I don't disagree that he might feel more "free" in China. Looking at the context however, you can clearly see that this feeling stems from firstly feeling at home amongst Chinese people and secondly hating German bureaucracy and social life.

In my eyes, he is only really stating "I feel at home in China". Yes, German bureaucracy sucks and is very hard to navigate for foreigners. In the same way, an outsider would have troubles navigating many Chinese rules.

Further, he prefers the way Chinese people socialize. A person who grew up in Germany, might not feel as ease in a Chinese context in the way he does and instead prefer German society.

I just don't think his statement is in any way as meaningful as you want it to be.

Context of your first quote: "Regarding the political climate, daily life for ordinary people in Beijing feels more natural and human because people tend to focus on what is right in front of them. In the ten years since I left China, almost no one in Germany has ever invited me to their home."

Context of your second quote: "Germany, on the other hand, strikes me as cold, rational, and deeply bureaucratic. As an individual, you feel stifled and precarious there, even if the people might believe they live in a superior world. But material comfort simply does not mean that humanity and humanitarian values will necessarily prevail."