Why the US can't Compete with China now

http://www.forbes.com/home/2008/05/27/
gas-inflation-china-oped-cx_dhs_0528oilchina.html

Begin quote:
Consider the following: Since January 2007, global crude oil prices have risen by 109%; gasoline prices in the U.S. have risen by 77% (roughly apace); gasoline prices in China have risen only 9%. endquote

Since January 2007,if U.S. gasoline prices have risen 77% and China gasoline prices have only risen 9%, you tell me why the U.S. can't compete with China?