Once upon a time, Opinion meant opinated argument on a particular issue and not sponsored shilling of [product.]

Once upon a time, people were allowed to express positive, personal opinions about China without being accused of shilling.

In fairness, "Opinion", is always "sponsored shilling of [[some] product]". Whether the product be some political idea, some "latest, greatest" consumer doo-hickey, some backup QB after an agonizing loss, or indeed, some city or geographic region.

There really is no "Opinion" piece that is not shilling something.