The thing is one does not know if they'll come or not. That is not the point. There is a general fear amongst the people that they'll be targeted for speaking out. Effectively blocking freedom of speech.

That's a false statement. There is general understanding one will only be questioned if the misinformation has caused a significant financial or social impact.

> will only be questioned if the misinformation has caused a significant financial or social impact

Oh good, so I'm free to speak my own opinion as long as I don't actually try to accomplish anything!

Well, if what you wish to accomplish has to rely on misinformation then China is the wrong place for you. People will come after you, you may end up need CPC's protection

Notice how you've changed the OPs concern about free speech to a concern about "misinformation".

'pro-democracy' people are strongly associated with misinformation in China. That's why they have very few support and never accomplish anything all these years.

Misinformation? As defined by the CCP, or actual, objectively verifiable falsehoods?

>Unless it is something really absurd no one will come after you

So would calling for the end of the Chinese one-party rule and democratic elections be considered 'really absurd'?