One thing western people do not understand is that, most of Chinese citizens do know that they dont have as much “freedom” as what people get in the west. But not like in US, where people put “freedom” over everything else, it is not as important in China.
If people have to choose between freedom and food, unfortunately, most of “brainwashed, stupid, ccp puppet” Chinese will choose food. You can say as many terrible things about CCP, but it doesnt not change the fact that CCP is building a powerful country. Which results in a better life for every Chinese citizens. Lets be honest here, does people really care if the president is a monkey or a person, if this president can make the starving people fulfilled.
Another thing most western people do know understand is how CPP presidents and officials are chosen. Not like in US, where literally everyone can run for that, regardless of your experience or abilities to administrate to government. In China, you really have to do it from the bottom, start from an officer, to a small town mayor, then big town mayor, then city mayor, finally if you are capable enough you get to that position. Yes there are corruptions, there are shits going on under the table.