BEIJING (Daniel A. Bell is professor of political theory at Tsinghua University (Beijing). His latest book is "China's New Confucianism: Politics and Everyday Life in a Changing Society."
© 2008 Project Syndicate/Institute for Human Sciences (www.project-syndicate.org)
) The Chinese government's very public display of compassion and transparency in response to the devastating earthquake in Sichuan province appears to have strengthened its authority and its bonds with ordinary Chinese people. The government and army worked hand in hand with legions of volunteers and private networks to rescue quake victims. Even diehard cynics were won over by Prime Minister Wen Jiabao's emotional comforting of the survivors.