I had to "reach over" a couple of times to the seat controls of other passengers next to me (along the aisle) cause they didn't turn off their bright reading lights when they were sleeping (with their glasses removed). And yes, most Chinese/Taiwanese care less about others/strangers, generally speak more loudly to others besides others being around. Never hold you the door open when they come out from the toilets (and you waited in front of the door to be next). I've been living in Taiwan since 5 years and nobody ever held me the door open to a restaurant when they exited and I entered in the same time... guess its just not part of their education, nothing racial here. I will keep on holding doors open to them and turn off their lights. Just don't get annoyed by it and get used to it
The key is communication. If you want to use your laptop and are afraid to get it crushed, just tell the person that sits in front of you no matter what's his/her race!