re: Per capita does matter, but it cuts both ways.
Sorry to get my foot on this band wagon, but I agree with you and I have to add that China has a reputation of not signing on to anything, not anti-nukes, not pro-Kyoto Agreement, etc. However, I HAVE seen a higher interest in conservation and pro-eco management where I live, which is promissing.
Hey, when we are all driving hybrids, most Chinese will be driving cars. Let's hope by then that they will also be driving hybrids, or something of equal or lesser(!) measure. Maybe by then, they'll come up with something uniquely their own.