Backfired.

The article discusses popular nationalism in China from the perspective that the country's actions in the South China Sea have subdued anti-American sentiment. China's disputed ownership of Scarborough Shoal, blind activist Chen Guangcheng's gaining diplomatic shelter at a U.S. embassy in China, and state-run newspapers' attempts to discredit U.S. ambassador Gary Locke are discussed. China's closing of a national website's bulletin board is noted.