These so-called ethical AI researchers are not really doing much science, not even truly researchers. They are more like politicians, and are playing the game of politics.
Foundamently it came down to the reality that it is not profitable to build a factory and manufacture lcd in Wisconsin. Probably in none of the US states.
Sure, US is a free world where people are free to loot, burn down buildings, spread qanon conspiracies; and subvert other governments, make false baseless accusations against other countries because they refuse to be the puppets of the US.
For decades, the US has made its law the law ruling the whole world, use every measure imaginable, including war and subverting foreign governments to force it upon countries, business and individuals. Iraq, Iran, CFO of Huawei, to some degree, the forced sale of TikTok. The Hong Kong security law, is much more "sensible" and narrow in scope than whatever the US has been and is forcing upon the world: if you try to subvert the China government, why should China welcome you to its soil?