It seems like a rational argument (about the consequences of adopting such policy) but looking at the US as a live example, is that really happening?
In the US's case, it might mean that the world depends too much on it and has to put up with draconian policies.
It seems to indeed be more that China is up and coming, while the US is declining. Remember how the US used to be friendly to immigrants and prided itself on its diversity? Well, now everyone's already there, everyone speaks English and there hasn't been an internal war in a while. It's like it grew fat and is now hibernating on that.
Just a wild guess, but like many people have said in this discussion: I find it pleasant to go to China, but I have to be paid to go to the US.
Hopefully the US will sort itself out and people can be happy visitors again, and not simply go there because it's normal to do so.
> It is important to point out that you are extremely unlikely to be penalized for bringing in an encrypted laptop with you to China, as any kind of widespread zealous application of such practice would quickly shut down any business travel to China -- and this is definitely not in the government's interest.