The more I read of the article the less clear cut this looked. Someone has already mentioned the cartoon, but he had deregistered with the university, on the p

The more I read of the article the less clear cut this looked. Someone has already mentioned the cartoon, but he had deregistered with the university, on the proviso that support from his phd mentor would allow him to return. When his mentor did not want to mentor him anymore he was actually registered at Wuhan rather than St Gallen, so I can see why this would make it complicated for him to continue there. Having done a PhD recently and knowing several who have, around the three year mark can be a difficult time for the student-mentor relationship. There is mention that his mentor claims the student had lost their temper with them prior to this happening, so I wouldn't be surprised if things were strained. Another aspect is the natonality of his mentor. The mentor may have family in China or need to continue strong links with China to continue their career in the field. Regardless of actual Chinese influence, the mentor may simply have been concerned of the impact the student's tweets would have on their career. Obviously still not ideal, but reflects more a 'chilling effect' that comes with heavy handed censorship.