The paperclip boogeyman is not the only reason, and probably not the biggest one, that models get safety/content constraints, however useful it is as a PR distraction. I agree Chinese models are different right now, but I think that's a function of their novelty and desire to compete globally.

For a taste of where I think things are headed, try asking Chinese models about Tiananmen [1]. And then take a look at the Chinese government's approach to pretty much anything that they think reduces security or social harmony. I find it hard to believe their models will be the one exception to that over the long term.

[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1989_Tiananmen_Square_protests...