Burger King made a corporate decision a long time ago not to deal with the China market. Then they changed course, and opened their first BK in China in 2005, so they are very very late to the China fast food party. KFC opened its first restaurant in China in late 1987 and McD's in 1990, so there is a considerable head start there--not to mention other Asia-based fast food noodle chains and such.

As of 2011, I don't think it's a matter of BK not caring, as much as floundering in how to get the brand known, how to differentiate with marketing and how to execute. As in many industries, what worked in other countries doesn't necessarily work in the Chinese market. And the costs of establishing a new business, barriers to entry, and financial risk are now greater.