In this concrete situation: Are they convinced of the party line that this is “combatting terrorism”, is it a civic duty, simply out of fear, or is this just me being ignorant about Chinese society?
Given the near complete absence of terror in the region over the last few years, I'd say it worked to some end.
I have learned about it, from multiple sources.
> They basically erred on the side of "too much surveillance, but alive" over "bomb them all 'til they're dead."
So literally a false dichotomy…?
> Given the near complete absence of terror in the region over the last few years, I'd say it worked to some end.
Compared to when?