As I mentioned elsewhere, I will never defend illegal actions taken by the US government. I'm genuinely aghast at many of the things that have been uncovered.
That said, the numbers of people harmed by the US and China are not remotely comparable. Bringing up the US in a discussion about China does nothing but give cover to a country which continues to repress a fifth of the world's population.
Europe and the US have plenty of moral failings. Using those to undermine every criticism of far worse countries is itself a failing. Claiming relativism between imperfect nations and tyrants helps only the tyrants.
I totally agree about relativism not being a credible defense in any circumstance.
I was not very verbose. My aim was to point out nation states are not that different in their capability to sacrifice moral for power. That in itself does not excuse any malfeasance.
That said, the numbers of people harmed by the US and China are not remotely comparable. Bringing up the US in a discussion about China does nothing but give cover to a country which continues to repress a fifth of the world's population.
Europe and the US have plenty of moral failings. Using those to undermine every criticism of far worse countries is itself a failing. Claiming relativism between imperfect nations and tyrants helps only the tyrants.