There are certainly examples of persecuted dissidents in both countries. What I'm missing in China is any examples of dissidents who've achieved any success, comparable to American examples of dissidents in prominent, even state-sponsored roles. And, in particular, any ability of ordinary people to read and discuss what dissidents write. You and I can discuss Bradley Manning here. And I'll agree he is not being treated in a justifiable manner. Can Chinese citizens openly discuss dissidents, and criticize their governments' treatment of them?
For example, after Angela Davis (Black Panther activist) was acquitted, she became a tenured professor at the University of California, where she has, for several decades, continued to unapologetically oppose the United States government. And she's hardly the only one; there are many dissidents who are professors at American universities, some of which are even state-run universities. Noam Chomsky, of course, has not been removed from his professorship at MIT, despite his political views.
Are there any prominent Chinese dissidents who are now tenured professors at Chinese universities, without recanting? If we compare to Davis's role as a minority-group activist--- can you imagine a Tibetan or Xinjiang activist, who opposes the Chinese government's rule over those regions, becoming a tenured professor in China? Being able to teach courses openly about those disputes? Being able to publish critical books through the university press, which any ordinary person can order online with a few clicks? All of that happens in the United States, but doesn't happen in China.
I'm not hugely into political theory, but I read some of it, mostly tending towards the leftist side. And I am able to buy any of this in the United States, completely openly, even stuff much more radical than what I typically buy. Not even in backrooms or dark alleys, but from Amazon, delivered to my home address with my real name on the label! I can buy manifestos openly urging the overthrow of the United States government (under Brandenburg v. Ohio, these can't be prosecuted as treason). Can Chinese citizens openly buy manifestos urging the overthrow of the Chinese government?
Not directly relevant, but one should also recognize that there are examples of modern-day American academics who do suffer censure for being outspoken dissidents -- Norman Finkelstein being an example (http://www.americanradicalthefilm.com/).
There's a difference between "dissent" and "passing classified information to unauthorized sources". You can get away with criticizing the government here; you can't get away with espionage.
Playing fast and loose with facts continues to hurt your case.
Sklyarov - charges dropped.
Manning - U.S. soldier deliberately mishandled diplomatic cables.
Assange - I'm aware of no official charges or actions by the U.S.
I have a friend who's life was completely ruined by a federal criminal case before charges were ever even filed.
I'm not sure you understand the implications of "charges dropped". Sometimes that can consume 5+ years of one's life, sometimes part or all of that imprisoned. It always costs a fortune, too.
If you aren't aware of what the US is planning for Assange, you're not paying attention. This is the same government that thinks that people at the New York Times should be indicted for espionage.
Would you hire someone who was facing charges of abusing children to look after your children? I probably wouldn't. The charges sometimes stick, no matter what happens after they are filed.
As for Assage, I assume you're aware of the way some US politicians have behaved.
http://abcnews.go.com/blogs/politics/2010/11/does-palin-want...
I think Julian Assange, Bradley Manning, and Dmitry Sklyarov may disagree with you.