>I suggest that the fear is based more around "what is the government likely to do" than "what is the government allowed to do".
Government is not a monolithic being. Each branch have their own intention and goals.
In any case, due process is underdeveloped in China and the police does have a lot of arbitrary powers that will affect people's lifes. For example, the police is allowed to detain anybody at their pleasure for up to 15 days; there is no appeal and the incident stays on your record forever.
Most time they don't have any reason to mess with a random individual, but they won't be sorry about it either when it happens.
Government is not a monolithic being. Each branch have their own intention and goals.
In any case, due process is underdeveloped in China and the police does have a lot of arbitrary powers that will affect people's lifes. For example, the police is allowed to detain anybody at their pleasure for up to 15 days; there is no appeal and the incident stays on your record forever.
Most time they don't have any reason to mess with a random individual, but they won't be sorry about it either when it happens.