these plucky scientists

I assume you used that word sarcastically?

   From Wiktionary:

   plucky (comparative pluckier, superlative pluckiest)

     Having or showing pluck, courage or spirit
     in trying circumstances.

   Synonyms

    brave
    spunky
    feisty

I dunno. IMO a "plucky" Chinese scientist would be one who would refuse to work on something as dystopian as this.