but the argument “I wish I was in China and I didn’t have to be careful what I say in public!” is so laughable if you have actually been in China or interacted with mainland Chinese
What are you basing this on? Have you had any substantial interaction with Chinese engineers? I'm asking because I worked for a well known Chinese behemoth for nearly 6 years and my experience doesn't match your assertion.
but the argument “I wish I was in China and I didn’t have to be careful what I say in public!” is so laughable if you have actually been in China or interacted with mainland Chinese