You're seriously under-estimating the leverage the CCPA has on the western brands. They've successful censured other sports like basketball when their players have taken a political stance against the Chinese regime.
Mesut Özil China row: western brands be warned, self-censorship won't protect you
Arsenal gave Ozil a bumper contract once they lost Sanchez to United and were desperate to hold on to their only star player at that time. Once Wenger left, neither Emery nor Arteta have fancied Ozil and seem to believe that they'd be better off with younger, cheaper players rather than an excellent, albeit mature player. Arsenal are crying out for a creative midfielder and the only reason why they aren't playing Ozil is because they want him off the wage books.
Moving players off on such massive wages is always non-trivial. I'd blame Arsenal for being desperate to tie down a star and then completely move that star out of favour within a year after. But not sure Arsenal can do much if Ozil is happy to warm the bench and there are no takers for him.
Bale has done the same for the better part of the last two years and he was roundly celebrated here. The only reason he is playing any club football this season is because Madrid were desperate and they accepted the first offer which pays only about a third of his wages. No rational person would terminate their 250-350k / week contract and take a pay cut at this stage of their career. Particularly, when he has had a fruitful career so far and most likely his best days are behind him.