Regarding all the news articles claiming those UCLA boys could have gone to prison for 10 years: fake news.
Actually living in China, I have some knowledge of the Chinese criminal code. Petty theft would result in an administrative punishment (by the police, not the court) of a fine and up to 15 days detention (police detention, not prison). And for foreigners, likely expulsion, depending on their visa.
But by all means, continue your China bashing!
/cc @adam