As with the first satellite, achieving it was not about the event per se, but a statement about the state of technology of the achievers themselves. America was not worried because there was a metal basket ball overhead, America was worried because it told the world that Russia got it done and America was "not yet."
In doing what it did, China proved to the world it can. I am sure some if not many of the technologies were "copied", but that's the way one learns.
I believe it as Einstein, or someone with similar stature who said: "When standing on the shoulders of giants, one can see far." So, to learn from example is smart. First
learn how to do something by example, then learn to do something by themselves. Not a bad way.
Let's say the entire thing was copied. And let's just say the blue print and specs are all done for them, tested for them, and available in kit form... Even under those terms, getting the kit assembled and getting the whole plan executed was still a hard job to do and doing so is a major accomplishment. Given the current state of international affairs, I am fairly sure no one shipped them a "kit with some assembly required."
I like this a lot. We (the "developed nations") need a kick in the bud. We have been arrogant and got lazy. We need the competition between each other and with others. We need the pressure to keep us moving forward.