Most developed countries with any sense have farming subsidies, because it turns out that actually being able to feed your population without relying on imports is rather strategically important if war ever breaks out. (This is a lesson that Britain in particular learnt the hard way.) China on the other hand subsidises approximately the entirety of their successful commercial sector.

Since you agree that subsidies are a tool to promote a country's self interest, how can you deny that these are 2 sides of the same coin.