The scene was also buried halfway through the Chinese version of the novel but was brought to the beginning of the book for the English version — with the author’s blessing.

From the article. So I guess it was less prominent in the original chinese version? But you are right being a book adaption the story has been out for years and quite prominently at that.

Then again we don't really know what "draws fire in china" actually means, if it's just some random online posters, then you can make any claim and likely find a comment supporting it. Really doesn't mean much.

On a side note I think there was a Chinese TV adaption already. Has anyone seen that one and how they handled it?

Before reading the article I actually didn't think about that scene, but thought they'd be annoyed that nationalities of the characters were changed.