Sometimes, countries protect themselves using revolution in other countries. For example Lenin wanted to make the revolution in Germany, as they believed Russia was not prepared for revolution. Lenin was captured in Germany and released with the condition of not trying it again on Germany(or he would be shooted and killed) and sent to Russia, where he started the Soviet revolution.
For example, United States wanted to control the Panama channel, so they supported an "independence" movement against Colombia, so a new "free" country was created, that by "coincidence" gave the US the total control of it for a long time. Even today, the US is in control of it.
Before that, when the US felt the Spanish Empire was weak, they supported the "Cuba(and Philippines) libre" movement. People in Cuba and Philippines were very happy for the help until they realized the helpers army did not go away after the "independence". In Philippines the US exterminated over a million people, forcing everybody to speak English.
After Panama, the US continued supporting coups in other America's countries and around the world.
One of the most important movements the US supported was the popular movement in Persia, now Iran, because they wanted the British Empire to leave(so their own companies could enter and control the oil).
In the end, this movement converted Iran from secular country to a radical Islam one, and the Americans were ousted.
For the US it is routine creating havoc around the world, as the hegemonic power in the world that they are. All empires before had done that too.
They would love to be able to support popular movements in China or Russia as it is a threat for US hegemonic power in the future. Getting united China to disintegrate in several smaller countries would be a great victory.
But Chinese people already play the game.