Many communication companies inside China have issued notices strictly prohibiting the use of VPNs and other methods to bypass the Great Firewall, even banning traffic from Hong Kong and Macau. It seems to be a top-level decision; otherwise, it wouldn't be possible for many provinces to crack down on VPNs while also technically banning them.

I don't understand technology well, so I don't know if this comprehensive "North Korea-style" internet control inside China can actually be achieved.
For friends inside China who promote crypto, the most practical way to bypass the firewall in the future might be through eSIM + European or American phones. Hopefully, friends inside China won't lose contact.