I'm not sure I follow — how would it have been any different if he were looking for translations of, say, German news?

i include Germany in "the west".

Seing someone on hacker news trying to find scientific news in english from China is a big hint that china is now where scientific breakthrough will occur. And since China still remains a pretty "special" political regime, i don't feel very reassured.

For a long time exciting science has been coming from China. Why is that a problem? It's not a competition :) it's all good for the world.

Hmm, not sure today's china government is aiming at making "the world" a better place. They seem pretty focused on China only interest at the moment (and not everyone in China i would add)...

It doesn't matter what their aim is, BGI are advancing science that benefits us all. They publish their research, we read it, everyone wins. Except the pigs.

Congratulations, you have discovered the real Chinese Great Wall here - language.

(Hint: there's couple of more behind that)