Well the question isn't about taking China seriously, but admitting that China was right in the first place. US's argument is that China can spread disinformation on Tik Tok, which is exactly what China was saying about Facebook etc... So, China, which doesn't have freedom of speech banned those sites for promoting foreign interests. US is now trying to do exactly the same to Tik Tok.

IF you accept USA's argument here, then you implicitly accept China's argument since they're the same argument. So, again, it doesn't matter what China says, what matters is what you just said:

It’s kind of hard to take their criticism seriously when western sites and apps like the BBC or Instagram are blocked in China.

So there by admitting, China was right, countries SHOULD block foreign influence.

*Edit: Man the timing of this article

https://www.msn.com/en-za/news/politics/exclusive-trump-launched-cia-covert-influence-operation-against-china/ar-BB1jSnFz

Like I said, China seems to be right here.

[+] charonn0@startrek.website -5 points 8 months ago (1 children)

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[–] Joncash2@lemmy.ml 8 points 8 months ago (1 children)

Just to be clear then, you're opposed to this bill passing?

[+] charonn0@startrek.website -7 points 8 months ago* (last edited 8 months ago) (1 children)

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[–] Joncash2@lemmy.ml 8 points 8 months ago (1 children)

OK but again to be clear, you're opposed to the bill?

[–] NuclearDolphin@lemmy.ml 6 points 8 months ago (1 children)

China bad for blocking insta. USA good for blocking Tiktok. Its consistent when you are a dog for the state department

[–] HumanPenguin 1 points 8 months ago* (last edited 8 months ago)

Also consistent when you remember tit for tat bans are bloody common in the world.

And sorta the point of modern caparilistic politics.

You stop our nations companies selling to your citizens and we will do the same here. Lets face it. If any gov refuses to do so. Its rather disrespectful to their companies.

The fact that each nation uses the spying excuse. When China is as likely doing it for control of its citizens and profit restriction. Just like the US.

Lets face it. No 9ne sane thinks these types of apps are not spying. Just weather the respective governments have access to the data. And let's face it. If you think either dose not. Beach front property in land locked areas for sale etc.

It really just points them all as hypocrits.

PS not American. But my nation is no better. And I am in no way saying any nation is atm. Or at least any nation with any power on the world stage.