Scholar: Running can enrich people's lives

Athletic participation just one sign of how things in a country are improving, says a political scientist

When political scientist Fang Ning decided to compete in a marathon during a sabbatical six years ago, most Chinese still considered the sport a novel concept, with its challenges of endurance and mental stamina.

Fang, now a fit and energetic 59, is still running.

But the director of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences' Institute of Political Science - the country's leading think tank - isn't taking part only to sharpen his perseverance and experience, but also for the joy of reaching milestones.

He says he sees something more in the large numbers of Chinese participating both in the races staged by many cities in China and those who travel to Boston, London and other global cities to run. It has helped him better understand China's dramatic social changes, which have been propelled by rising economic clout over the past few decades.

"This is reflected in a surprising increase in freedom of choice among individuals, who have grown wealthier along with China's modernization process," Fang says. The scholar wears sports shoes and a casual jacket as he prepares to take a long walk along the River Thames after speaking with China Daily in central London.

"I have sensed such rapid change in China," he says.

Fang was among a group of Chinese scholars in London to introduce English-language versions of their books about understanding China, covering topics such as political and economic systems, social welfare, energy and the environment.

Fang says the people's increasing passion to challenge their limits is just part of the process, which he predicts will speed up when China reaches its goal of doubling its per capita income to about $12,000 by 2020.

"The changes will be huge and, by then, more Chinese will choose to fall in love with sports that challenge their limits," Fang says.

That also improves quality of life. In his case, he says running has made him sleep better, so he doesn't have to stay in bed as long.

The changes are linked. As the Chinese people become better off, according to Fang, more and more people will participate in cultural activities and performances, which China's leadership has said should receive more attention.

"Such trends are very evident now, and the government should help meet the expectations and demands of the people by investing in facilities and financially supporting cultural activities, even in the education curriculum," he says.

"This should also link into the development of digital technologies."

Fang says the growth of what he calls "individual choices" to satisfy the demands of the people will serve to maintain social stability. China's political, economic and social systems are helping empower people with such "freedom of choice".

"Our systems have ensured such freedom, and with political and social reforms deepening, such freedom of choice will be further explored," Fang says.

fujing@chinadaily.com.cn

(China Daily European Weekly 04/29/2016 page8)