I (over)use them to indicate pauses or hesitation.

Stylistic flair.

I didn't realize the Chinese used so many ... on the ground facilitators... that's a very aggressive tactic.

That does make sense though, all you've said.

I was aware that yes, they typically went for... basically extremely high value data... i would think that persistent presence, or, almost that, basically, in essentially many state municipal systems... would essentially be a strategic weapon/tool... didn't think they'd be so bold as to flip all that on, now. I'd have figured they'd wait for a more specific, opportune moment.

But from what you're saying... sounds like they're mostly interested in acquisition, extraction.