There's serious tension between Echo and Zhi. Then again Zhi doesn't seem to take European dealers too seriously which you will notice once/if you get a shipment from them.
The problem with Zhi is that their components are mostly re-branded OEM products which Echo developed in the past. Ever since Echo started making parts in their own back yard, Zhi cannot just go and buy the same product and put their logo on. I personally have a low regard for Zhi, even their own designs like frames aren't well thought out, with numerous issues a rider might encounter when building the bike up.
Having seen what Echo is now doing in China, I'm pretty sure that their main goal is put Zhi out of business by taking over the whole trials market (which Zhi had a very big share in up until recently). Frankly, I'm not surprised and at the end of the day, the average trials rider will benefit from this most of all.