Starsky, snitching is a highly common technique on mainland. Too bad foreigners fall for it too. One may just be asked "by the way" questions and informally as well as friendly, when the foreigner doesn't believe it'll probably go against the others at some point later. Locals kiss arses to the top positions all the time. If they don't they'll most likely never succeed in the country. A loyalty to local employers is more valuable than qualifications, skills or experiences.
Cheers and beers to the 5,000 years old nation that hasn't grown up yet