But another key factor was the decision taken in the 1980s to restrict the use of powerful insecticides such as DDT and chlordane.

BBC: Bees on their knees while bed bugs boom

"The key factor in its decision has been the Chinese's support of indigenous vendors such as the Chinese Academy of Science's development support of Red Flag Linux OS, " says Gartner analyst Louisa Lui.

BBC: Linux takes on MS in China