese papers in international journals, now you encounter them all the time. Good for them! It would be good if the US also supported its domestic research, but Americans just won't get advanced degrees in the sciences because it's too hard and the pay is too lousy.