Actually Chinese like .com, .cn, .info, and many others based on actual buying patterns. Too much to discuss right now, but there has been Chinese investment in many extensions.
Well that's strange because I sold 20 NNN.IO all to Chinese buyers and I can prove it with a screen shot for those that don't believe me (pm though as I wont post it live). So not sure where your getting that from. But regardless, .IO has three groups that like it, not just Asian buyers. Tech start ups and individuals that prefer short domains or one word domains too.
I can understand if your saying that NNN isn't as popular with the .IO extension, but have a look at the link below and you'll see that LLL and many one word domains are selling just about daily. But there is demand for all segments, NNN, LLL, 1 word, and some have moved to NNNN and LLLL which I think is ok as long as you get some really good combinations.
I sold several .io on Flippa and on Namepros. All the buyers are from Asian country and 90% are from China.
This is normal in stock market. If people want to buy something they create fake news so other people sell their stuff for cheap and fake news spreader become buyer.
None of my .io I sold for cheap. I made 100%-1000% profit on few of my .io with Chinese Buyer. I still have plenty premium .io including 30+ NL.io and few super premium NNN.io.