Honest (albeit provocative) question: from a political point of view, does it matter?
The fact that China is willing arrest any of their own citizens at the behest of the US government is a pretty big deal. I'm not sure exactly what it means, but China doesn't strike me as the kind of country that's especially keen on being the US's lapdog.
I'd say they arrested talented hackers who weren't sanctioned by the Chinese Government. I don't see any indication anyone who was arrested was employed by the Chinese.
It sends a very clear message:
You need the Government as a patron if you want to engage in such activity. If you don't, well, we'll arrest you over when its to our benefit.
