The 787 is a new plane, and it was built from scratch. And yes...

The 787 is a new plane, and it was built from scratch. And yes it took a long time. The Chinese narrow body started in about 2008 and it does not come close to getting a flying certificate. This takes about 5 years for Airbus or Boeing. The Chinese effort was granted a certificate from...wait for it...that well known centre of aviation excellence, The Democratic Republic of Congo! It cannot fly in N.America or Europe which are the two biggest markets. The Chinese plane will get there and best estimates are by 2022. Interestingly, the Chinese plane is unlikely to be cheaper than Boeing as much of their plane’s clever stuff is imported from the US.
I reckon the HC gold thread greatly underestimates US expertise. The same goes for the USD which is going to around for a long time yet. The AUD is much more likely to go awol than the USD...imo.