The eruption of nationalist demonstrations in China after the May 1999 bombing of the Chinese Embassy in Belgrade suggested a changing relationship between government and ordinary citizens that could have long-term implications for the conduct of the country's foreign and security policies. Confronted by enormous public anger over the NATO attack, the Chinese government felt it had no choice but to risk its foreign policy goals by allowing demonstrators to assault Western diplomatic missions. As Communist Party control over the behaviour of Chinese citizens weakens - a result of quickening economic reforms there is a growing danger that the leadership's efforts to prevent aggressive nationalist sentiment from affecting policy will be undermined.