Equal distribution of basic capabilities does not only serve the purpose of social justice, but is also a sensible strategy for sustainable development in a world of limited resources. The pursuit of equality of basic capabilities does not conflict with the pursuit of economic efficiency. The historical experience of China's past 60 years proves that a system snuffing out economic efficiency is often a system strangling individual rights and capabilities. Pursuit of efficiency is indispensable to China as it catches up with the developed countries, and the greater its economic efficiency the more China has to heed the concerns of all its members. Human rights can be better safeguarded then. Therefore, a fair distribution of social resources and public services goes in line with the utilitarian principle of efficiency in most cases.

But two exceptional situations cannot be overlooked. First, in extreme conditions, efficiency comes at the cost of individual rights. In this case, we should rethink if we can find another way of pursuing efficiency. Second, pursuing efficiency may distort fair distribution of the basic capabilities. In this case, we need to consider efficiency in the long run. If the efficiency paradigm we adhere to is based on a long-term mechanism, efficiency won't clash with fairness and equality at all.

Furthermore, the government should undertake more duties for marginalized groups, like the jobless, migrant workers and people with illnesses and disabilities. An equal access to the basic capabilities may not be enough for those people to pursue worthy goals on their own. For example, a disable person cannot move around freely if buildings do not provide disable access.

All political rights have to be materialized at the individual level with personal integration and dignity as the foremost components. The effort to construct a harmonious society is embodied in the government's strategy to build a more prosperous China, on which political identification is made possible.

Harmony has always been a bedrock component of traditional Chinese values, though this has been ironically contrasted with long-lasting despotism in Chinese history - to some extent, harmony has been sustained by despotism. In a modern world where people have diverse pursuits, however, a democratic China is more congruent with a harmonious society than despotism.

A harmonious society should not leave anyone behind when the economy is growing, nor should it exclude anyone from contributing to the decision-making regarding the future of China.

The author is director of the China Center for Economic Research & National School of Development under Peking University.