The risk of relying on devices which perform auto-update functionality or could hide backdoors are absolutely a legitimate security vulnerability.

Companies must comply with legal orders given to them by their government. So if the government of, say, China or America demands that their firms enable surveillance or sabotage either against individuals or widespread; those companies will comply.

So yes, any advice of caution is prudent. I both get that and agree with it.

However, right now I consider the US to be a more serious threat. They are intentionally causing harm to my country in order to bully us into capitulation to steal our land and resources. So while the threats of sabotage or surveillance are true from both counties, my priority is to boycott the US more stringently.

I am absolutely open to better options and if you have any suggestions I’m up for it. And regardless I would do substantial research before buying any new gear.