What is fun is that a group of people believe that Chinese citizens aren't interested by freedom and liberty. That they love to censored and told what to do or not...
I know from my personal conversations that a decent fraction of mainland Chinese support their government's stance on these kinds of things for the protection of society at large. Or at least the perception of this (which is in my opinion somewhat valid given the realpolitik.) My sense from my conversations is that this sentiment has been conditioned in from early childhood.
I would ask those idiots why do you think most Chinese once wealthy enough send their kids outside?
Opportunity. Mostly an opportunity make more money.
Many of the more wealthy Chinese are probably well aware of the desirability of diversifying in a general sense because of the multiple points of frailty of their society. China has more challenges than most. Even those individuals who do truly value freedom, liberty, etc, are probably and rightly terrified that it might actually happen.
The transition toward a freer society is possible but a regression too.
...whatever that means. I'm guessing that China will see a regression but it will not compare to what is seen in the West. We simply have a lot farther to fall.
Lots of good points thanks for sharing. I think these drives toward liberty and freedom are an inherent part of being an human beings. Some are lost and become low durability biological drones... Or fall to the demons.
However most chineses are good people, and you know without any warming one day, without anyone realizing it the cccp will fall. The good people of China will rise as they always have. Generally it get serious when the security apparatus joins. Fat pigs feasting vs risking your life... Sooner or later the best option become slaughtering the pigs while hoping not to become them.
Remember what a Tunisian fruit trader has started isn't over... Shockwaves may get a slower frequency... It doesn't mean they get weaker... And who could have predicted it? Human management is incompatible with the exponential expansionist nature of some of mankind... A kid born in Lumbini a while ago for example...