Well, I've been in China for quite a while. 10 years ago, I saw my future there (perhaps in a little house in Guangdong's countryside). But then came Mao Jinping. After his ascent to power everything got more complicated & censorship increased. Under Hu & Wen you could at least have some hope for improvement, but Xi is taking big strides backwards.
So, I think, now is actually a good time to leave China. There are other opportunities. You don't have to think China is your only chance.
Vietnam, eg., although also a commie state, is much more open & the internet much freer. Burma is opening up. Thailand, even under military rule, is very nice to live in.
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Yes, I have felt the tightening of society here. I agree that it does not bode well for a comfortable future.