I think you are underestimating the Japanese. Sure a lot of their industries were spawned from copying. But as Japan is a truely crazy place (and I mean that in the most positive of ways) they do drive innovation. You don't see all of it because some of it is strictly linked to the culture and wouldn't float in other markets, but once in a while ideas come there that better the world. 

Let's face it, all cars since the first Daimler are copies. Korea and Japan are fully functional societies, go there and talk to the people. They do independent thought very well. But to think outside the box first you need to build the box. China hasn't built the box yet. 

I know you do sometimes use the word 'modern', but I think it's a bit rich thinking that China or Japan haven't invented anything...

Yeah, I know, not too recently, as far as true scientific 'inventions', but as Scandi has said, the Japanese do a lot that we never see! The robotics and electronics in Japan would amaze (and probably shock) you! Pokemon is so Japanese... but see how that craze hit the world...

China, OTOH, is still basically an agrarian culture (with some huge, technologically developed cities) - so it's not too surprising.. yet!

Also, innovation means trying things out - trying, and failing. You're not going to see a lot of that happening, in a place where failure isn't something to tell people about.

And, lastly, culturally, China worships past leaders... so, if they got it right then, then it must still be right now! No need to change, or improve, let alone say they were wrong, or there is much better.

And, lastly, you've built your argument into something non-sensical. If you're going to say that LG nd Samsung are just doing knock-offs, then any form of electronic communication similar to a phone is just a knock-off. Same with transportation. Many many organisations (not countries, cos countries  are not the driving force of innovation) are working on the same things all around the world at the same time. By your argument, either 'the west' puts its new innovations out there first, and 'the east' comes out with there's a little later. - and you'll say they're just copying.. or 'the east' publicises their new gadget thing first, and you'll just suggest that they're still copying 'the west, but got there first...

Samsung a knockoff of the West?  Which universe do you live in?  Apple (american company) uses Samsung tech in their phones.  Samsung drives new technology in many different areas of the market.  you shouldn't discuss matters in areas which you don't know about.