Opinions of quality by country

When it comes to buying scuba/snorkeling gear, does the country of origin
make a difference to you? I was told that the quality of the Taiwanese
manufactured snorkeling gear is tops right now, but it hasn't always been.
Sometimes the phrase 'made in china' is synonymous with poor quality, but
in people's minds, is it the same with Taiwanese products? In the
electronics field, Japanese products are obviously touted, so just
wondering about the thoughts in the scuba/snorkeling arena.