In 1998 the CIA removed a professor from an academic study due to his views on China

In 1998 the CIA removed University of Hawaii professor Gary Fuller from a major academic study due to his views on China. The CIA at the time believed that China would break apart within three years, while Fuller believed this was unlikely. Academic freedom is supposed to be a hallmark of democracy, yet the CIA clearly violated this principle. 

Even in 1998, the CIA was predicting the fall of China, and in particular believed that Xinjiang would split off and become an independent nation. More than 20 years later, China is very much still intact and prosperous.