Chinese authorities have prioritized efforts to cultivate support of the diaspora as well as all of its citizens who study and live abroad, which state media has collectively referred to as “overseas Chinese.” At a national work meeting on overseas Chinese held in February 2017, President Xi Jinping called for “closely uniting” with overseas Chinese in support of the Chinese dream.
I've mentioned the intelligence angle, at least (but posts have a now-dead link).
And Russia exploits ethnic Russians living abroad--or just Russian speakers (or even just fellow Slavs)--to extend Russian influence or justify intervention/invasion.
Which is annoying.
Until you consider that America has the advantage of appealing to anyone of any ethnicity anywhere who simply wants to live free (here's an impressive young man, for example). Which Russia and China fear.
So the appeal of Russia and China is more ... selective.
I'll take our universal appeal any day over their appeals.
