中国或将立法来推动阅读

Chinese law makers are considering creating laws to promote reading among the public.

Officials from the State General Administration of Press, Publication, Radio, Film and Television report that "reading for the whole nation" has been listed in the State Council’s 2013 legislative plan. But, ahead of the release of detailed information, it’s caused some concern among the public over what exactly a new reading law might mean for them.

China is soon to create a law on reading. Central government says it’s to encourage the public to read more. But ahead of the release of more details, some are already questioning the need for such action.

"I have no faith in creating a law to promote reading. Reading is a very personal thing. Creating a law just causes controversy." a citizen said.

But for those who make a profit from selling books, this is good news.

In 2011, the average Chinese person between 18 and 70 years of age read an average of 4.39 books. A survey by UNESCO shows that Israelis read on average 64 books in the same year, Russians read 55, while Americans read 21, and Japanese 17.

So the government is considering stepping in to change the situation. Similar actions to promote reading are seen in the US, Japan and European countries. But analysts say the law should have a greater influence on government investment in public facilities such as libraries, rather than on interfering in people’s personal reading habits.