I thought it was less about the data and more about the control China had on what Americans saw, and how that could influence Americans.
If China could effectively influence the American populations opinions, how would that not be bad?
If the reality of things, the simple truth, is able to "influence" Americans does it really matter who brought that truth up?
Do you prefer Americans to be ignorant about certain topics, or to be informed even if that comes at the cost of reduced approval for the government?
Specifically, US citizens can see what's happening in Palestine