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The problem is not that it is made in China. The problem is that people are buying predominately on price. Your iPhones or Android phones are also built there but are manufactured at a high level of quality. As are most of the integrated circuits. I recognize it is hard to identify those...
You might want to try bicycle handle bar tape. There is some that is actually made from cork. To finish the ends some experimentation will be likely necessary. I use a couple of wraps of PVC electrical tape (for my bike bars). I'd try some of that kinesiology tape cut into a narrow 2cm strip.
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