Disrupting the search function is effective against new users, which tends to flux in whenever there is a large event like this happening in China looking for uncensored news.
Experienced Chinese users are already following each other so they don't rely on the search function.
PM_ME_FOXGIRL_HENTAI t1_iy4q026 wrote
Reply to comment by anti-DHMO-activist in Twitter grapples with Chinese spam obscuring news of protests by CrankyBear
Disrupting the search function is effective against new users, which tends to flux in whenever there is a large event like this happening in China looking for uncensored news.
Experienced Chinese users are already following each other so they don't rely on the search function.