[codeglomeration]

"I secretly chuckle at how I've never once met a Chinese citizen who has felt oppressed, in China."

A lot of people fail to realize during these "I've been there and asked around" situations is that there is a fear or reprisal, especially in regimes that prosecute dissident views, and especially in those persons you ask don't know/trust you.

How do the people know who you are and whether you have ties to the government to confide in you? They know they and their families can be sent to jail and persecuted just for stating an opinion. What's the benefit of telling you about their beliefs? The downside is quite obvious.

Don't take for granted these "I've asked them and they said it's fine" encounters.

Put yourself in your shoes, living in that regime. Would you confide in someone looking like a traveller/stranger in such a regime?