I doubt you're getting the accurate picture still

> lived there

China is fast devolving into dicatorship's way of life. 2+ years away is along time.

> keep in contact with many friends

Those friends are afraid to say anything negative to a foreigner living outside the guo on a platform closely watched by the government

> consume a lot of TV and podcasts from there

Government approved safe and patriotic contents

You have to be a native citizen who is living there 10+ years to understand