In 2008, when an earthquake struck China’s Sichuan province, private volunteers and hastily formed civic groups rushed into the area and played a big role in relief efforts. Within a couple of months, however, many of them were asked to leave, because the government decided it had had enough of independent groups organising relief efforts and thereby encroaching on territory that was traditionally the preserve of the state.

This time, after an earthquake hit Sichuan province on Saturday, Beijing acted much faster to exert its control over the inflow of volunteers, charity groups and aid money. The day after the quake, volunteers and civic groups were banned from entering the disaster area without accreditation from the State Council, China’s cabinet.

For the government, these volunteer groups represent not just aid, but also a subtle political challenge. Civil society and civic involvement have been on the rise in China, despite Beijing’s efforts at control.