[Photo by Mei Jia/chinadaily.com.cn]

He told China Daily in a previous interview that "selecting China was an easy decision as there is a great dynamic between China and the United States as well as China’s continued growth as an economic power".

"There is great opportunity for both the US and the Chinese publishing industries that will allow for both sides to reap great benefits, resulting in a win-win situation for the publishing industries in both countries", he added.

Days before the BEA officially kicked off, US bookstores and online sellers like Amazon offered a taste of China in various ways.

The Barnes & Noble, UMS on the Broadway arranged a special zone for the English versions of Chinese titles, both fiction and non-fiction, on its first floor. And new books, including that of President Xi Jinping’s The Governance of China, are displayed in the window along the street.

"We set up the special area to honor China’s BEA involvement," said Paul Trinidad, a manager with Barnes & Noble.

More Chinese titles, ranging from the latest translation of Mai Jia’s novel Decoded to Chinese tea are displayed there from May 10 to June 10.

Amazon.com is also doing a two-month special sale for China-themed books from May 1 to June 30.

"Barnes & Noble’s selection of Chinese titles for the special area shows that Chinese books have an increasing appeal for its English readers," Vice-minister Wu said.