I am comparing UPS in China to Nestle (the food company). China (and South Asia - India & Pakistan) are areas of tremendous growth opportunities due to the increase in population and imrovement in living conditions. It has taken Nestle quite a few years to establish itself, but their overall market presence (also on a global basis) and product reputation has definitely helped them.
Chinese are very smart business people, but once trust is earned and face is gained, development will be very positive. It takes time to achieve both. It will also take some time to get the necessary alignment between the cultures of China and the USA. Therefore it is so important to get qualified staff from China involved from the very beginning.
DHL is definitely a factor overseas (and has a very good brand recognition), but with a quality product every competitor can be beaten. And for this it takes dedicated personnel on a long haul.
Compare it to the growth of Nestle China, starting from more than humble beginnings (in the eighties), but with a clear objective. You see the famous Nestle bird's nest, and you know that you get quality. Will it be the same for the UPS shield and brand? Long-term it will come.