1. "unique cultural and historical backgrounds" is a pretty empty phrase. What sort of cultural and historical backgrounds? I think that the relative homogeneity over a large population and area is a factor. But the difference is exaggerated.

2. Western countries had a significant level of personal freedom and rights well before the industrial revolution. China could easily tolerate a lot more freedom. What is presented as good for all is very good for the well-connected, good for most (probably) and very bad for a sizeable minority.