That's an overstatement. The conceptual difference is that the U.S. system is limited to specific, known, legally prescribed situations, while the Chinese system is constant and ubiquitous. The U.S. system is far from perfect when you get down to specifics, but I'd definitely take it over the Chinese system.

> limited to specific, known, legally prescribed situations

Not sure crossing the US border in either direction or being within 100 miles of it (the 'extended border area') is particularly 'limited'?

30,000 device searches annually is WAY too many, but it is far more limited than than the system in China. Are you really trying to argue that border searches, no matter how much overreach, is the same as the Chinese Firewall?

It sounds like you're saying the limit infringes on constitutional or human rights, and should be reduced, which I agree with. Your original comment said there wasn't much conceptual difference between the two systems, which I disagree with. Neither system is acceptable, but that doesn't mean they are the same.

What the NSA does is just as constant and ubiquitous as what China does.

No it’s not. NSA monitors. China blocks. In your haste to criticize US policies, do not minimize the greater suffering of the Chinese people.

They did not say that it was as bad; only that it was as pervasive.