Reflections on a time of change

Kindness is transmitted in small ways

With sporadic cases of COVID-19 still occurring, my work as a journalist, focused on public security and justice, means I often have to stay in Beijing to attend news conferences rather than taking business trips. That means I spend most of my time in the capital.

Despite that, when the epidemic eased last year, I had several opportunities to cover different topics outside Beijing, making my professional life more fulfilling.

On my trips, I discovered that most people didn't stop working or studying amid the epidemic. I really felt that the nation's development has brought great benefits to grassroots people, while basic living requirements and rights are fully guaranteed.

In May, I visited the Inner Mongolia autonomous region and Shanxi province to conduct interviews about the implementation of the National Human Rights Action Plan of China (2016-20), issued by the State Council Information Office in 2016.

During those trips, I witnessed the improvement in local people's living conditions and the protection of local culture, education, medical and other rights.

In one case, Cao Feng, a former mason, became a skilled Mongolian embroidery craftsman after a serious hip injury prevented him from doing heavy manual work. The new skill enables him to make about 60,000 yuan ($9,400) a year to support his family.

Also, his training means that mastery of the skills of Mongolian embroidery－which originated during the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) and combines ethnic and regional characteristics－can be passed down.

I also wondered if interpersonal relationships would change, given the fact that the epidemic has altered many people's way of life to some extent in the past two years.

In June, I interviewed Wang Jingwang, a food deliveryman whose blood type is Rh negative, and accompanied him as he tried to make a blood donation.

When his WeChat moments feed mentioned that an Rh negative person urgently needed blood, the 21-year-old contacted the patient's father to offer his services. Then, he asked his boss for half-a-day's unpaid leave to make the donation.

Sadly, it was not possible for Wang to complete the procedure because less than the prescribed period of six months had elapsed since his last donation. Instead, he contacted other donors to provide the blood.

"I donate blood because I want to help people in need. In some cases, my blood may save a life. I don't think it's any great thing to donate it," he said.

I originally thought that some people might become selfish or indifferent to the things around them because of their busy lives in cities full of pressure. However, that has not happened.

I am so pleased to see that the people around me have not been affected by the virus and have stayed true to who they are. Kindness is constantly transmitted in small ways, which reminds me that the Chinese people are hardy and full of goodwill.