[dominotw]

The chinese tolerate this because the economy is growing at an incredible pace. They wouldn't risk a revolution( and possibly disrupt the growth)for freedom of speech.

The govt legitimizes its actions by offering improved living standards for everyone.

[awinter-py]

If by 'incredible' you mean 'unbelievable' I agree. Neutral metrics like electricty usage suggest growth is a few points under the official numbers.

I don't agree that suppression of speech is a strategy for increasing growth. It's 100% about suppressing dissent for the 'lifestyles of the rich and famous' that the top CPC officials are living.

The iranians tried suppressing political activity in the 70s and it went sideways -- the ultra-religious were the only people left with the ability to hold political meetings because they overlapped with their prayer sessions, and so the radical clerics took over.

In china, there's probably a group that is under less supervision but not fully sharing the wealth -- maybe the police, maybe the army, maybe the lower tiers of the party. Watch for revolution from this corner.