James has returned from the earthquake zone. He is impressed by the survivors' stoicism, by the efficiency of the relief effort, and by the openness to press coverage. I hear this from many people. Everyone here is an expert. After all, for three days there was quite literally nothing on the television except earthquake stories. People in grocery stores, and on buses, and in offices, have all been glued to the screen.
Today I spoke to a Chinese friend who was almost in tears when she spoke of the way the leadership had responded to the crisis. 'It wasn't anyone's fault,' she kept saying, 'it was a natural disaster.' So many Chinese disasters have been manmade, but this time no one was to blame, and the leaders were only to be praised.
In Chengdu, James saw another 'Jia You' demonstration such as the one I describe below in Tiananmen Square. Demonstrators chant 'Come on China, Come on Sichuan,' in what at least on the surface appears to be a message of support. Similar demonstrations – apparently spontaneous – have been reported in Beijing. In each case, the police shadow them warily. The only demonstrations the government allows are those the government approves of – in this case, the message seems to be what they would deem 'patriotic'.
Still, this earthquake is going to have a profound affect on China. For the moment it has created a bond of sympathy which will be a uniting force, and unlikely a dissident force. But in the longer run, if demonstrators are allowed to wander the streets, and if the ties of sympathy turn into new allegiances, all bets are off.