Be nice to think that the current weather-induced chaos in China would make that country’s unelected, unloved communist leaders even more unpopular. To the contrary, the commies have successfully worked up a sort of “Blitz spirit” in the populace, dragging out the old Maoist slogans about mutual help and “the army serves the people.” Big names from the national leadership are by no means hiding in their palaces. They are scurrying around the country showing themselves, helping organize relief, and even offering apologies. I have the sneaking feeling that Chinese people, like British people. rather enjoy this sort of thing. At any rate, I see no evidence at all that the commies are, or feel, threatened by the disruption.

When several hundred million people have gone through a blacked-out, food-short, travel-wracked Spring Festival (the Chinese equivalent of Christmas, and then some), and had time to think and vent among themselves, the general level of dissatisfaction with the political system may go up a couple of notches. The commies are secure, though. When it comes to social control, these guys are really good.