> The US government might be using this all as political ploy, but how does this make Chinese people’s demand for freedom and end of authoritarian rule any less valid??

It doesn't make it any less valid, but you should be exceedingly cautious about soliciting American "support". What often results from US involvement in power struggles abroad is a government that is friendlier to US business interests, but retains all the negative aspects of the former regime. I hope your friends are safe and that their calls for change and justice are answered.