I mean, it has nothing to do with where the hardware is from. It has a lot more to do with, say, the lack of questionable "features" like Intel Management Engine, and actual open specifications and broad support from existing open source drivers. Rather than speculating, read more about the choice of processor here: https://www.crowdsupply.com/mnt/reform/updates/re-introducin...

Edit: consider the fact that two noteworthy open-hardware-focused products are coming from a similar region of the world is more an indication of their understanding of the importance of privacy and openness, rather that some kind of "deranged" motives. :)