Since when is "limiting the powers of the state" a "leftist narrative"? Because that what it boils down to.

The argument usually is "this will be used to target minorities/dissidents/illegal immigrants"

The typical 'leftist narrative' is a nanny state over-using its power to censor alt-right to protect 'minorities/dissidents/illegal immigrants'.

I'd place 'less government power' as more of a rightist narrative (see gun control for example)

It's very ironic that you're defending China's position on mass surveillance tech while complaining about leftists.