Your father's comment is nothing wrong.

China has the right to do whatever they want to do, just like America watches everybody online. They are essentially the same thing - different way to do things (smart way vs. stupide one, depending on technology level). They all have the reasons to do the "right" thing for them or their countries. You are talking about brainwashing, so I am just saying America does brainwashing all the time. The Movie “The Interview” itself just proves that America is not trustable.
America is against everyone as long as benefiting its interests. They have no interest to save or help anybody. But they do things in smart way such as using human right as excuse etc.

So there is nothing wrong with your father’s comment.