Good point - so those questions hold for China too. They weren't covered in the article.
Yes, but you should refrain from claims as "it is not ground breaking because X" if you haven't researched the topic. Not covered by the article doesn't prove anything. This kind of articles is supposed to be an introduction to the topic.
Sounds like you have so info that could correct my misunderstanding, please provide!
The point is you should look for information before stating it as factual.
Beijing gets down to -20C in winter and I've experienced 40+ in Shanghai so it's not even out in the sticks either