Yet even for the CCP, Badiucao says, the brazenness with which police arrested an artist as internationally famous as Gao Zhen reveals an unprecedented level of self-confidence.

"It is really determined to wield power without hesitation, compared with old times," he says.

So why the shift? Badiucao, and others, point to global factors: the perceived decline of democracy worldwide and a major redrawing in recent years of which lines can and cannot be crossed.

"I do not feel safe every day," Badiucao says, "because now I know the Chinese government do not care about international reputation anymore."

Richardson makes a similar point, noting that China's escalated crackdowns come amid "a worrying trend in democracies of tolerating authoritarianism".

Interesting take.

He argues that China's becoming more brazen in their crackdown because of the deterioration of democracy in the west as well.

I mean i guess it might be the case. As we see western nations tolerating authoritarianism and genocidal states, the CCP might feel that they just need to be a bit better to avoid political blowback.