China's influence spreads around world For nearly three decades, Chinese peasants have left their villages for crowded dormitories and sweaty assembly lines, churning out goods for world markets. Now, China is turning the tables. GM Reaches Settlement With China's Chery DETROIT - General Motors Corp. said Friday it has reached a settlement resolving all legal disputes with Chinese automaker Chery Automobile Co., which had been accused of pirating the design of GM's Spark minicar.