The top voted comment is not about economics in China specifically - it is the only substantive reply that the parent got so that's what the conversation devolved into. The top comment is more broadly about the US being challenged - it's hollowing out of power. In the iron age if you can't wield iron you will be cast down. In the information if you can't wield information...

The top voted comment about Asia's economic rise agrees with your assessment, only goes further to explain potentially ulterior motives of the government to better inform those who are on the fence, as well as arming those opposed with better arguments as to why such surveillance is unnecessary.