POLITICAL HANDBOOK
‘ Keywords to Understand China’ makes global debut in Germany
The multilingual book Keywords to Understand China made its global debut at the Frankfurt Book Fair in Germany on Wednesday.
Intended to be part of a larger series, this first volume, published by The New World Press, aims to offer expert introductions to the key governance philosophies of China’s current CPC central leadership headed by Xi Jinping, thereby providing international audiences a window into China’s political thinking, policies, and path of development.
Jointly compiled by the China International Publishing Group ( CIPG) and the China Academy of Translation, the book is arranged in five chapters – General Topics, Party Building, Political Development, Economic Development, and Foreign Affairs – with entries in nine languages: English, French, Russian, Spanish, Arabic, German, Portuguese, Japanese and Korean.
“Focusing on China’s present and future, the book is the first attempt to interpret China with keywords and terms, and thereby break cultural and political barriers,” Zhang Haiou, chief editor of New World Press, told the Global Times.
Each keyword is clearly explained in entries around 300- 400 words in length, covering their origin, context, core meaning, and political significance. It is meant to be a fast track textbook and practical manual to understanding today’s China.
He added that the book should prove to be a valuable resource for anyone who is eager to better understand the country.
The pocket book first debuted during this year’s sessions of the National People’s Congress and the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference. It was then officially released on August 24 at the 23rd Beijing International Book Fair ( BIBF), becoming one of the fair’s most popular books.
A limited edition was presented on September 4 at the news center for the Hangzhou G20 summit.
At the global debut, Fang Zhenghui, vice president of CIPG, pointed out that the book’s keyword format was its most impressive feature.
Vice Consulate General Xing Weiping from the Chinese Consulate in Frankfurt also commented on the book at the event, stating that the book is sure to further deepen Germany’s understanding of China, thus promoting the development of Sino- German relations.
Chen Yan, deputy director of CIPG’s Center for International Communication Studies, said that the book is the next exploration of interpreting China’s practice in Chinese discourse following the publication of Xi Jinping: The Governance of China.
Hans- Michael Fenderl, former international project manager for the Frankfurt Book Fair, praised the book as a very practical guide that can help readers better understand China and learn Chinese.
Also at the book fair, New World Press was presented with the fair’s “Honorary Exhibitors” award to commemorate the publisher’s 25 years of continued participation with the fair.
New World Press has achieved outstanding results publishing a large number of books telling China’s story and interpreting the countries many policies, such as Why and How the CPC Works in China and The Chinese Dream: What It Means for China and the Rest of the World.
These books have attracted a lot of attention overseas for their international perspective and innovative presentation.
“Keywords to Understand China will surely build on our previous success,” Zhang said.