Sure, it happens in the US too. It's just more prevalent in China. When it comes to cultural differences, you can find the same examples in every culture. People steal from their companies in the US too. It's a matter of if these aspects appear more or less than in your culture.

At least you were trying to teach them independent thought. Teachers and parents do not do this much in China. The sense of hierarchy and obedience to authority appears more in China so the teachers/bosses/parents take advantage of this and just tell students what to do while students do not question them. Again, this is all on a general level.

My opinions were formed by talking to people about it, not from my own experience in the Chinese educational system.