I am a supporter of the DDB brand. I was ECD there and have almost nothing but good things to say about the agency. And I will always be a fan of Bill Bernbach because he broke the rules and made the industry better. But I was a bit taken aback by the headline in the LA Times recently “Ad Campaign Tries to Elevate ‘Made in China’ tag’s cachet.” that describes an ad campaign DDB had done for China to polish its image so that American consumers might have a more favorable outlook on Chinese-made goods. Here are a few points to consider:

1. Some nations are becoming more aggressive in their efforts to combat what they see as unfair practices that have helped China siphon millions of global manufacturing jobs (from the US and others) on its way to becoming the world’s factory floor.

2. China has export restrictions on key raw materials such as bauxite, which raises the prices for foreign buyers and gives Chinese firms a low-cost manufacturing advantage.

3. The United States, whose trade deficit with China was nearly $166 billion through the first nine months of the year, recently slapped tariffs on low-cost Chinese-made tires and steel pipe.

4. Although some Chinese factories have been linked to the production of dangerous toys, melamine-tainted pet food and other shoddy products, many produce high-quality goods for well-known companies, including Apple, Nike and Caterpillar.

5. China was roiled by a high-profile milk scandal in which dairy producers sickened thousands of children with a chemical additive.

6. In the U.S., Chinese drywall is suspected of making U.S. homeowners sick and corroding pipes and wires. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has launched a major investigation after receiving hundreds of complaints from consumers in more than 30 states.

7. The agency is also scrutinizing Chinese-made all-terrain vehicles over concerns that faulty brakes and sharp handlebars could injure young riders. About 800 have been recalled since last summer.

“Most people would be pretty cynical about” the campaign, said Paul Midler, author of “Poorly Made in China,” a book that examined how Chinese manufacturers’ drive for bigger profits often compromised quality. “I’m not sure using PR can turn the tide and change behavior.”

It shouldn’t surprise anyone that Madison Avenue is for sale to the highest bidder, but I am still surprised at the seemingly conflict ridden relationships that our industry takes on. And lack of compunction.