[bladegash]

Why can’t they? Sure, they can’t just call up the FBI or other US law enforcement agencies and refer the matter.

However, they can absolutely use the threat of disclosure of sensitive information to blackmail or otherwise coerce someone. The threat (real or perceived) many times is worse than the reality.

I’d say they each have the capability to cause harm, but the incentives/motivations/safeguards that might drive (or inhibit) them to do so are drastically different.

[sneak]

Like the FBI did to Martin Luther King Jr?

This is just as much a problem in the US.

[pcwalton]

It is not "just as much a problem in the US". China's treatment of dissidents is far, far worse than the US's. It's not even close. Every reputable political ranking organization, from Freedom House to The Economist, confirms this.

[bladegash]

Are you planning to be equivalent in notoriety/influence as Martin Luther King Jr? If not, the motivation/incentives for domestic law enforcement to target you aren’t really there. It would be a waste of their time and finite resources.

The PRC has a bit different motivations/incentives and theirs are not aligned with a perceived U.S. national security interest.

Whether you and I agree with the US national security apparatus's mission, in my opinion, it is at least more oriented towards safeguarding/promoting the US’ self-interest.

That’s not to say I agree with all of its actions, just trying to explain what I mean when I say there is difference in motivations and incentives.