> Well I imagine there was a lot less persecution by the Chinese government at that time.

Is feudal society with slavery and human sacrifices better? How can we really be sure about more or less persecution by Chinese government if we don't live in Tibet, do not know Tibetan and Chinese, and all we know about those "persecutions" are somebody else's translated words?

> You're right, the media in China are mostly or exclusively mouthpieces for the state.

You're right, the media are mostly or exclusively mouthpieces for the state. FTFY. There are not exceptions anywhere in the world.