No one can protect IP if mingling with others. And east really didn’t try to hide anything. West invented IP regime, especially britain and america. Germany was freely sharing knowledge till 19th century.
Learning and living or leaving is not frowned upon in east. Theft, loot, and robbery is, of physical property. Also, destruction is frowned upon.
Knowledge is lost without active sharing. IP thefts are good for humanity. Let there be more and more.
You will be surprised to know.
BTW, most indebted countries are from west.