On: Skype Vanishes from App Stores in China, Including Apple’s

[ma2rten]

In part this can be explained by different cultural values. Chinese value social harmony over individual freedom.

[opportune → ma2rten]

If it's implied not to question the government "for the sake of social harmony" I'm just going to interpret that as "for the sake of not getting your ass thrown in prison".

Clearly Chinese culture doesn't always amount to rolling over for the sake of social harmony, just see: Boxer Rebellion, Tiananmen Square, Communist Revolution, Xinhai Revolution, etc.

We have no way of knowing how supportive the Chinese truly are of their government if that support is given under the threat of imprisonment or loss of economic opportunities (up to and including those of family members. Under an oppressive dictatorship that persecutes freedom of speech by force, "social harmony" is really just trying to survive. In that sense, I'm sure North Korean citizens value social harmony too

[agentgt → ma2rten]

I totally understand that but does the government say something or have an official stance? Or is it just inherently implied not to question them.

I have to imagine they say something like "we are doing this to protect" etc. etc. but maybe not.