I understand and agree with your sentiment, but the issue was about the American turncoats, the sympathizers. I mean, if China invaded the US and China withdrew after a few decades, the awful fucks who supported the PRC in their occupation, the collaborators, would have horrific things done to them and their families

Same deal, and nobody really wants these useful idiots, but the thing is, if you just burn them, people are less likely to collaborate with your empire building regime in the future.