LONDON, April 15 -- Sales of the book "Xi Jinping: The Governance of China" have set a new record for overseas sales of books written by Chinese leaders since the country's reform and opening up.

The figure is now over 4 million worldwide, with overseas sales accounting for one tenth, Lu Cairong, vice president of the China International Publishing Group, said Tuesday at the London Book Fair.

The book, which contains speeches, answers to questions and instructions by Xi from Nov. 15, 2012 to June 13, 2014, has taken the spotlight at the world-renowned book fair, with its multi-language editions attracting a lot of attention from global exhibitors, local media, readers and the general public.

"The continuous hot sales of the book worldwide will definitely prompt more and more global readers to better understand the developing and changing China," Lu said.

After its debut in Frankfurt, Germany, last October, the book has become increasingly popular and received enthusiastic responses from the international community. A number of current and former political leaders and China experts have spoken highly of the book in reviews and commentaries.

More than 400 articles from global media, including Western mainstream media, have been published to introduce or comment on the book.