I think it's ok since CCP denied the existence of GFW; and we would just do things related to work,it's like an unwritten rule.

My impression is that they don't care too much about individuals evading the firewall. It's a tool for broad social control, which doesn't need to be airtight to accomplish its goals. As long as it's inconvenient to browse to blocked sites, it redirects conversational topics to safer areas, and a small number of individuals bypassing it doesn't affect that too much.

Most Chinese give a f. if something is illegal or not. Look at he xray machines that you are supposed to put your luggage in before you enter the subway. Many Chinese just walk by and ignore the complaining security girls.

VPNs? Well, companies need internet and EVERY company in China used them. It is so stupid and insane at the same time.

China is not a state ruled by law (, as some believe it is ruled by theft, or a kleptocracy). So it is not well defined whether this incident is illegal, and usually for controversial issues, argument for or against its legal status is not helpful at all.