there's also alot more chinese students studying abroad, compared to the old days. The creme of the crop stays, and the rest goes back.

The "rest" is still significantly better educated than those who never left, which implies they can fuel additional growth in China

Do they actually have the freedom to decide to leave China?

The USSR worked hard on semiconductors and airplane engines, but ultimately failed to keep up with the West.

Turns out, people with the means generally prefer living in countries with (a) individual freedom and rights, (b) freedom of the press, (c) an independent judiciary, & (d) economic surplus that responds to demand for luxury goods.

We can whataboutism on where the West currently stands with regards to these things, but if you're pro- and con- ing various options as an educated professional then you have a choice.

And if culture is a major consideration, then you could do worse than the Chinese communities in neighboring democratic states, or the literal democratic Chinese island...