You accurately describe the dynamic of self-censorship, but miss the point that China gets to set the threshold of what is "uncontroversial" by choosing how str

You accurately describe the dynamic of self-censorship, but miss the point that China gets to set the threshold of what is "uncontroversial" by choosing how strongly to react in cases like this. Either way you end up embroiled in politics; the only difference is whether you let a foreign country dictate your behavior, or make your own decisions.