The things we're taught

[RoadRaven]

I don't want to comment on the rights or wrongs of getting one girl to sing while another lip-synched.

I do think its worth considering the difference in culture and that this is an insight into a different way to look at life. Things are to be beautiful and aesthetically pleasing - to do less for your guests in many cultures is insulting. To think that "our" way - that is, non-Chinese and probably a European/Australasian/American way - is better, is both naive and arrogant.

Would I object if this scenario happened in this country, MY country? - yes, loudly, voiciferously.
Do I agree with China's decision in this instance? No, I don't
Would I criticise them for it? No, I wouldn't. This is cultural difference, highlighted 100-fold by an international microscope.

I am willing to bet (if I was a gambler) that Peiyi is very proud and so is her family. Of all the thousands and thousands and thousands of 7yr Chinese, she was THE chosen one. She has immortality.