The Cold War-like intrigue over the U.S. spy plane that collided with a Chinese fighter before landing at a Chinese air base could lead to a backlash against Americans in China. Security has been increased in diplomatic neighborhoods in Beijing while popular anger has been rising. In May 1999, thousands of people attacked U.S. diplomatic missions to protest the mistaken bombing of the Chinese Embassy in Belgrade by U.S. aircraft, and while this current incident is much less serious than that one, popular passions are unpredictable. Follow local reports for updates on any protests and places to avoid.
