Your are not wrong that the US is more volatile, police often do act out even in routine situations and you will notice a lot of crazy people and degenerate behaviour, but it’s not that big of an issue if you stick to routine tourists activities and areas (or if you are with a local).

While I unfortunately haven’t been to China, I will speculate that you can get into serious trouble if you go outside of the tourist path and/or you’re not with a local.

Don’t get me wrong, I am no fan of the US.

While I’ve generally always defended the US while recognising their weaknesses, I am increasingly coming to the conclusion that the US is not a positive influence globally and their culture is perhaps more flawed than I initially believed.

That being said, it is ridiculous to position China as being “a better option”. China is a revanchist, genocidal and authoritarian country. I have no interest in being dominated by such a country.