A few people in Beijing, Shanghai and several other Chinese cities attempted to mimic the "Jasmine revolution" Sunday, as highlighted by mainstream Western media. These people, however, are like beggars in the streets - they never fade away, while the rest of the country moves forward.

The revolutions in Tunisia and Egypt have spread in the Middle East, and some in the West want China to become "the next Egypt." This is simply impossible. China is huge and will always contain certain problems. But a few people chanting slogans or throwing jasmine flowers in the street will not slow the country's momentum.

China's government holds the support of the majority of society. Some people do complain - occasionally because they enjoy the thrill of standing up to authority and showing off their bravado - but Chinese society as a whole cannot be represented by these agitated few. There is no collective will for revolution in China.

After more than 30 years of reform and opening-up, Chinese society has developed a strong forward momentum, working tirelessly to solve and curtail its problems. The government has been fomenting this momentum and won plaudits from the public for doing so. Most believe that through normal channels, many problems in China will be incrementally solved, and that gradual reform is the most economical path to social progress. The country understands that a revolution can be destructive.

The reality in China now is that extreme thoughts and behavior will always endure, as per Sunday, when a few people drew attention to them-selves through "performance art." But their push for a "revolution" will falter, as the public is opposed to it. That authorities are taking a strong line against these people is supported both by law and public opinion.

Some Western media outlets have tried to play up these incidents. This is understandable to a certain extent. At the moment, the social turmoil spreading in the Middle East has held up a mirror to political leaders in the US and Europe.

By comparison, China appears unscathed. It would likely spare certain feelings in the West, were China to fall to trouble.

Nevertheless, China is in a very unique position. Neither throwing jasmine flowers in Beijing nor hyping social disruption in Western media will stir up public interest in overturning social progress.