The Chinese official is a former 10 metres wheelchair air pistol shooter and currently serves as both President of the Chinese Paralympic Committee and Executive President of the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games Organising Committee.

Following her country’s medal-topping performance at last month’s World Para Athletics Championships in London, Zhang says she is keen to "spread the secret" of China’s success across the globe.

China won 30 golds, 17 silvers and 18 bronzes at London 2017 with nearest challengers the United States claiming 20 golds, 19 silvers and 20 bronzes.

The nation also performed strongly at the recently-concluded 2017 Deaflympics in Turkish city Samsun, where they finished fifth in the medal table with 14 golds, nine silvers and 11 bronzes.

"I’d like to congratulate China on their wonderful performances in London and Samsun," Zhang said.

"But in my vision, we are not working for gold medals; we are working for global participation in Para-sports.

"As the leader of China’s Paralympic Movement, my team and I have helped transform the life chances of my country people.

"We made continuous developments, and more people with impairment began to practise sports."

Zhang has led Chinese teams to the last three Paralympic Games - London 2012, Sochi 2014 and Rio 2016 - and the 2014 Asian Para Games in Incheon in South Korea.

She claims that increased participation across the board was the key reason for the medal-topping performances at London 2012 and Rio 2016, and Incheon 2014.  

"I’ve worked with my team to improve the lives of the 85 million Chinese living with impairments," Zhang said.

"More than eight million of those people now participate in sport.

"We have introduced more than $28 billion (£21 billion/€24 billion) of care and support programmes since 2008, developing major international cooperation projects and opening rehabilitation institutions in all Chinese provinces and municipalities.

"If elected as the President of the IPC, my mission would be to encourage the same levels of participation on a global basis."

Zhang is already helping to develop the China Rehabilitation University and as chairperson of the China Disabled Persons’ Federation has successfully urged changes on a Governmental level.

In China, Paralympians are being given equal opportunities to study at university.

Retired athletes are also given job opportunities and guidance.

"Since I was elected as chairperson in 2008, I, together with my colleagues, have called on the country to formulate and improve laws and regulations to protect the rights and interests of people with disabilities, and do more practical work for them," Zhang said.

"The living conditions of 85 million people with disabilities in China have continued to improve.

"Over the past five years, more than 4.4 million people with disabilities in rural areas have been lifted out of poverty.

"Eliminating discrimination and giving equal opportunities to people with disabilities are important humanitarian concepts."

Zhang is locked in a four-horse race with Brazil's Andrew Parsons, Denmark's John Petersson and Canada's Patrick Jarvis to replace Great Britain's Sir Philip Craven as IPC President.

She was considered a surprise contender for the top job in Paralympic sport after insidethegames broke news of her nomination shortly before the deadline in June.

An election will take place at the IPC General Assembly in the United Arab Emirates' capital Abu Dhabi on September 8.

Zhang has appointed London-based marketing agency M-is to help run her international campaign.

M-is also worked for Budapest's bid for the 2024 Olympics and Paralympics until it was abandoned earlier this year.

"My goals will not be complete until all those living with impairment enjoy access to better lives through sport," Zhang added.

"This is why I am uniquely positioned to lead the IPC."