I think this may herald a change in direction for China. We already see high party officials rushing out to the earthquake sites to be seen. They are fearing the people. My guess is that several local officials who took bribes will be executed and reforms will slowly start to trickle down. It always takes a horrible tragedy to get governments in gear. The US was no exception during its industrial period (or even today). Something similar to this perhaps:
BBC NEWS | Asia-Pacific | China food safety head executed