The core difference, arguably only with the US, are individual freedoms like speech, religion, armament, etc.

Even though the US is currently trampling all over the bill of rights, it isn’t something that can be easily ignored or covered up. Protest can and will still happen all the time.

China heavily values cohesion over individuality, so the only “free speech” you get to usually witness is scrutinized before it ever reaches you, and everyone is aware that the government actively covers up issues.

Aside from that, China is miles ahead of the US in development, infrastructure, and their economy. Most of the US complaints over China are hypocritical as you say, or only exist due to the US viewing China as a military an economic threat.

A lot of people would probably be happy to give up those freedoms in exchange for social stability and quality of life if they were given the option.