Don't confuse China with Japan, SK with Taiwan Province. We have different national development strategies.
I do not really understand the intention of writing this that China should not be compared with Japan. Yes, you are right in one point that China will PROBABLY never reach the living standard of Japan. I have been to China, West Europe and live in Japan. I can very much compare.
Though Communist in name, China is purely a capitalist country where the winners take all. In the case of Jpan, though capitalist, it is more socialistic. It will be very difficult for China to emulate the Japanese living standard.
And do not forget that millions of Chinese are working day and night in Japan. They earn money and save to send to their families in China. So, do not please brag. What you can manufacture, Japan can do it more in quality whereas you reverse-engineer and produce shoddy goods.
So, yes, China should not be compared with Japan. Japan is in a different league.