I still haven't progressed past Volume II or maybe III of Book 2, but I thought... oh, who is the main character... Laurence? Lawrence? Anyway, I thought his impressions of the Chinese made sense because they are from his point of view. If the books weren't from his extremely British and somewhat (understandably, since they want to separate him from Temeraire) resentful perspective, I think the portrayal might have bothered me. But as it is, and as he seems to be getting more accepting, and as Temeraire is drawn to certain aspects of their culture that are more progressive/enlightened than British cultures, I haven't been bothered by anything. I mean, you're obviously further on than I am, but I haven't had a problem with the way Novik has portrayed the Chinese so far.