Beyond status and prestige : Chinese cities bids for the Summer World University Games
Document Type
Journal article
Source Publication
Sport in Society: Cultures, Commerce, Media, Politics
Publication Date
7-1-2015
Volume
18
Issue
6
First Page
704
Last Page
716
Abstract
Although the Summer World University Games has not gained a high popularity in China, Chinese cities, nevertheless, have been keen bidders for the hosting rights. Shanghai lost the first one in 1989, whereas Beijing and Shenzhen won the next two in 1998 and 2007, respectively. This article examines the motives behind the Chinese cities’ intense desire to host the Games. The following analysis illustrates that the eagerness to be the hosts was more than about enhancing the status and prestige of the cities, but supporting the broader strategic goals of the Chinese central government, including boosting the economic reform and defending the ‘One China’ principle. This article concludes that all Chinese cities’ bids for international mega-sports events deserve critical scholarly scrutiny, as each of them sheds important light on the domestic politics of the country as well as its international relations.
DOI
10.1080/17430437.2014.982545
Print ISSN
17430437
E-ISSN
17430445
Publisher Statement
Copyright © 2013 Taylor & Francis
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Full-text Version
Publisher’s Version
Language
English
Recommended Citation
Chu, M. P. (2015). Beyond status and prestige: Chinese cities bids for the Summer World University Games. Sport in Society, 18(6), 704-716. doi: 10.1080/17430437.2014.982545