Projecting the effect of it is difficult, other than to say it will be massive. Persecution will not end, and it will hamper efforts. New technologies that make it easier to smuggle materials in will also make it easier to track, identify and harass Christians. Nonetheless, governments will find it increasingly difficult to hide this persecution, and if Christians worldwide get involved and persuade our governments to tie economics to human rights, then perhaps China, with the world's fastest growing economy, will feel the weight of international pressure and ease up a little. On the other hand, this may not be the best course of action.
Persecution certainly has a purifying effect.
Another route for the church to take may be not to seek an end to persecution, but rather to seek out ways in which it can be avoided, escaped, or the effects lessened. Persecution, they believe, makes them strong. They fear materialism above persecution. This is something they have every right to fear. Polls, surveys and news reports seen recently coming out of China evidence a rising tide of materialism that would make an American blush with shame.