To put the problem of counterfeit goods in perspective—— and focusing those sold on line, we have figures from China's State Administration for Industry and Commerce.

More than one third of items surveyed were found to be below standard in a 2016 quality inspection conducted by the administration. The sample inspection covered some of the country's most popular online platforms, including  Taobao.com and JD.com. And the faulty products  are mostly daily consumer goods,  ranging from electric fans and tissue paper to child auto safety seats.

Online retailing is a burgeoning sector in the country.  Sales volume hit 4.6 trillion yuan in the first 11 months this year—— growing more than 25 percent from 2015. Sales on Alibaba's T-mall, alone, reached more than 120 billion yuan in this year's "double-eleven" shopping spree .