Yes this was maby a little over the topmwith crying. But you could not go outside and hold up a banner saying, the economy is bad without getting in prison or even a camp.

And chinese did have a great rise of the middle class. For this it was for a long time (in the time you mention included) the marketwonder, how a country can bi communist but econommically strong.

But it is also clear that through the political structure ever chinese citizens knows, that there is no other way to go then the way with the communist party. And as long as all power is within the party, it seems the could stem a economic crisis. But this is not something the modern chinese society was tested on. (In my heart I beleave, that chinese peoplemwill live free in the future 🙏😇)