For 'Deep-Seated' Ills, China's Daunting Diagnosis

(Beijing) – A recent rash of deadly attacks on schoolchildren set off alarms even at the highest levels of Chinese society. In addressing the media May 13, Premier Wen Jiabao said China would "take strong measures to strengthen security on campuses" as well as focus attention on "resolving the deep-seated social problems behind them."

But what are the "deep-seated social problems" that the premier referred to, and can they be treated? What is lurking beneath the surface of these six deadly incidents between March and May? What's wrong with our society?