I've had both, several times over, but the Russians consistently are the better rifle. They are better made, and the biggest difference is in the accuracy. I've seen a couple Chinese that shot real well for an sks, but every russian I've seen or shot is accurate (for an sks).
But, more than that, it is the novelty behind it for me, too. It's like you can buy/own a dewalt or a chicago from harbour freight. The difference in price is pretty drastic, but they are the same tool-the chinese are wll known for having the plans from the companies for eveything from nike tennis shoes to golf clubs to rifles. But the russian sks is the real deal, where it originated, etc.