My Mugen MBV-6Eco wasn't made in China I believe (I think Taiwan, need to check that)
However there is a big difference between "made in China" and "made in China"

The problem with it is that the end quality is completely dependend on the quality control. Companies like Mattel and Hasbro also make all of their toys in China but their quality control is very strict. If they wouldn't do it the chinese would find ways to earn more money by choosing cheaper materials or lower skilled workers. When the QC is good they can't. A big manufacturer always has a strong presence in China to maintain quality otherwise your products are suddenly made in another factory with lower standard without you even knowing it.

That said. I think Thunder Tiger, which owns AE, is good on QC. The quality of my RC8e is good enough. At least a lot better then everything I have seen form Traxxas. Partially that is because of design but also choice of materials. I'm not saying Traxxas is bad but their is a reason why their products are cheaper. This might also explain why my MBX-6 Eco was more expensive then my RC8e. The build quality and the design of the Mugen look a bit better then then the AE I have to say.