The one-child policy has produced a whole generation of spoiled children, a majority of them boys. These middle-class kids are used to getting everything they want. When they reach their 30s, they will not take 'no' from the government. They will want a say. They will want freedom of travel, freedom of speech, freedom to access any internet site they choose, etc.

That's when the Party will be forced to let go.

The other problem is more immediate: corruption. The villagers who riot are pissed off because local party officials are enriching themselves at their expense. For the local officials, there is a lot of money in corruption because of the explosive economic growth. I'm guessing there will be a lot more blood on the ground before the Party is able to deal with these problems successfully--if, indeed they ever can.

Pogo: We have met the enemy, and he is us.