Amid the tragedy lies opportunity

The country is in pain and mourning.

But the tragedy that struck Monday, and has taken more than 12,000 lives, also has given China an opportunity for a dramatic image makeover. After months of relentless coverage of Tibetan clashes and human rights abuses, the earthquake shows a new China, one that is both compassionate and competent.

Given how difficult it is for journalists, foreign or Chinese, to reach the mountainous epicenter, much of the footage seen at home and abroad so far comes from state-owned CCTV television.

Rescue workers in crisp orange jumpsuits dig efficiently through the rubble. Troops well-equipped with face masks and helmets handle cranes, forklifts, bulldozers. Nurses look capable as they carry out victims, IV bottles held above their heads. Even the victims appear well-dressed as they emerge from the dust, faces contorted in shock and pain.

The coverage strikes a delicate balance between eliciting sympathy and depicting China as a developed country. For the domestic audience, the Chinese media have given extensive coverage to messages of condolence and offers of assistance from President Bush and other world leaders.

Jin Canrong, a professor at People's University in Beijing, said it should allay the anger of the many young Chinese complaining lately about "China bashing" by Western countries. "The earthquake can help to relieve the mutual distrust and resentment from both sides," he said.

In the days to come, China's handling of its worst natural disaster in three decades will be closely scrutinized at home and abroad. How open will the government be about the number of casualties and extent of damage? How competent will it be in the rescue effort?

China will have a chance to prove that it is not neighboring Myanmar, which came under sharp condemnation for its reluctance to accept foreign aid after it was hit by a cyclone this month, and that it is not the same old China that used to cover up its misfortunes.

In 1976, the last time an earthquake comparable to Monday's magnitude 7.9 temblor struck here, China refused aid from the United Nations. It did not allow foreigners into the most affected city, Tangshan, for seven years.