This year has seen a constant flow of public incidents in China. Some evolved into mass protests, while others caused a stir on the Internet. All these incidents were soon resolved, but it seemed there was something like a chain effect in play. Once one incident was resolved, another would take its place. China seems to be at a stage where it is able to solve problems but not eliminate them.

Governments at various levels have had the ability to quell mass incidents and reach understanding with the public. They have drawn lessons from dealing with these incidents. Besides, society has accumulated some wealth, which can be used in critical moments to break the deadlock.

The resolution of the Guo Meimei case last year, in which a young girl boasted of having her lavish lifestyle supported by her connection with the Red Cross, took a long time, and is a typical example of officials' slow reaction. The public opinion crisis triggered by the Wenzhou train crash last July also lasted for more than a month.

Since then, there have been significant changes in officials' attitudes toward public incidents of this nature.

It is vital for China to resolve public incidents quickly in the Internet era. It shows China's flexibility and is how China can remain confident in a complex international arena. However, while mass incidents are dealt with quickly, the frequency of such incidents has increased. Most occur at grass-roots level. Some individual experiences may easily spark public criticism against the system. Although they have been resolved, the public still has doubts about loopholes in society.

China cannot be a place where various grass-roots conflicts constantly take place. Governments should strive to lower the frequency of such conflicts and resolve them in a systematic way.

A democratic and scientific decision-making policy is the first step. Officials are more likely to take to such words. A smoother channel where the public can express its opinions should be established, and officials should pay more attention to the public's demands.

China should speed up the construction of its system to deal with grass-roots public affairs so that the public can participate in the process of policymaking and problem solving. Abiding by the law is the guiding principle. Regulations in various parts of China vary greatly. Some work well, while others don't. It's too idealistic for one to count on only one set of regulations to resolve all grass-roots problems in China.

Serving the people should truly become the motto of grass-roots officials. Many incidents occur because local governments neglect public demands. Serving the people is never an empty slogan. It's the principle for realizing the goal of local stability.