based on what I’ve seen is he’s a bit of an ultra and is falling for the “China is also imperialist” narrative in the context of that quote, and saying that if he’s going to be living under the shadow of an empire, he’d rather it be one that is (seemingly) less “conservative” in its laws for individuals.

you trying to make this better isn’t making this better. It’s just making you a chauvinist making chauvinist arguments. Just drop it