Re-reading my comments, I apologize if I came across as 'whataboutism', that is not what is intended. I just read your first link (CNN) and again, I am still left with the same question.

It first states, "...using bilateral security arrangements struck with countries in Europe and Africa to gain a widespread presence internationally..." which seems to suggest the hosts countries are fully (or at minimum somewhat) aware.

Then, they go on to say "Safeguard Defenders stumbled on the police networks while trying to assess the scale of China’s efforts to persuade some of its people to return to China..."

Fair enough, but what exactly are those people accused of? If they're being accused of fraud or other illegal activities, are those really people we want in our countries.

> First, you asked about the US when this article is about China, a very well known tactic, thank you very much.

I'm American. I'm much more well versed in American issues and this is the first story that popped into my mind which I can bring up as a parallel.

> Second, you really want us to believe China's attempts at getting at its critics is the same as the US trying to get at a terror suspect?

As I clarified, as I couldn't read the full article, I am admitting I don't know - it would be great if the article had clarified down the way on what exactly their position is and someone had quoted it.

> If you want to criticize the US go ahead in the appropriate thread, there's plenty to criticize.

I love American thank you very much.