The Chinese government, the latter, has always been totalitarian. The truth was showing signs of maturity and partial support for market rules. But totalitarianism does not tolerate freedom, which began to break through in everything and everywhere. Therefore, the most anticipated turn of events is "tightening the screws", a decrease in freedoms, an increase in totalitarian methods in management. Well, as a result - the curtailment of the economic "miracle"
A few decades back, China was under the iron curtain and the citizens were unware of the liberties being enjoyed by those in democratic nations. But along with economic prosperity, the communications with other countries also increased and as a result at least a section of the population started rebelling against the regime. Perhaps the events in Hong Kong (supported by the West) was the turning point. The regime realized that if they don't nip the rebellion in the bud, then it will end up in their own destruction.