I do get your point, but the massive difference is that you can make that statement in US without having to think about repercussions. Can't do that in China.

"At least muh free speech" that changes nothing seems like the go-to American exceptionalism excuse. Latest report coming out of XJ is the mass internment phase is over. So the massive difference is is PRC doesn't mass detain minorities for longer than political goals deem necessary. Yet Americans still can't seem free speech / vote away forever for profit prison industrial complex.