(Probably) not related to this, but during this holiday season has been the two first times during my 2 years in China that police have stopped me in street to ask my business.

First was when I was going back home, at the main entrance of the house. In addition to the regular security people, there was a policeman who wanted to chat me up.

The second time was going out of bus in a small city in Baoshan. That time there were several policemen outside, apparently checking every arriving bus and interviewing any suspicious people.

Both times I had a Chinese friend with me, so there wasn't much of a hassle.

The second time could have been tricky without Chinese speaking friend, because the policemen apparently spoke no English (not even "hello"), and my passport was in RP processing, so I only had the receipt for that.

If any major attack would take place, the lust for a revenge would be a more scary thing. Anyone afraid of an attack should be more afraid of a revenge, than an attack. And a revenge could also escalate to something else politically. In all, its good the police has tightened its grip, as bad guys always prefer chaos. Espescially those that dislike foreigners.

Just a matter of time, before the chinese terrorists begin focusing on foreigners instead of domestics - makes for bigger headlines.

And for bigger heads too.

@laotou & Peter: I wouldn't sit around worrying about actions against foreigners. but I agree with you, Peter, about revenge, especially when it's misplaced (e.g., 9/11 in NYC followed by invasion of Iraq - the bastards will use anything, no shame, they have different agendas).