Makes sense, its not bound by the xtensa license which prevents open source disclosure of the jtag interface (there are probably other reasons, but I know xtensa isn't compatible w/open source)

Espressif is based in Shanghai. China nationally is moving to RISC-V & red linux for all internal cases so they aren't reliant on foreign tech/ip. Espressif makes products for the ccp (I'd wager it is their single largest client and probably directly influencing their board, but that is speculation). Most chip manufacturers work pretty close with their govs for biz.

Its hard to appreciate today how significant a role esp32 will play in future computing trends (but it is probably HUGE imho, i love their products and transparency)