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>I think it's fair to assume this must've been a deliberate choice by the Chinese authorities to conduct such a visible attack.

I think it is a fair explanation but I wouldn't assume it outright. The incompetence and ignorance of decision makers should never be underestimated when it comes to complex technology.

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It seems to be a common mistake of our age to assume that decision makers are "incompetent" or "ignorant" when it comes to tech. Individually it is unrealistic to expect these people to be universally competent in any field of expertise. It has always been thus, and that is why decision makers surround themselves with expert advisors.

I would suggest we should never underestimate the deliberate and meaningful consideration taken by decision makers when it comes to complex technology. Regardless of if you agree with the outcome or not.

We should never underestimate either competence or incompetence. Instead lets put very wide error margins on statements about the intentions and plans of leaders. It is too easy to fall into the trap of assuming total incompetence, or the other hand Dumbledore-like foresight. The truth is, most leaders have moments of both and luck plays a big role (See Steve Jobs or Winston Churchill).

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