China in the Eyes of the British Event Held at London Book Fair (Photo by Tianxing Bai)

On the opening day of the London Book Fair, March 12, the China International Publishing Group (CIPG) held an event entitled "China in the Eyes of the British," which celebrates the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China and the 65th anniversary of the establishment of China-UK diplomatic relations at the level of chargé d'affaires.

The event, which was organized by New World Press affiliated to the CIPG and the UK Global China Press, included a special exhibition titled “China-Themed Books by the British and UK-Themed Books by the Chinese Published in the 70-Year History of the CIPG” alongside a number of book launches. It was sponsored by the Cultural Office of the Chinese Embassy in the UK and China National Tourist Office, London, and attracted many political, academic, cultural and publishing celebrities from China and Britain.

Ma Hui, Minister of the Chinese Embassy in the UK, delivered a speech at the event. He noted that this exhibition holds great significance, as this year marks the seventieth anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China and the sixty-fifth anniversary of the formal establishment of China-UK diplomatic relations at the level of chargé d'affaires.

Ma Hui, Minister of the Chinese Embassy in the UK, gives speech. (Photo by Tianxing Bai)

Liu Dawei, Vice-President of CIPG, said the exhibition showcased more than one hundred titles published by the CIPG over the past 70 years on the subject of relations between China and the UK. These books are historical witnesses and cultural symbols of the exchanges between the two countries and reflect the profound and close friendship between the Chinese and British. They can also add a more human element and reveal special significance to the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China.

Many other book launch ceremonies were held at the festival, including titles Walk Your Dream (English edition), PINGJU: Real Life Opera of Northern China (English edition) published by New World Press, and Walk for Peace - Transcultural Experiences in China (English revision), among others.

Lord Bates, member of the House of Lords, Professor Martin Albrow, FAcSS, the Honorary President of the Global China Institute, and Dr. Frances Wood, who were all involved in book launches at the event, delivered speeches in which they discussed their understanding of Chinese politics, philosophy and culture, with reference to the books they wrote or prefaced. They also presented their observations and analyses of China from the British perspective, the changes taking place in contemporary China, the tradition of Chinese opera and China's concept of building a Community of Shared Future for Mankind.

(Photo by Tianxing Bai)

Since the founding of the London Book Fair, this is the first time that such a themed event has been held, which highlights the appreciation and examination of China – UK relations by authors from all walks of life. The event is expected to help promote further successful exchanges and mutual learning between Chinese and British people.

(Tianxing Bai)