The question isn't whether he was committing treason. The question is why would the author of the article omit this information. It's highly relevant, even if you don't believe it's true.
Again, the article's title ("Nobody is safe") is expressly written to invoke fear. The article's author could've written "... And he is accused of leaking information to the west; a flimsy excuse." or something, but they chose not to included that information.
You're missing the point.
China might use your data and hurt you in some far future, whereas the USA will use your data right now in a direct and violent way.
I can explain how the US government having access to the database of all of TikTok's data might directly result in a visit from ICE. The path to damage caused by China may exist too, but is much more nebulous, and much more difficult for China to execute on.
Yes, if you are in a government position, or in the army, you probably shouldn't use TikTok under China's management. But Joe Schmoe from California has little to materially fear from them. But he does have reason to fear the USA government who might well come over and arrest him.
"I don't see why we need this newfangled indoor plumbing. Shitting in a bucket and throwing it out the window works fine"
The other way around also has a false assumption in it. OK, maybe bees don't have the concept if skill so much, but birds most certainly do judge singing/dancing skill (when selecting mates).
I think maybe they were thinking pre-modern history? But even now, people do dance and sing around campfires, and 'arts and crafts' exist which is a pretty low judgement activity.
The message is nice, but "being nice" is straight up not a good way to achieve immortality. The people you've affected will remember you but one generation out and you're forgotten. And that assumes people ruminate on the kind acts they've experienced a lot.
The people we remember are mostly remembered for doing grand things. Maybe that's not a convenient truth, but it is true.