Yes it had a great impact on political opposition. Such a weird coincidence that the politicians who want to keep their unlimited power indefinietly supporting a way of catching opposition early.
I guess this is what we need in the West too. Lets just cement the current ruling class in for decades.
Why do you think that the Chinese "value" having political opposition? They're the largest developing economy in the world.
What is your sales pitch? "Hey, you guys should try having a less stable government, in exchange you'll get some abstract platitudes about freedom and privacy."